There are SO MANY reasons to use luxury vinyl plank flooring! It’s my go to flooring of choice! Read why here –>
Oh my goodness. I just realized how much time has passed since I posted about the plans for our laundry room redesign. We completed this room makeover a few months ago, and I’m just now sitting down to write the reveal post (can’t wait to share the dramatic Before and After photos on this one!).
But before I pull back the curtain for this particular reveal, I wanted to spend a bit of time zeroing in on one particular design choice we made for this project — selecting luxury vinyl plank flooring.
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If you’ve been reading along for a while, you’re painfully aware of our plans to redesign just about every room in our home. You’ve patiently witnessed us tackling this massive project, bit by bit. Here’s a recap of what we’ve accomplished so far:
- The new and improved paint palette
- The dining room redesign
- The home office redesign
- The powder room redesign
- The master bedroom redesign
One of the most ambitious projects we plan to tackle in our whole home renovation is replacing the existing flooring throughout the first floor. Our current flooring consists of 11-year old builder-grade carpeting, and outdated orangy-oak hardwood floors (which I’ve disliked since the day we moved in).
There was also vinyl sheet flooring in the laundry room that had definitely seen its better days. And so our global flooring replacement project began in this room.
We’ve been discussing new flooring options for what seems like a few years now. I thought I had settled on wood grain tile for the laundry room.
But as I began to get serious about sourcing the flooring for this space, I found myself drawn to luxury vinyl flooring options — particularly luxury vinyl planks (which closely mimic the look and feel of the popular wide-plank hardwood flooring).
I was even more intrigued when the flooring experts at our local high-end home improvement store explained that this flooring material was the flooring of choice among local home builders currently building showcase homes in the area. Hmmm….
Since one of my hesitations about installing LVP flooring throughout our home was how it might potentially affect our homes’ resale value, the flooring experts’ endorsement really sealed the deal for us.
Benefits of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
1. LVP is gorgeous
Take a peek at these flooring samples. Would you have ever guessed that they were NOT wood? I think not!
Luxury vinyl plank flooring has come a looonnnggg way in the past few years as far as aesthetics are concerned. It’s designed to simulate both the look and feel of hardwoods. Like their hardwood counterparts, you can choose planks with a smooth finish or ones that have the popular hand-scraped texture.
From a logistical standpoint, let me just mention how much easier these flooring samples were to carry to and from the store compared to tile samples (can you say HEAVY?)
2. LVP is super easy to install
Another benefit of choosing this type of flooring is that it’s super easy to install. If you’ve got the time (and the minimal carpentry skills the project requires), this is a great DIY project.
In our case, we chose to take the easy way out and pay the home improvement store to install the floor (since my Hubby’s travel schedule these days doesn’t allow for many DIY projects).
The cost per square foot to install our luxury vinyl plank floor was 1/3 the cost of installing hardwoods or tile flooring. As I watched the install process take place, I could quickly see why.
After the installers removed the shoe moulding, there was no other prep work involved. They simply measured, cut, and laid the pieces directly over our existing flooring (our particular LVP installs as a floating floor; other LVP floors use a glue-down system.)
In 90 minutes, the project was completed! No glue. No sanding. No mess. Gotta love it!
The only thing left was to purchase some gel stain so that I can stain our door threshold to match the new flooring.
3. LVP flooring is as tough as nails
We’ve had 11 years of experience observing the havoc that kids, pets, and simple everyday living can wreak on flooring. The carpet is stained, the sheet vinyl in the laundry room was ripped to shreds, and the existing hardwoods are scraped and warped from water damage.
We want to be able to live in our home without having to worry about the floors getting damaged.
The mantra I’ve heard from the flooring experts and installers about luxury vinyl tile is that “these floors are tough as nails”. This has definitely held true for the laundry room floors (which have been installed for several months now).
We’ve been able to move our washer/dryer around without so much as a scratch on the floor. Not only does LVP flooring resist scratching, but it’s also extremely water-resistant (some go as far as to claim that they are waterproof).
