Frequently Asked Questions

What is LVP flooring?

LVP stands for Luxury Vinyl Plank. It is a durable, layered flooring product designed to give you the appearance of hardwood without many of the maintenance concerns associated with real wood. Quality LVP is durable, easy to clean and available in a huge variety of wood colors and styles. Many products are also waterproof, making LVP popular throughout the home.

 

Is luxury vinyl plank the same as vinyl flooring?

LVP is a type of vinyl flooring, but it is different from the traditional sheet vinyl many people associate with older kitchens and bathrooms. Luxury vinyl plank comes in individual rigid or semi-rigid planks and is designed to more realistically replicate the appearance and texture of hardwood.

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What should I look for when buying LVP?

Don't choose flooring based on color alone. Pay attention to:

• Wear layer

• Overall plank thickness

• Core construction

• Locking system

• Attached pad or underlayment

• Waterproof rating

• Residential and commercial warranty

• Manufacturer reputation

• Price per square foot

A less expensive floor isn't automatically a lower-quality floor — and a more expensive floor isn't automatically better.

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What is a good price for LVP flooring?

LVP pricing varies considerably. You'll commonly find quality products priced anywhere from under $2 per square foot to $4, $5 or more per square foot. At Plank'd, we intentionally keep our pricing competitive. Our stocked LVP options include products starting around the $2-per-square-foot range, including higher-wear-layer options at prices that can be considerably lower than comparable flooring at many traditional retailers. When comparing prices, make sure you're comparing specifications — not just colors.

 

Why is some LVP $2 per square foot and other LVP $4 or $5?

Price can be affected by wear layer, thickness, core construction, attached padding, locking technology, manufacturing location, brand, distribution and retailer markup. That's why two floors that look almost identical can have dramatically different prices. The best comparison is: price + specifications + warranty + total project cost.

 

Is inexpensive LVP flooring bad?

Not necessarily. Retail price doesn't tell you everything about the quality of a floor. How the product gets from the manufacturer to the customer — and how much markup is added along the way — can have a significant effect on the final price. Look at the actual specifications before deciding whether a floor is a good value.

 

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What does "mil" mean in LVP flooring?

Mil refers to the thickness of the floor's wear layer, not the overall thickness of the plank. One mil equals one-thousandth of an inch. So a 20 mil floor has a thicker wear layer than a 12 mil floor.

 

Is 12 mil LVP good?

Yes. A quality 12 mil LVP can be a good option for many residential applications, particularly areas with normal household traffic. The right choice depends on where the flooring will be installed and how much wear it will receive.

 

Is 20 mil LVP good?

Yes. A 20 mil wear layer is a popular choice for busy households because it provides additional protection against everyday wear. It's especially attractive for homes with kids, pets or heavier foot traffic.

 

Is 22 mil LVP better than 20 mil?

A 22 mil wear layer provides slightly more wear-layer thickness than a 20 mil product, but wear layer alone doesn't determine the quality of a floor. Core construction, locking system, overall thickness and manufacturing quality matter too.

 

Is a 28 mil wear layer worth it?

It can be for customers who want an especially substantial floor or are installing flooring in a demanding environment. But don't assume everyone needs the thickest wear layer available. The goal should be to buy the right flooring for the application rather than simply the largest number on the box.

 

What's better: 12 mil or 20 mil LVP?

For a lower-traffic residential space, 12 mil may be plenty. For a busy household, pets, children, rental property or higher-traffic area, stepping up to 20 mil or greater can make sense. 

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Does the thickness of LVP matter?

Yes, but thickness and wear layer are two different things. Overall thickness — such as 5mm, 6.5mm or 8mm — can affect how substantial the floor feels and how the product performs. The wear layer — such as 12 mil, 20 mil, 22 mil or 28 mil — refers to the protective layer over the decorative surface. Neither measurement should be considered by itself. Read this blog on wear layer and thickness to learn more.

 

Is 8mm LVP better than 5mm LVP?

