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How to Choose Vinyl Plank Flooring
William Rave • October 22, 2025
When it is time to refresh your home, vinyl plank flooring (VPF) can mimic the look of hardwood while offering the durability, comfort, and waterproof protection at a budget friendly price.
1. Choose Between Standard and Waterproof Vinyl Plank
Vinyl plank flooring comes in two main types:
- Standard Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Great for bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways where spills are rare.
- Waterproof Vinyl Plank (Rigid Core/SPC/WPC): Built with a dense core that resists water, warping, and swelling-perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and mudrooms. If your home sees a lot of moisture, pets or messy shoes, waterproof vinyl plank flooring is the way to go.
2. Consider Traffic Levels and Foot Pressure
Not all vinyl flooring is created equal-especially when it comes to foot traffic and weight, in high-traffic areas such as kitchens, hallways, or entryways, your floors will experience more wear from constant walking and heavier loads (like furniture or appliances or even body weight).
Look for these features if your home has active family members, pets, or frequent guests.
- Thicker planks (5-8mm): Provide better stability and comfort underfoot.
- Stronger wear layer (20 mil or more): Protects against scuffs, dents, and daily wear.
- Rigid core construction (SPC/WPC): Adds support for heavy use and prevents indentation from furniture or frequent walking.
3. Professional Installation and Subfloor Stability
Vinyl plank flooring is designed for ease of installation. Most use a click-lock floating system, meaning no glue or nails are required. It is advantageous to speak with your installer prior to purchasing your VPF because they take into consideration other factors such as the sub-flooring you will be installing over. RaveWorks Remodeling uses a guillotine saw for VPF installation which allows for precision cuts, less dust and clean cuts without jagged edges. Straight, consistent cuts offer tighter installation and greater protection from moisture, increased stability and long term durability. An underlayment floor pad may also be recommended for noise reduction, cushioning, warmth and moisture/water protection.
4. Vinyl Plank Flooring is Available at All Different Price Points.
The old adage "you get what you pay for" is often true. Here's how to check quality before you buy.
- Check the thickness: High-quality vinyl planks are generally
5 mm or thicker. Cheap planks, under 4mm feel flimsy, flex easily and may show imperfections in the sub-floor.
- Look at the wear layer: The wear layer is your floor's protective surface. Good quality is usually 20 mil or more (ideal for high traffic, kids or pets). Mid-range (12-16 mil) is good for moderate use. Low-quality (under 10 mil) is best for low traffic areas only.
- Test the core density: Rigid core flooring (SPC/WPC) is heavier, denser and more stable than flexible vinyl. If it bends too easily it is likely lower quality
- Examine the texture and finish: Quality flooring has realistic wood grain and durable top coat that resists scuffing. Cheap vinyl looks flat and shiny with patterns that repeat frequently.
- Check the warranty: High quality flooring often have 15-25 year residential warranties. If the warranty is short or vague that can be a tip off to lower quality.
If you are considering VPF, RaveWorks Remodeling can help you choose the right product for your home and lifestyle. We serve homeowners throughout Western NY offering home remodeling and repair services .
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