According to our installer, it’s the only type of flooring that would NOT have to be replaced in the event of a flood. It’s unlikely that we’ll ever experience a flood here. But…there’s always the chance in the laundry room that the washing machine hose could break, right? SOLD.
4. LVP is budget-friendly
When we priced out what it would cost to replace all of the flooring on our first floor with wide plank hand-scraped hardwood flooring vs. a comparable luxury vinyl flooring, we were blown away at the cost difference. The LVP flooring project was roughly 1/3 of the cost of the hardwood flooring project…yikes!
That’s a major cost difference when you’re talking about 1,300 square feet of flooring.
There’s also an opportunity to keep the project cost down even further if we choose luxury vinyl plank flooring. We know from observing the laundry room install that the skill level involved with this type of floor installation is well within our DIY wheelhouse, so….we could avoid installation costs altogether.
When the time comes to tackle this project, the only thing that will hold us back from installing it ourselves will be the level of chaos in our life (sometimes we value time even more than money these days!).
In contrast, if we chose hardwood flooring, we’d definitely need to bite the bullet and incur the labor costs associated with hiring installers. I’m not as confident in our ability to tackle the more complex carpentry tasks involved with installing hardwood up the stairs (which we would do with hardwoods, but not luxury vinyl tiles).
What Luxury Vinyl Planks Did We Choose?
So which flooring product did we actually select for our laundry room??
(Drumroll please!)
We chose Shaw Floorte Premio flooring in the Duca color for the laundry room. After looking at sample after sample of gray/brown-toned flooring, we kept coming back to this product. The color, texture, and plank-width were exactly what I had envisioned for the laundry room.
I don’t want to give too much away before the big laundry room reveal post that’s coming out next week. But I have to share at least one Before & After comparison, right???
– Before –
– After –
Isn’t it just fabulous??
It’s only been a few months since the install, but so far we are LOVING these floors!
The plan is to install new LVP flooring throughout the remainder of the first floor sometime next year. Although I’m totally in love with the grey tones of the laundry room flooring, I’m leaning towards a more classic brown tone for the rest of the house.
We purchased the flooring for the laundry room at our local home improvement store for convenience. However, I suspect that we’ll be purchasing flooring for the larger project online (in an attempt to score a better price). I’ve already started to explore some options:
So, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you used luxury vinyl tile flooring in your home? Would you consider it for your future home remodel project?
Check out our whole home redesign progress to date in the My Home Refresh Series:
Home Office Makeover
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Afton Jackson says
With how well vinyl flooring can mimic other styles, I really do think this is something we should try and get for ourselves. That way, we can mimic a style like wood and add a classical spin on things without sacrificing durability. I’ll ask for this when I find a vinyl plank flooring expert in the area so they can help us pick the right material.
Zachary Tomlinson says
I find it surprising how you could use vinyl as a flooring material because of its waterproofing elements. My friend is planning to modernize his property and use it as a party venue. I should talk to him about finding flooring companies that can install these materials around his home.
Afton Jackson says
The flexibility of luxury vinyl flooring is easily the most attractive aspect to me. Something like that will definitely be a great material for us to use when we renovate this place, and this could help us get our project wrapped up without needing to spend too much money. I’ll go and ask a vinyl flooring expert for some assistance with this so we can get the right material for the job.
Afton Jackson says
The affordability of vinyl flooring is definitely the thing that I liked looking into the most from this article. Considering how much of this material we’re going to need soon, making it as budget-conscious as possible will really pay off for us in the end. Once I find a vinyl flooring provider in the area, I’ll ask them for some help with this right away.
Eli Richardson says
We’re so happy to hear that LVT comes with an easy installation and a budget-friendly too. We decided to replace our house’s floorings next month, so we’re looking for a type of flooring that matches our furniture, and that doesn’t cost us thousands, and we think your article just gave us the answer. Thank you for the insight on luxury vinyl tiles and their installation process.
Hannah J Parrish says
In general, I would recommend EVP over LVP unless your subfloor is wavy/uneven. EVP is a much nicer looking and feeling product. Looks more real, easier on your feet and warmer.
Natalie Gallagher says
That is a question I am afraid I cannot answer. Best to ask a flooring expert!
