There is nothing like himwood floor appearance, but keeping them can beall the homework. They don't like spills, andfade easilyby the daily traffic of pedestrians and grapples. Furthermore, hardwood floors are oftenexpensive to install. It's no surprise, then, that vinyl plank flooring is such a hit with homeowners. Vinyl plank flooring, or VPF, is a much more durable and affordable option for creating beautiful interior spaces for your home. Depending on your needs, you'll need to choose between regular vinyl or luxury vinyl flooring, he says.stacy lewis, owner and interior designer for Eternity Modern. Luxury vinyl is the top choice, and you typically have many options for colors and styles. Then there is the floor finish. “For areas with high foot traffic, like living rooms and kitchens, I recommend getting vinyl plank flooring with an enhanced urethane finish,” says Lewis. “They have a high-gloss appearance and are resistant to damage.” However, for low-traffic areas, non-wax finishes are best, she says. We researched dozens of types of vinyl flooring, considering factors such as type, length and width, wear layer thickness, durability and variety of finishes. In addition to Lewis, we also spoke withTodd Saunders, CEO da FlooringStores;Shoshanna Shapiro, owner and chief designer of Sho and Co.; It iswell gold, founder of Referred Home Buyers. Our best overall option is theShaw Spring luxury vinyl plank flooring, a good long-term option, 100% waterproof and resistant to scratches, slips and marks. In addition, it has an easy click-lock installation and is available at a good price. Here are the best vinyl plank flooring options for your home. Our best picks Skip to review Best budget: Home Decorators Collection Home Decorators Collection Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring at Home Depot Skip to review Skip to review Skip to review Best narrow board: Skip to review Best for bathrooms and kitchens: Mannington Mannington Adura Max with Microban Luxury Vinyl Flooring on Wayfair Skip to review Best for pets and children: Life Proof Sterling Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring at Home Depot Skip to review Why you should get it:Suitable for installation in any room in the house. Have in mind:Please ask for samples as online colors may differ in person. Just because you see the word "luxury" doesn't mean you have to treat this Shaw vinyl plank floor with kid gloves. Primavera Luxury vinyl plank flooring has the look and feel of real hardwood, but with a 20 mil wear resistant layer, it can prevent scuffs, scratches and even slipping, making it our overall pick for the best bathroom flooring. . (Mil means "one thousandth of an inch" and is a measure of the thickness of the vinyl plank.) The Shaw Primavera can be easily laid over wooden or concrete subfloors. It features an Armourbead finish that offers up to six times more scratch resistance, so you can install it in virtually any high-traffic area of your home. Choose matching or coordinating finishes and finishes to create uniform spaces. Even better? This luxury vinyl plank floor has an attached Soft Silence acoustic pad, which reduces noise and increases the level of comfort you will feel with every step. It is also FloorScore certified, which means that emissions released by installed floorboards will not affect theindoor air quality. Price at time of publication: $5 per square foot Product Details: Type:Luxury Vinyl |Plank Dimensions:7 x 48 inches; 5/16 inches thick |Wear layer thickness:20 mil |Number of colors/wood species:10 Why you should get it:Offers superior mold and mildew resistance. Have in mind:It's not as scratch resistant as other options. This luxurious hard core hard plank flooring from the Home Decorators Collection will really make the look of your space click (pun intended). It looks like real wood but is 100% waterproof, so you can install it in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. It's not as effective as other options when it comes to preventing scratches, stains, and slipping, but for a low-cost option, it does a good job, making it our pick for the best vinyl flooring on a budget. Offers mold and mildew resistance, making it a good choice for your basement. But with a sound reduction layer attached, you might also consider this for the upper floors of your home to control noise levels. With a wear layer thickness of 12 mil, it feels as good underfoot as it looks. The click-and-lock installation method, meaning it can be added to any subfloor, makes this a good project for DIYers. that make it even easier to create a beautiful space. The brand offers a lifetime warranty on residential installations, protecting homeowners against product defects as well as wear and tear over time. The 7-inch-wide planks come in a variety of neutral wood-grain colors, ranging from light to dark, so they'll match any wall and cabinet color. Price