By Steven Dipollina
New flooring revitalizes a home or business. It can draw attention to a space and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Many people want the classic, luxurious look of hardwood floors. However, the cost of hardwood floors has led manufacturers to create affordable hardwood floor alternatives. One such alternative is luxury vinyl.
People often compare luxury vinyl and hardwood because they offer a similar appearance.
What Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Luxury vinyl flooring is synthetic flooring that features a realistic photographic layer, replicating the look of hardwood. It comes in realistic planks or tiles. The flooring consists of six separate layers, which are:
- Base: Luxury vinyl’s base layer supports the other layers and might provide a backing so professionals can attach the flooring to your subfloor.
- Core: The core layer consists of a wood polymer composite (WPC) or stone polymer composite (SPC). WPC retains heat and reduces sound, while SPC creates a more rigid floor.
- Cushion: Luxury vinyl features a cushion layer, which makes the flooring softer underfoot.
- Photographic: The photographic is what gives vinyl its realistic appearance. Luxury vinyl has various options for numerous wood types, designs and styles.
- Wear: One of the best features of luxury vinyl is its wear layer. This layer seals the layers together and makes the flooring resistant to scratches, water damage, scuffs and dents.
- Shine: Another fantastic feature of luxury vinyl is its shine layer. The shine layer is a clear top coat that helps vinyl retain its shine without polishing or refinishing.
Key Features of Luxury Vinyl
Some of the key features of luxury vinyl flooring are:
- Waterproof: Luxury vinyl flooring is waterproof, so it’s an excellent choice for areas or rooms where moisture accumulates.
- Durable: Thanks to its protective wear layer, luxury vinyl is more durable than other flooring types.
- Long-lasting: This flooring type is long-lasting with proper maintenance.
- Low-maintenance: Routine sweeping and mopping are all it takes to clean and maintain luxury vinyl floors.
- Versatile: Luxury vinyl’s photographic layer can feature thousands of styles, making it easy to find one that best suits your space.
Floor Coverings International has thousands of luxury vinyl flooring options in our Mobile Showroom. We offer free in-home consultations. We’ll find the perfect vinyl floor that will meet your design needs and your budget. To schedule, call us at 732-374-3444 or visit us at somerset.floorcoveringsinternational.com.