Ready Mix Concrete says
Wow, it was excellent and worth reading, Natalie. I am extremely impressed with your vinyl tile flooring work. All the photos are beautiful and appealing. It must need a lot of energy and hard work. The result at the end is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing.
Donna @ Modern on Monticello says
I had this type of flooring installed in our bedroom and hallway 5 years ago and it still looks great even with 4 dogs in the house running up and down the hallway. I will use it again for more home projects. Thanks for sharing your tips and research with us this week at #HomeMattersParty
Natalie Gallagher says
Exactly, it’s indestructible!
Linda Welks says
I’m about to do the luxury vinyl in my Kitchen. Problem is, I Cannot make a Selection. It’s been 3 weeks since my floor was measured & still I haven’t decided. My biggest problem is like Natalie, the rest of my house has the honey oak hardwood floors with that Orangish cast. My house was built in 1969 & these are the original floors which I have of course refinished & they are in prestige condition bt I hate the orange cast & since my house is open whatever I choose as my new Kitchen flooring will need to match up where they meet with my hardwood. I’d love to do Tile but I’m alone & can’t afford it. Am I locked out of the Plank & other Wood looks because of my hardwood? I desperately need suggestions. Any comments & suggestions are Very much appreciated. Please help! 🙏
Natalie Gallagher says
My advice would be to restain/refinish the honey oak floors to coordinate better with the LVT planks. Refinishing is much cheaper than replacing it all.I just did it in my new home and it was worth every penny. It has totally transformed the look of our home (a post is forthcoming!)
Tai East says
Wow! The after shot really looks amazing!
Vicki says
You touched on so many of my thoughts/questions! Having “luxury vinyl plank” laid this Friday. I am still nervous about my choice ; hoping my husband won’t halt the project! Ha, ha
Please let me know if you are still happy with your vinyl plank floors! Thanks!!!
Natalie Gallagher says
Hey Vicki! We have since moved from that home, but lived with the flooring for about 3 years. Never regretted that decision one bit. LOVE LVT so much that we are installing it throughout our basement when we finish it 🙂
Kate Hansen says
I loved how you mentioned that you haven’t had to worry about it getting damaged! My husband and I are wanting to get the carpet in our living room replaced because it’s not easy to maintain, and we don’t think it’s good for the air quality. We’ll have to look into getting luxury vinyl plank flooring installed in our living room to replace the carpet!
Hardwood Floor Refinishing says
Hey Natalie,
I consider this type of flooring to be one of the most promising and profitable. It has very few disadvantages and a lot of advantages at a very affordable price. I used this type of floor in several projects, and each time the result exceeded all expectations.
Thank you,
Regards,
Ronald Cunha
Jenna Hunter says
I had no idea that vinyl floors can simulate the feeling and look of hardwoods. My sister would be really interested in getting some of this for her entryway so that she can clean up after messes from snow and rain easier. Getting something that matches with the rest of the flooring and looks really authentic could be really nice.
Daniel H. says
Hey Natalie. I like the four big benefits that you brought up about LVP and I wanted to add a bit of information to your list. You hit on one of the most important, which is the huge cost savings of buying LVP over other products like hardwood. You also mentioned how tough a plank of it is. LVP has come such a long way in the toughness market because of the inclusion of a compound called aluminum oxide within the finish. This compound is nearly as hard as a diamond and strengthens up the wear layer of each board. This addition makes the boards impervious to scratches and scuff marks, to the point where they’re almost never even shown. An example of this is with Shaw’s Floorte Pro Series with a finish they call ScuffResist Platinum Finish, which contains aluminum oxide.
Another cool option for LVP is the Embossed in Register” Technique or ER. This makes any rifts or wood knots feel completely real as it fully captures the image of the original register or plank. This innovation allows for more inherent water-resistance as well as a guard against slipperiness because of the added surface area. There’s some really cool things going on with LVP nowadays and I think it an option all of us can reasonably consider. Hope this helps!