Not automatically. An 8mm product is physically thicker and may provide a more substantial feel underfoot, but a quality 5mm product can still be an excellent choice. Your subfloor, application, traffic level, budget and product construction should all factor into the decision.

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Is LVP waterproof?

Many modern LVP products are marketed as waterproof, meaning the planks themselves will not absorb water like hardwood. However, waterproof flooring doesn't make your entire house waterproof. Water can still travel around the perimeter or underneath the flooring. Always check the specifications for the particular product you're considering.

 

Is LVP good for kitchens?

Yes. LVP is extremely popular in kitchens because of its durability, easy cleaning and resistance to everyday spills.

 

Is LVP good for bathrooms?

Waterproof LVP can be an excellent bathroom flooring option when properly installed. You should still follow the manufacturer's installation instructions regarding wet areas and perimeter sealing.

 

Is LVP good for basements?

Yes. LVP is commonly used in basements, particularly waterproof rigid-core products. The concrete slab should be properly prepared and any moisture issues should be addressed before installation.

 

Is LVP good for dogs?

Yes. LVP is one of the more practical flooring options for homes with dogs because it is easy to clean and resistant to everyday wear. For larger or active dogs, consider a product with a stronger wear layer and a textured finish that can help disguise minor scratches.

 

Can dogs scratch LVP?

They can. No flooring is completely scratch-proof. Keeping nails trimmed, using rugs in high-traffic areas and choosing a quality wear layer can help protect your floor.

 

Does LVP dent under furniture?

Heavy furniture can potentially damage almost any flooring. Use appropriate furniture protectors under heavy items and follow the flooring manufacturer's recommendations.

 

How long does LVP flooring last?

The lifespan of LVP depends on the quality of the product, installation, traffic level and how it is maintained. A quality product that is correctly installed and maintained can provide many years of service.

 

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Can I install LVP myself?

Absolutely. Click-lock LVP is one of the more DIY-friendly flooring products. However, proper preparation is extremely important. Many flooring problems blamed on the product actually originate with subfloor preparation or installation. See our Complete DIY Guide to Installing LVP Flooring.

 

Does LVP need underlayment?

It depends on the product. Many modern LVP products include an attached pad. Additional underlayment may not be necessary — and in some cases shouldn't be added. Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions for the specific flooring you're purchasing.

 

Can LVP be installed over concrete?

Yes. LVP is frequently installed over concrete. The slab needs to meet the manufacturer's requirements for flatness, moisture and overall condition before installation.

 

Can you install LVP over tile?

In many cases, yes, provided the existing tile is secure and the surface meets the flooring manufacturer's flatness requirements. Deep grout lines, loose tiles or uneven areas may need to be corrected first.

 

Can you install LVP over existing flooring?

Sometimes. Whether you can install over an existing floor depends on the type and condition of that floor and the installation requirements for your new LVP.

 

How flat does my floor need to be for LVP?

Very flat. A floor doesn't necessarily need to be perfectly level, but it does need to meet the manufacturer's flatness requirements. Dips, humps and uneven areas can put stress on click-lock joints and contribute to movement or separation.

 

Which direction should LVP run?

There isn't one rule that works for every room. Homeowners often run planks along the longest wall, toward the primary source of natural light or in a direction that creates the best visual flow between rooms.

 

How much extra LVP should I buy?

A common starting point is approximately 10% additional flooring beyond your measured square footage to account for cuts and waste. Rooms with unusual shapes, diagonal installations or many obstacles may require more.

 

How do I calculate how much LVP I need?

Calculate the square footage of each area by multiplying: Length × Width = Square Feet

Add the rooms together and then account for waste. For example, if you have 1,000 square feet:1,000 × 1.10 = 1,100 square feet

Check out our calculator to determine how many boxes you'll need and the cost. 

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What other costs should I consider when buying LVP?