at time of publication: $3 per square foot Product Details: Type:Luxury Vinyl |Plank Dimensions:7 x 48 inches; 5mm thick |Wear layer thickness:12 mil |Number of colors/wood species:10 Why you should get it:It is robust enough for commercial applications. Have in mind:You may have to wait for availability. Armstrong has a longstanding reputation in the flooring industry and continues with more modern applications such as vinyl plank flooring. Armstrong Rigid Core Essentials Luxury Vinyl Flooring stands out because its rigid core technology is a solid choice for busy homes. It can prevent scratches, smudges and scratches - so well, in fact, that it can be used for commercial applications as well. This Armstrong hard-core vinyl plank flooring is also waterproof, so you can install it in almost any room in the house, including high-humidity areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and even laundry room. Another advantage of rigid core technology is that it allows for easy one-click installation on any type of subfloor. These boards are thick, strong and built to last; You'll feel support with every step. They come in a variety of colors, making it easy to find the right look for your home's floors. And since they're able to withstand moisture and heavy traffic, you can install them anywhere in your home. Price at time of publication: $3 per square foot Product Details: Type:Luxury Vinyl Hard Core |Plank Dimensions:6 x 48 inches; 5mm thick |Wear layer thickness:12 mil |Number of colors/wood species:New ones Why you should get it:It offers an aesthetic that is different from others on the market. Have in mind:It's better for larger spaces. Many of the best vinyl plank flooring options on our list feature planks that are about 6 or 7 inches wide. If you want a slightly different look for your deck, you can choose a wider board like the Cali Longboards 9-inch Deck. This option features a variety of wood grain pattern options for an authentic look but added strength for high traffic homes. Tough 20 mil wear layer prevents human and pet traffic and is 100% waterproof. If you thought you were limited to tiles in the kitchen and bathroom, you'll be happy to know that this Cali vinyl plank flooring is a beautiful option. This one is among the widest VPFs on the market, and at 9 inches, it will give your floor an edgy look. It's an excellent choice for flooring in large, open-concept spaces like the basement. If you want to fit a floor into a smaller space, you can opt for a full-width board or maybe even narrower to make the space feel bigger. Installation is quick and easy thanks to the snap-in pieces that can remain as a floating floor or be glued to the subfloor. Price at time of publication: $5 per square foot Product Details: Type:Luxury Vinyl |Plank Dimensions:70 x 9 inches; 8mm thick |Wear layer thickness:20 mil |Number of colors/wood species:Ocho Why you should get it:It can make small spaces look bigger. Have in mind:It is not classified as non-slip. A narrower table offers a different aesthetic and can make even a smaller space feel a lot bigger. This vinyl plank flooring by Smartcore, an exclusive Lowe's brand, comes in a 5-inch width that is slimmer than many of the other options on the market. If you want the look of real wood but live in the real world where home traffic needs something stronger, Smartcore is a good choice. Luxury vinyl flooring comes in over 10 colors, all with a realistic wood look thanks to the beveled edges of the planks. But it's also 100% waterproof, so you can install it in any area with a high risk of moisture and splashes, including the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. It's also easy to clean. Planks have padding attached, making it easy to install directly into a subfloor. For additional sound insulation, moisture protection and greater comfort, the manufacturer recommends adding aSmooth and Sound Smartcore Casebelow during installation; not a bad idea for upper floors or basement. This vinyl plank floor is GreenGuard Gold certified because it meets stringent indoor air quality emissions. The brand also offers a five-year limited home installation warranty. Product Details: Type:Luxury Vinyl |Plank Dimensions:5 x 48 inches; 6.5mm thick |Wear layer thickness:12 mil |Number of colors/wood species:11 Why you should get it:Microban technology keeps mold and mildew at bay. Have in mind:It is more expensive than other options. One of the reasons homeowners are enamored with hardwood floors is because of the glorious, rich grain. Mannington's Adura Max flooring is vinyl but looks real with saw marks and knots. The best part about this beautiful luxury vinyl plank floor is that it is waterproof thanks to the hydroloc core, which means you can install it in your kitchen or bathroom where moisture and spills happen on a daily basis. It also features Microban technology to keep mold, mildew and odors