Dylan Peterson says
It’s great that vinyl flooring can have a smooth finish. My brother would like to get a new floor for his kitchen soon, and he wants it to be smooth. I’ll share this information with him so that he can look into his options for professionals who can help him with this.
Kate Hansen says
I like how you mentioned that it is easy to install. My husband and I are wanting to get new flooring for our kitchen. We’ll have to look into getting luxury vinyl tile for our floor!
Extreme Epoxy Coatings says
Well written and to the point. I appreciate the detail in this article!
Kaycee says
Can you please provide a link for the product that you used? I’ve been looking for something of similar color.
Natalie Gallagher says
Kaycee, I don’t think you can find that particular flooring online at this time (I sourced it through a local flooring store). However, the Shaw Floorte brand is carried by Home Depot. If you click through the link in the post, it will take you to the color selections of Floorte available at Home Depot (some are close to the Duca color, and some I like even better!)
Dylan Peterson says
It’s good to know that vinyl tile flooring can have a smooth finish to mimic hardwood flooring. My wife and I love the look of hardwood flooring, but we can’t afford the real thing at the moment. We’ll be sure to look further into our options for getting vinyl flooring installed as a substitute in the future.
Deborah Mendoza says
Thank you for sharing your experience with LVT. I have been just looking at ceramic tile to replace all the floors in my home including kitchen bathroom laundry room ( approx 1600 sq. ft.) This product seems to be the ideal cost effective flooring choice since I have a lot of remodeling projects. You are so right about the responses receive just because of your thoughtfulness to share.
Shayla Cademis says
I didn’t know that vinyl flooring could come to roughly 1/3 of the cost of hardwood flooring. My husband and I are thinking of replacing our kitchen with vinyl since the tiles it currently has are cracked in places from years of wear and tear. Hopefully we can find a great contractor in our area who could install it!
Amy says
How does it feel under your feet compared to hardwood? Is it immediately noticeable that it’s lvt?
Natalie Gallagher says
To me it feels very comparable. It probably depends on the specific type of LVT in terms of how closely it mimics hardwood.
Jessica Parkus says
Hello! Love the look of these floors! We are in the process of choosing the right type of flooring for our home (we have 2 kids and 3 dogs) we were thinking of tile but now im starting to think maybe LVT would be better. I love the one you picked out (thank you for sharing the name!) I also love the long white washed wood plank look that was in the samples picture would you happen to know the name of that one or where I might be able to find it? Thank you!
Natalie Gallagher says
Hey Jessica,
These photos were taken over 3 years ago and I’m sorry to say that I don’t have the information on the other floor sample.
Daphne Gilpin says
I like how you explained that luxury vinyl plank flooring has come a long way, and is now basically indistinguishable from wood. My husband and I just bought an old home that needs to have new flooring put in soon, and I really want the finished product to have a feeling of style and luxury. I’m glad I read your article because I hadn’t previously considered the options that vinyl plank flooring has to offer.
Natalie Gallagher says
Thanks for chiming in Daphne. Best of luck with your new home!
Ashley says
Thank you for this post! How would you say the floors are holding up now after a few years?
Natalie Gallagher says
Ashley,
They’ve held up like a dream! It’s been almost 3 years now 🙂
L. Laraine Stovall says
How would a vinyl floor stand up to cleaning with products used to disinfect floors ? I want to use it in a dog room that may at times have a puppy pen.
Natalie Gallagher says
That’s probably a question to ask a flooring expert/manufacturer. I use Swiffer wipes to clean mine up and they work like a charm.
Pearl says
Thank you for this article. I had a house plumbing flood that destroyed my main level hardwood floors throughout the house and the basement carpet. I have replaced the main floor hardwood (thanks to homeowner’s insurance) and am NOT going to put carpet in the basement again. Have been considering LVP for the basement, and my kitchen (currently vinyl sheet.) Was thinking porcelain tile for the kitchen (pricey!!), but think with my research will go for the LVP in basement and kitchen.
I know this is a couple years old posting, but if you see it are you still good with the LVP here in 2018?
Thanks so much for this posting!!
Natalie Gallagher says
TOTALLY still in love with the LVP! I had plans to install it throughout the first floor of my home, but we’re now going to be moving so those plans were put on hold. Best of luck!
