Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring: A Pittsburgh Handyman's Guide to Perfect Choices
Hey yinz! As the grey approaches this fall, it is time to consider some of those indoor projects that can transform a room in your home. You've probably heard about the rave surrounding luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. Alternatively, you very well may have heard a few curse words around the product. Both of these viewpoints are valid as product selection is key for getting desired results. Not only does LVP bring style to the table, but it's also incredibly durable and resilient, perfect for our ever-changing Pittsburgh seasons. So let’s look at the key decision points you need to consider when selecting a vinyl plank so that you end up raving and not cursing.
Looking to get help with your vinyl plank project, reach out today!
Being a seasoned handyman in western Pennsylvania, I've laid my hands on countless flooring installations. And believe me, picking the right LVP can make a world of difference. Let's get right to it and explore the key considerations for your next luxury vinyl plank adventure.
The Scratch Layer – Your Floor's Protective Shield
LVP Scratched - Unlike wood you can’t re-stain this product
Got a bustling household? Kids, pets, or maybe both? You'll want your LVP to come equipped with a robust scratch layer. This thin protective surface ensures your floor remains untouched, even amidst the daily hustle and bustle. The scratch layer on vinyl plank floors acts as a protective shield, safeguarding the design from daily wear and tear. Options vary from basic to premium layers. Basic layers offer minimal protection against minor scuffs, while premium layers provide advanced resistance against deep scratches, ensuring long-lasting beauty and reduced maintenance. Entry level LVP often does not even have a scratch layer. The reality is layers are made from different products and often have proprietary marketing names. So get samples of floors you are considering and take a screwdriver or fork and drag it over the surface a couple times, then wipe off the surface and see how much of a scratch is visible.
Tongue Strength – Ensuring EveryPiece Fits Just Right
Tongue (top) and Groove (bottom) on Vinyl Plank
The tongue and groove system in most LVPs determine how they click together. A sturdier tongue translates to a more lasting, snug fit. After all, a secure connection beneath your feet is always reassuring! Traditional options offer standard connectivity, suitable for light traffic areas. Enhanced designs promise tighter fits, ideal for high-traffic zones. This system guarantees stability, a seamless look, and longevity, crucial for maintaining the floor's integrity and appearance. Ever see a vinyl plank flooring with planks pulled apart (any tenants out there with bottom basement products installed)? This often is caused by the tongue and groove not holding on over time with repeated use. While very soft grooves allow more flex in the product, in the long run they will decrease the lifetime of your floors. Take your flooring samples and try to break off the groove (the tongue is the top attaching piece with finished floor design on top, the groove is the bottom part that sits on the subfloor). If you can break or peel off the groove with your hands, you know the lifetime of your floor will be shorter than you probably want. Leave these options for your entry level rental unit, not your home.
Wear Layer – The Defender of LVP's Charm
I can't emphasize the wear layer enough. This is your floor's primary defense against daily wear. The thicker this layer, the more resistance your floor packs and longer it will last. The wear layer on vinyl plank floors is vital for durability. Thinner layers provide basic protection against daily wear, ideal for low-traffic areas. Thicker options offer advanced defense against scuffs and dents, making them perfect for high-traffic spaces. The right choice ensures longevity, aesthetics, and reduced maintenance costs. Entry level floors will often be 6 mils in thickness. A 6 mil wear layer coupled with an acceptable scratch layer would be your entry level home-use product. More typical, and recommended are 12 mil wear layers. A mil is 1/1000th of an inch for those wondering. Products offering wear layers as high as 30 mils exist. The thicker the wear layer, the more protection on top of your image (wood, tile, etc.). The thicker the wear layer, the more expensive the product usually.
Edge Profile – Crafting the Ideal Look
Micro-bevel LVP resembles prefinished hardwood flooring
The edge profile dictates how your planks interact at the sides. Some have a prominent edge, offering a distinct look, while others might be micro-beveled or even square-edged for a seamless appearance. The choice boils down to the aesthetic you're chasing. The edge profile on vinyl plank floors plays a pivotal role in defining the overall look and feel. Micro-bevel edges create subtle depth and definition between planks, perfect for a refined appearance. Bevel and chamfer edges offer pronounced grooves, emphasizing each plank and giving a rustic charm. Square-edge profiles ensure a sleek, continuous surface, ideal for modern spaces. Each option impacts aesthetics, making plank transitions either prominent or seamless, tailoring floors to individual design visions. There is one downside to square-edge planks, especially in less ideal installations. That is they fail to often be perfectly flat when aligned. Differences are often small, perhaps as little as 1/64 an inch. However, when light shines across the floors, it can be seen, and very rarely felt with a bare foot. Because of this, you often can get a “cheap” feel from this type of edge profile. I like to leave them to laundry rooms, basements, or other rooms that don’t have the potential for cross-lighting from the sun low on the horizon at dawn, dusk, or during the grey season.
Attached Padding – Comfort Beneath Your Feet
LVPs with attached padding provide that extra cushioned feel, making every step a pleasant experience. Besides comfort, it also offers some sound insulation, making those footsteps a tad quieter. Options range from thin, basic padding for slight cushioning to thicker, premium layers that offer optimal sound absorption and softness. This built-in feature also can help simplify installation and boosts the floor's lifespan by reducing wear from subfloor irregularities.
Matching Trim – The Finishing Touch
After setting up your stunning LVP floor, you'll want to ensure the spaces near baseboards and door jambs don't feel left out. Opting for matching trim achieves a cohesive look, elevating the overall ambiance. Options include quarter-rounds to blend floor-wall transitions, T-moldings for changing floor heights, bullnose for stair edges, and end caps for thresholds. These trims not only enhance aesthetics but also protect plank edges, providing a polished appearance and ensuring longevity of the installation.
Here's the deal - LVP is undeniably splendid, but its true essence emerges when it's expertly installed. That's our cue.
Why roll with the Pittsburgh Area Handyman team?
Local Expertise: With roots deep in the area, we have an innate understanding of Pittsburgh homes.
Quality at Its Best: When we vouch for top-notch work, we stand by it offering a warranty on all installations. We can help you select a product and installation method that works for your budget be it a family room update in South Fayette or rental property in Bridgeville.
Personalized Care: To us, you're not just another project. Every home is personal, and we ensure we treat your home like it is our own.
So, if a stylish, robust LVP floor tickles your fancy, don't hesitate to reach out. We're all ears, ready to assist, guide, and ensure your dwelling becomes the home you desire.