caused by moisture at bay, making it our pick for the best vinyl flooring for bathrooms and kitchens. Adura Max is also a great choice for wet environments as it offers slip resistance. It has a pre-installed undercoat that absorbs sound (up to 30%) and can be easily installed over concrete, wood or vinyl subfloors. The wear layer is made of ScratchResist urethane with aluminum oxide, so you don't have to worry about dropping that hairbrush when getting ready in the morning or that kitchen utensil when cleaning up after a meal. With a 20 mil wear layer, this Mannington vinyl plank floor can withstand heavy foot traffic and pets. Price at time of publication: $6 per square foot Product Details: Type:Luxury Vinyl |Plank Dimensions:6 x 48 inches; 8mm thick |Wear layer thickness:20 mil |Number of colors/wood species:15 We Tested 15 Mops: These Are the 7 Best for Cleaning Sticky Stains Why you should get it:It lives up to its name and is truly "life proof". Have in mind:It is a little difficult to install compared to other click floors. Life Proof Sterling Vinyl Plank Flooring is ready to take the wear and tear of everyday life in your home, which is why we named it our pick for the best vinyl plank flooring for homes with pets and children. This vinyl flooring checks all the boxes you'd want for high-traffic areas: It's waterproof, has antimicrobial protection, and resists scratches, stains, and even dents. It's an especially good vinyl plank flooring option for homes that see foot traffic of all kinds, from high heels to tiny slippers to multiple paws and claws. Lifeproof features a hard core with a 6 mil wear layer. The bottom layer is already attached to the planks, which snap together for installation on any subfloor, be it concrete, vinyl, tile or plywood. While it offers the look and feel of real wood and other Lifeproof brand products resemble marble and other stone, this vinyl plank floor is non-slip, making it safe for kids and their furry friends to run and play safely and without damaging the floor. Lifelock comes in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to find the right match for your home's aesthetic. This vinyl plank flooring brand is exclusive to Home Depot, and the brand stands out for its product - there is a lifetime warranty on residential installations. Price at time of publication: $3 per square foot Product Details: Type:Luxury Vinyl |Plank Dimensions:8 x 48 inches, 7 millimeters thick |Wear layer thickness:6 mil |Number of colors/wood species:21 We Tested 37 of the Best Pet Hair Vacuums, and These 8 Are Lifesavers for Dog and Cat Owners Why you should get it:It has easy peel and stick application and is very economical. Have in mind:The 4mil layer is a bit thinner than other VPFs on the market. Add another vinyl plank flooring option to the "lives up to its name" category. With this deluxe plank flooring from TrafficMaster, you can have the best of both worlds in your home - the look of real hardwood flooring with the strength of vinyl. The surface is coated with ceramic beads that form a barrier against scratches and stains, so sharp heels and rough grips are welcome. It's waterproof, making it a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms, and it's easy to install over any subfloor—no undercoat required. The GripStrip installation makes installing this flooring a no-brainer for DIY warriors - just peel and stick. TrafficMaster vinyl plank flooring is easy to clean and maintain with just a mop or vacuum. It comes in over a dozen colors, all offering the authentic wood grain look you're looking for in your home. It's backed by a 30-year warranty, so you're guaranteed to enjoy the look of your new floors for a long time to come. Price at time of publication: $2 per square foot Product Details: Type:Luxury Vinyl |Plank Dimensions:6 x 36 inches; 3.8mm thick |Wear layer thickness:4 mil |Number of colors/wood species:13 The 8 best basements of 2023 The best vinyl flooring for most people isShaw Spring luxury vinyl plank flooring. It is 100% waterproof and resistant to scuffs, slips and scratches, making it ideal for extended use in high traffic areas. Plus, it's available at a good mid-range price and has easy click-lock installation for the DIYer. There are three main types ofvinyl plank flooring: Luxury vinyl plank, hard plank flooring and waterproof flooring. While all three types have similar characteristics, most are water resistant to some degree, so make sure you get the appropriate type for a specific area of your home. For the kitchen, bathroom, basement and other areas.prone to moisture and spills, you'll want to opt for vinyl plank floors that have excellent waterproofing capabilities. The length and width of boards will vary by brand and your personal choice, but there are some considerations for homeowners. “Generally speaking, installing smaller planks will require more manpower,” he says.Todd Saunders, CEO