April says
If my floor is uneven do I need to level it out before using this luxury vinyl?
Natalie Gallagher says
Yes, you will. We have a few rooms on our first floor that are currently hardwood, and a few others that are carpeted. The carpeted rooms would need to be built up with plywood first to make them even with the hardwood floors prior to laying the LVT.
Taylor Bishop says
Thanks for this interesting article about luxury vinyl tile flooring. I didn’t know that these could be installed easily and even over existing flooring. I’m kind of interested to learn if this applies for all types of floors or if some should be removed before placing the tile.
Tina says
Wondering if this can go straight over cement as a floating floor? I just found your blog and it has made me question my choice of bamboo. I currently have vinyl tile (everyone thinks its real tile) in my kitchen and bathroom but we want the whole first floor to be cohesive and the same. I need it to be scratch resistant so I love wood but fear it would have to be refinished in a few years.
Natalie Gallagher says
I’m by no means a flooring expert, but my guess would be yes. Any flooring experts who can chime in here?
Denise Cole says
This article was EXTREMELY helpful! My laundry room just flooded (sad face) so I’m faced with what type of flooring to install in the aftermath of the plumbing disaster of 2018. I have a converted garage that we have turned into a family room located right off of the laundry room and I’m hoping that LVT would allow us to have the same flooring in both the laundry room and family room for a more seamless transition from one room to the next! On my way to the hardware store now…here goes nothing…
Natalie Gallagher says
For sure it would Denise! Good luck…
Sarena sloot says
In your first sample pic the large plank that says touch and feel- could you please please tell me the brand and color? I’m searching for it!!!!
Natalie Gallagher says
Oh Goodness Sarena…this post was from several years back and I don’t have any way of knowing what the names of the samples were that I did not choose. Sorry 🙁
Michelle says
Hi, Thanks for your post. Do you still like the floors durability wise? Scratches, stains, etc.?
Natalie Gallagher says
Absolutely. It has stood the test of time beautifully!
Mike says
Hi Natalie, In our houses main level we have a mixture of engineered hardwood and carpet and are considering replacing with LVP. We are trying to find a product that will hold up to a 80 lb Labrador Retriever. We are concerned that though it is supposed to be durable, that it will scratch? Do you have dogs and if so, how large are they? Thanks for the wonderful blog post!
Natalie Gallagher says
Yes, I do have a dog, albeit a small one (25 lbs). Not a scratch in sight on my floor from the dog. I can’t speak for how it would hold up with a much larger dog though. Maybe someone else out there can speak to this??
Tammy Houston says
It sure got my attention when you said that vinyl flooring was as tough as nails and that you have experienced working around with it and moving appliances on top of it and yet saw no scratch on the floor. I think I will go for a vinyl plank flooring this time around. Aside from the toughness, what I have heard is that this type of floor is actually waterproof. Considering the idea that the house is filled with children who usually play with water, I think we ought to go for a flooring that’s waterproof. Thank you for sharing!
Melanie says
My only concern is resale value. Its not that I expect more of a return….I just don’t want to install and the house be de-valued.
Natalie Gallagher says
I hear you Melanie. That’s when talking to a local Realtor/builder might be useful to allay your fears
Emily says
As far as resale, it may depend on your area so it’s definitely a good idea to talk to a local realtor. However, I am a realtor, and currently in my area a lot of the higher end homes are even using this product. You never know if it will be a fad item that goes out, but for now, they have been using it for a while and continue to do so.
Natalie Gallagher says
Thanks for weighing in on this Emily. It’s reassuring to hear that!
nancy says
I have porceline tile down hall and into kitchen area then carpet in the adjoining living room. I would like to have LVP put over this entire area.
How is the transition made laying LVP over existing porceline tile on into area that had carpet? Did you have to put a filler down in carpet area?
Natalie Gallagher says
Nancy, I have a similar issue with our existing hardwood/carpet combo throughout the first floor. We haven’t tackled the project yet, but I know that the solution will be to cover the carpeted areas with plywood to build them up so that they are even with the hardwood areas. An added expense, but still much much less expensive than using hardwood!
