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Water happens, sometimes it's from wet footwear at your front door, sometimes its from a dropped glass in the kitchen but regardless it happens. Luckily Vinyl Plank exists and it exists in many different styles and form factors, many of which we'll go through in our first Blog Post!
Like I mentioned in the opening paragraph there's a few different styles of Vinyl Plank (also commonly known as LVP, or Luxury Vinyl Plank) and while they remain water-proof as a rule there are some very key differences, most of which pertain to the install method. Those being Click-Together, Loose Lay, and Glue Down. All 3 perform differently in different settings, and we feel it's important to know what you're shopping for!
We'll talk about Click-Together Vinyl Plank first, these come in many different thicknesses and many degrees of awesome-ness, but in 2023 this is probably the most common style. They are essentially treated like a slightly thinner laminate, the tools required aren't super intensive and many people would find this fairly Do-It-Yourself friendly, but really this is only because of the absence of Glue. If you're interested in some of the top styles we offer you might be interested in Biyork, Unifloor, Shaw, and Twelve Oaks, all these manufacturers have a click-floating option and many colours that would fit most spaces. The advantage of the click-floating method is the floating aspect, it doesn't require glue, nails, and most of the time the underlay is attached making it do-it-yourself friendly at mostly all skill levels. One of the downsides is if there's an issue later and you need to replace a piece of your flooring it can be quite the project. This style of flooring is a fantastic option if you're considering doing it yourself and have a little patience!
SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring and WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) flooring are two popular options in the world of modern flooring. While both share certain similarities, they also have distinct differences. SPC flooring is composed of a rigid core layer made primarily of limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and stabilizers. This composition results in a highly durable and rigid plank that is resistant to dents and scratches. On the other hand, WPC flooring consists of a core layer made of a blend of wood fiber or wood flour, thermoplastics, and foaming agents. This combination gives WPC flooring a softer and more comfortable underfoot feel compared to SPC flooring. Additionally, SPC flooring is thinner and denser, making it an ideal choice for areas with high foot traffic, while WPC flooring provides better noise insulation and is more forgiving when it comes to subfloor imperfections. Ultimately, the choice between SPC and WPC flooring depends on factors such as the specific needs of the space, desired comfort level, and personal preferences.
Now with that said we should probably talk about Loose Lay Vinyl Plank, Loose Lay Vinyl Plank is a type of flooring that gained popularity in recent years, that's waned a little in recently with the popularity of SPC and WPC, but it's still a fantastic option for its easy installation and versatility. This innovative flooring is designed to be installed without any adhesive or locking mechanisms, allowing for a hassle-free and quick installation process. The planks are constructed with a specialized backing material that provides grip and stability, allowing them to lay flat and remain in place without the need for additional adhesives. Loose Lay Vinyl Plank is as known for its durability, as it is resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture, therefore making it suitable for a variety of spaces, including high-traffic areas and moisture-prone rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. Another advantage of Loose Lay Vinyl Plank is its ability to easily be replaced or rearranged. If a plank becomes damaged or needs to be moved, it can be lifted and replaced without any adhesive residue or damage to the subfloor. With a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns available, Loose Lay Vinyl Plank offers an aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective flooring solution that is both practical and visually appealing, I always like to recommend this style to Landlords personally, being that it's very easy to replace if need be.
Then there's Glue-Down Vinyl Plank, Glue Down Vinyl Plank flooring is a popular and versatile option for both Residential and Commercial spaces. It consists of individual planks that are adhered directly to the subfloor using a specially formulated adhesive. This installation method provides a secure and stable floor that can withstand heavy foot traffic and everyday wear and tear. Glue down vinyl planks come in various designs and styles, mimicking the look of natural wood, stone, or tile, offering a wide range of aesthetic options to suit any interior design scheme. Additionally, this type of flooring is known for its durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance, making it an excellent choice for high-moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Whether you're looking to revamp a room or renovate an entire space, glue down vinyl plank flooring offers a practical and visually appealing solution.
The are other terms kicking around out there, LVT (luxury vinyl tile) is essentially the same thing as LVP but instead of the typical sizes of 6"-9" wide and 48"-72" long they come in a more typical tile size, 12" x 24", 18" x 36" for example. Another term you'll find out in the wild is EVP (engineered vinyl plank), EVP is a little less widely available but it could be a potential perfect fit for your project as it works well with a subfloor that is less than perfect, it's typically made with a fiberboard core so it's a little more understanding by nature.
If you're looking for more info on anything discussed in this, our very first blog post please feel free to contact one of our knowledgeable sales associates and we'd be glad to help.