of FlooringStores, although noting that they are "easier to get a clean look, especially in rooms with lots of awkward corners to work with." He also says they'll likely be a little more expensive per square foot, so keep that in mind for your budget. Note that the plate thickness is in millimeters (mm) while the wear layer thickness is in millimeters; these are two different measurements and do not measure the same thing. Plate Thickness measures the thickness of the actual plate, while Wear Coat Thickness measures the clear layer of vinyl applied to the top of the plate to protect it. When it comes to durability, pay special attention to the thickness of your wear layer – the thicker the better when dealing with high traffic areas in your home. "It's best to use a coordinating pattern that incorporates multiple colors from the rest of the room in a way that effectively hides scuffs, scratches, and dirt," says Saunders. While there is a wide selection of colors and finishes on the market, he notes that there are some manufacturers that will even print custom boards in the wood grain pattern of your choice. As for choosing between light and dark colors, here's Gold's advice: "Lighter colors always make the area look bigger, but it's harder to keep it clean because the dust is more visible." Her suggestion is to place darker areas in high-traffic areas, like the kitchen, and save the lighter colors for less-frequented rooms in the house. Laminate and vinyl floors aremore affordable and durable alternatives to hardwood floors. Vinyl flooring is made up of multiple layers to create a durable, waterproof finish. A vinyl core is topped with a wear layer and a printed vinyl layer that has the appearance of wood grain. Laminate flooring is made up of layers of synthetic material; An inner core board has a photographic image layer (this gives the wood grain look) and is covered with another layer for protection. However, not all laminate floors are waterproof. When deciding which of the two is best for your space, you will need to consider the humidity level of those specific rooms, especially when deciding on kitchen and bathroom flooring. A mil (one thousandth of an inch) is a measure of the thickness of the vinyl plank. The thicker the board, the more protection you will have against damage. “For an average home, 12,000 is the perfect option,” he says.well gold, founder of Recommended Home Buyers, who has more than five years of home improvement experience. However, he does mention that if you have pets or heavy foot traffic, look for a 20K VPF. If you plan on placing heavy furniture and appliances on top of vinyl planks, it's best to use adhesive rather than a floating installation to ensure better stability. "LVP can be wiped clean, but it's thin, hard, and bends at pinch points," he says.Shoshanna Shapiro, owner and chief designer of Sho and Co. notes that a floating floor installation is likely to be damaged if you try to place a heavy appliance like a refrigerator or kitchen island on top of it. This article was written byBarbara Bellesi Zito, who writes on home and garden related topics for various lifestyle publications. To write this article, he researched dozens of types of vinyl plank flooring, considering factors such as type, length and width, wear layer thickness, durability, and variety of finishes. Barbara also consulted with Stacy Lewis, owner and interior designer at Eternity Modern; Todd Saunders, CEO of FlooringStores; Shoshanna Shapiro, owner and lead designer at Sho and Co.; and Ben Gold, founder of Referred Home Buyers.better overall
Shaw Spring Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring 7 inch W Bayou Click Lock
best budget
Home Decorators Collection Home Decorators Collection 7" W x 48" L Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Click-lock hard core
Best Hard Core
Armstrong Essentials by Armstrong Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
best wide board
Cali CALI Seaboard Oak Vinyl Longboards 9 Inch Wide x 8mm Thick Waterproof Interlocking Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
best narrow board
Smartcore Linden pine flooring 5 inches wide x 6-1/2mm thick waterproof interlocking luxury vinyl plank flooring
Best for bathrooms and kitchens.
Mannington Mannington Adura Max with Microban Luxury Vinyl Flooring (Part Number: MAX034)
The best for pets and children.
Lifeproof Sterling Oak 8.7-in. Width x 47.6 in. Luxury L Click-Lock vinyl plank flooring
the bottom line
What You Should Know About Vinyl Flooring Before Buying
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Length and width of the board
Plank thickness vs. wear layer thickness
Style
Your questions, answered
What is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?
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The 8 Best Vinyl Plank Flooring of 2023 (2023)
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