Kay says
Corner round is used only in cases where they didn’t take off the baseboard before replacing flooring, so it is necessary to hide the gap. If you are installing new baseboard, or removing before putting in the flooring and then replacing it, you do not need corner round. As long as the baseboard is wide enough to cover your space between the floor and the wall.
Luoe says
I have tile in bedrooms that connect to tile in living areas. I’d like to update the main living areas but if i remove the tile it would be uneven. Any recommendations?
Natalie Gallagher says
I’d consult with a contractor but I can tell you that a flooring installer told us we’d have to build up the subfloor in our rooms with carpet using plywood in order to install LVT throughout the first floor of our home. I suspect that’s the solution for you too
David Slate says
Not sure if I posted correctly earlier but I am trying to find out if I should have the installaller put corner round down or not. I will be having the LVP installed throughout kitchen, den and hall and I have found mixed emotions but I am wondering what is today’s desire according to today’s design. I have purchased an old home built in 1973 and trying to upgrade and modernize. I currently have linoleum in the kitchen area which has corner round and carpet in the den and hall which has no corner round. Should I go back with or without corner round to be more modern? I’m confused and the installer is coming Tuesday this week. Help, SOS thanks, David
Natalie Gallagher says
Hey David,
My understanding is that corner round really needs to be used with non-carpet flooring. It’s not necessary with carpet, as you can typically tuck edge of carpet under baseboards. However, with tile, LVT, etc., the corner round hides the gap between the flooring edge and the baseboard. I don’t think the use of corner round is based on trends, it’s a finishing detail whose use is dependent on floor type. I use corner round in the room with my LVT flooring, and will throughout the house when it’s installed.
Hope this helps! Good luck with your project!
Renee says
This article and the comment thread have been very helpful in my quest for new flooring! My husband and I were set on wood-like tile for the first floor in our home which is about 1,250 sq. ft. We just had a contractor in here to give us a quote on carpet for the second floor and he mentioned LVP for the first floor. Of course my immediate reaction was VINYL?!? NO WAY! He smiled and gave me a few facts about the durability and low maintenance and challenged me to do some research. Over the last two days I’ve been obsessing over researching this LVP flooring and came across your blog. My google search was, “Why should i NOT install luxury vinyl planks?” and this blog was the first search result! I have yet to see any real cons about this flooring other than the stigma that old vinyl floor has carried. Thank you for sharing your research and experience!
Natalie Gallagher says
Little did I know when I shared my experience with this product how helpful it would be. I’ve received so much positive feedback from this post! I’m so happy that it was helpful to you Renee. Good luck with your project!
David Slate says
My biggest concern at this point is to use or not to se corner round? My kitchen currently has vinyl flooring, very old and den and hall has carpet, carpet to be removed. Kitchen currently has corner round but house was built in 1973 but with the updating with new LVP, so I go back without the corner round? The den and hall has no corner round now but so I have the installer put in corner round or remove all corner round tone more modernized? I have seen mixed emotions on corner round vs no corner round. Please help, thank you, David
michelle says
hi. thank you for the write-up! Do you know if the Coretec Plus LV flooring can be glued down or nailed down? it is floating product which worries me for feel and transition bumps. we will be installing 1300 sf throughout main level of home. thanks!
Natalie Gallagher says
Michelle,
Here’s what the Coretec website had to say about your question:
COREtec Plus can be installed using the floating or glue down method. When gluing floor, use only USFloors Wood and Bamboo Flooring Adhesive over manufacturer’s recommended substrate. Turn the heat off for 24 hours before, during and 24 hours after installation when installing over radiant heated subfloors.
So excited about your project!
Sabrina Quairoli says
Beautiful floors, Natalie! I too am planning on installing LVF in my 3 season room. We had carpet but it is starting to wear. Since the room has just plywood, we plan on installing a thicker version to give the floor less flex under foot.
Natalie Gallagher says
You’ll LOVE it Sabrina!
