Different Types of Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Before you can get started on your luxury vinyl flooring installation project, you have to make an important decision about which flooring type is best for your home. You can learn more about the different types of luxury vinyl flooring below to help you make your decision.

Luxury Vinyl Plank

Luxury vinyl plank, which is also known as LVP flooring, is made from four compressed layers of vinyl:

• The top layer
• The decorative layer
• The core layer
• The base film

The result is an aesthetically pleasing flooring that mimics the look of hardwood flooring but is a more cost-effective option. LVP flooring is also pliable and often waterproof, making it a durable option for local homeowners.

Engineered Vinyl Plank

Engineered vinyl plank (EVP) flooring, is a combination of laminated and vinyl planks, resulting in a flooring that is more rigid compared to traditional vinyl. Like LVP, it also contains four layers.

• The wear layer
• The design coating
• The core film
• The base film

While luxury vinyl plank flooring is installed using glue, engineered vinyl planks interlock together, making for a very easy installation. EVP also looks like hardwood floors and it is available in a variety of colors, patterns, and lengths.

Engineered Vinyl Tile

Another option to consider is engineered vinyl tile, also known as luxury vinyl tile (LVT). While it’s made like engineered vinyl planks, this flooring option is designed to look like stone or tile flooring instead of hardwood. LVT is also waterproof and available in a wide variety of styles, textures, and designs so you can get the look of tile or stone for the budget-friendly price of vinyl flooring.

What to Consider When Buying Luxury Vinyl Flooring

As you decide which luxury vinyl flooring type is right for you, there are a few important things to consider in the process. Let’s take a closer look at the factors you should think about before making your decision. 

• Color, Design, and Texture: First things first, you’ll need to think about what you want your new floors to look like. Do you want it to have the distinctive wood grain look of hardwood? Do you dream of rich dark flooring or should you pick a color that’s lighter? Take some time to look at flooring inspiration pictures and think about the overall vibe you want to create in your home before deciding which option makes the most sense for your needs. 
• Budget: Another important thing to consider is how much you’re comfortable spending on your new floors. The different luxury vinyl flooring options come in a range of prices, so there are options for almost every budget. Here at Ridgeline Floors, we’ll take the time to listen to your wants, needs, and budget, making recommendations that fit the scope of what you’re looking for. We’ll also give you a free estimate so you can feel confident moving forward with your project for a price you’re comfortable spending. 
• Thickness and Wear Layer: One factor you want to keep in mind when choosing your floors is the thickness. Generally speaking, the thicker your luxury vinyl flooring, the more sound and thermal insulation your new floors will provide. Thick floors also tend to be more comfortable for walking and standing. You should also think about the wear layer, which helps protect the printed design on your floors. As a good rule of thumb, we recommend choosing a wear layer of at least 20mil for your home for maximum durability.

How to Prepare for Your Luxury Vinyl Floor Installation

Once you’ve decided which type of luxury vinyl flooring you want to install and you have your project on the books with our installers, you can start to prepare your home for the project. Here are a few steps you can take to help make the installation go smoothly. 

• Move Small Items: Our installers are more than happy to move large pieces of furniture as they work in your home. However, you can make the process easier by moving small items like pet beds, children’s toys, decor, etc., off the floor. As a result, we’ll be able to move your furniture more easily so we can get started on the installation. 
• Remove Any Valuables: Installing a new floor can be a bit messy. While we do everything in our power to keep our work area tidy, it’s a good idea to remove any valuables from your walls to ensure that nothing is disturbed while we work. Worried about the mess? We always clean up after ourselves, so it will look like we were never there by the time your project is complete. 
• Make Arrangements for Your Pets: Pets often have a difficult time during home improvement projects. You can make it easier on them by keeping them in an area away from where the work will be done. This will help keep them safe and prevent them from accidentally getting outside as the flooring installers come in and out of your home.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Installation Process

After your home is ready, it’s time to install your new floors! Here’s what you can expect when you hire our installers for your luxury vinyl floor installation. 

• Removal of the Old Floor: To start, we’ll remove your old flooring, working carefully so as not to damage the area underneath your old floors. 
• Inspection of the Subfloor: Once your old flooring is out, we’ll check to make sure the subfloor is smooth. If we notice that there are any issues that need to be addressed before moving forward, we’ll take care of them at this time. 
• Installation of New Underlayment: Depending on the type of luxury vinyl flooring you choose, it may or may not have a layer of underlayment adhered to it. If it doesn’t, we’ll lay down a roll of underlayment before moving forward with the installation. 
• Installation of the New Flooring: Finally, we can start installing your new floors! Our installers will work quickly and efficiently to install your luxury vinyl flooring, using precision every step of the way. The end result will be beautiful new floors that will look great for decades to come. 
• Final Inspection and Clean-Up: Once we finish installing the new floors, we’ll do a final inspection, making sure that nothing has been overlooked. Finally, we’ll clean up after ourselves and let you enjoy your upgraded home.