Don't budget for the planks alone. Depending on your project, you may also need:

• Waste/extra flooring

• Quarter round

• Baseboard

• Transitions

• Stair pieces

• Subfloor preparation

• Removal of old flooring

• Installation

• Delivery

These smaller items can add hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars to a large project. Read this blog for more on full project costs.

 

Should I compare flooring by price per box or price per square foot?

Use price per square foot. Different products contain different amounts of flooring per carton, so comparing box prices can be misleading. Then compare the specifications of the products to make sure you're actually comparing similar flooring.

 

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Is LVP better than laminate?

It depends on what matters most to you. LVP is particularly popular because of its water resistance, durability and versatility. Modern laminate can also be attractive and durable. For kitchens, bathrooms, basements and households concerned about water exposure, waterproof LVP is often an appealing option.

 

Is LVP better than hardwood?

They're very different products. Real hardwood offers natural beauty and can potentially be refinished. LVP generally costs less, is easier to maintain and provides better resistance to water. For many busy households, LVP provides the wood appearance they want without the maintenance concerns of hardwood.

 

Is LVP good for rental properties?

It can be an excellent choice. Property owners often choose LVP because it combines durability, easy maintenance, attractive styling and reasonable replacement costs. For rentals, pay particular attention to wear layer, locking system and overall product construction rather than selecting solely on price.

 

Is LVP good for mobile homes and manufactured homes?

Yes. LVP can be an excellent flooring choice for manufactured and mobile homes. Subfloor condition and preparation are especially important, so inspect the existing floor carefully before installation.

 

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Why is my LVP separating?

Planks can separate for several reasons, including subfloor irregularities, improper installation, insufficient expansion space or problems with the locking joints. Finding the underlying cause is important before attempting a repair.

 

Why is my LVP buckling?

Potential causes include improper expansion space, excessive heat, moisture-related issues or installation problems. Follow the manufacturer's installation specifications carefully to reduce the risk. Can one damaged LVP plank be replaced? Often, yes. The exact repair method depends on where the damaged plank is located and the locking system used. This is also one reason it can be smart to keep a small amount of leftover flooring after installation.

 

Should I keep leftover flooring?

Yes! Keeping an extra box or several planks gives you matching material if you ever need to make a repair. Flooring colors and styles change over time, and the exact product may not always be available years later.

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What LVP color makes a room look bigger?

Lighter flooring can help make a space feel brighter and more open, particularly when paired with light walls and good natural lighting. But don't choose flooring based on this rule alone. The undertones of your cabinets, walls and furniture matter too.

 

Is gray LVP going out of style?

Flooring trends have shifted away from some of the cooler, heavily gray looks that dominated previous years. Many homeowners are now choosing warmer natural oaks, light woods, greige tones and more realistic wood visuals. That doesn't mean gray is "wrong." Choose a floor that works with your home rather than chasing a trend.

 

What color flooring hides dirt best?

Mid-tone floors with natural variation tend to be forgiving. Very dark floors can show dust and pet hair, while extremely light uniform floors may show certain dirt and debris more easily.

 

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Is it cheaper to buy flooring from a flooring store or a big-box store?

Don't assume one is always cheaper. Compare the actual product specifications and the total project cost, including flooring, trim, transitions, delivery and other materials. Independent flooring retailers may have access to products and pricing that are very competitive with — and sometimes considerably less expensive than — big-box alternatives.

 

Why can Plank'd sell LVP for less?

Our business model is built around offering quality flooring at straightforward, competitive prices without unnecessary retail markup. We buy directly from the manufacturer. Rather than assuming a higher price means a better floor, we encourage customers to compare the specifications. That's where you can see the real value.

 

Does Plank'd sell to contractors?

Yes. We work with contractors, builders, property investors, landlords and other professionals as well as homeowners. If you purchase flooring regularly, contact us to discuss your needs and current inventory.

 

Does Plank'd only sell flooring in Virginia?

No. Depending on the order and location, customers outside our immediate area may also be able to purchase flooring from Plank'd. Contact us with your location, approximate square footage and the product you're interested in so we can discuss available options.