Aimee says
One thing I haven’t seen that is an important feature of LVT, is you can install them on a concrete slab, even as a floating floor! Before that the only wood-look option was glued down engineered wood, tile, or carpeting. I work for a commercial flooring contractor, and after a recent water problem (I left the filter running!) we are having to replace all of our engineered hardwood, which run seamlessly throughout our first floor. I am going with the USF Contract Stratum 500 LVT in Gallatin Hickory. It’s 8mm thick, the same as the EHW, so it will be a seamless replacement and install as a floating floor right over our concrete slab. Like you, we are using carpeting on the stairs, but it will also run seamlessly through our second floor hallway, laundry, bonus room, and bathroom. I’m so excited to have it done and get rid of those orange “honey oak” floors and the same contractor-grade beige carpeting!
Natalie Gallagher says
Wow Aimee, I’m so jealous! Good for you! I’m totally with you on saying “farewell” to these builder-grade floors. 12 years is long enough
Black Sunrise says
I tried our local version of Cottage oak in my bathroom and (open) balcony, to see if water can be a problem. So far, after some serious rainy days in Bucharest (right now is raining as well), it looks same as the first day. LVT is a wonderful project, easy to work with and a perfect final result, no gaps, no ugly and repeating patterns… I will definetly use it for the entire apartment.
Natalie Gallagher says
I’m glad your experience has been as positive as mine! Yep, it’s my flooring product of choice now for sure
Heather says
Hello, im about to purchase the Islander LVT, wanted to get your opinion since you have had your floor awhile now.
I was wondering if you can feel inperfections when walking on floor and if you are seeing any gaps or imperfections?
Natalie Gallagher says
Heather, I can’t recommend LVT floors enough…like you said, we’ve had ours coming up on 8 months or so and I have zero complaints. No imperfections, no gaps, nada. Nothing like that. Once you’ve installed yours, upload a photo on Instagram and tag me @refined_rooms so I can see them (or send me a photo via email at refinedrooms@gmail.com!)
pave tile - official website says
Hi Natalie,
We’ve been stumbling around the internet and found your blog along the way.
We love your work! What a great corner of the internet 🙂
Natalie Gallagher says
Welcome and thanks so much for the compliment!
Angie @ ambient wares says
The flooring is really beautiful! They have come a long way in design for sure and I love how quickly the installation is. I did see your laundry room and it’s such a gorgeous space with the Mountain Laurel color being perfect! Thanks for sharing with us at Funtastic Friday!
Natalie Gallagher says
I appreciate that Angie!
Natalie Gallagher says
Thanks for the compliments Angie. Yes, I’m in love with Mountain Laurel!
Kim says
Steam mops are not recommended on LVT as the heat can damage the flooring, a damp mop is all you need. I have LVT planks in my kitchen they are easy to keep clean.
Natalie Gallagher says
Thanks for the info Kim! I would be hesitant to use steam mops on LVT floors as well…I just use a damp Swiffer cloth on mine and they work like a charm!
Kathy says
We have a multi level home and are thinking of this for the main level which has 3 doors that access directly to the outside. But I want a classy look and feel since its the first view visitors have if my home. Would you recommend for an entire main floor?
Natalie Gallagher says
Kathy, that is indeed my intention for my home. I definitely love the look of it and plan to put this flooring throughout my entire first floor. I’m hesitant to put it on the stairs, since the flooring installer pointed out that it can look a bit awkward there. But it’s going everywhere else. Have you thought about going to your local flooring store and bringing a few large samples home to see how it would look in various rooms?
Lisa says
HI! just wanted to ket you know that the new coretec Luxury Vinyl Wood Plank products now offer a flush, interlocking stair bullnose pieces…instead of a bullnose piece that lays on top of the planks, looks very fake, and has been offred by most luxury vinyl companies in the past. I have two staircases in my home and was hesitant to install LVP in my home for this reason… despite loving everything else about the Coretec HD product. We are installing in 3000 sq ft of it in our home next month…the entire main floor, stairs and some of the upstairs. I’m really excited about this product after spending 2 years searching for flooring that would meet all my requirements. BTW, we have three kids and three dogs….all of which swim a lot (we live in AZ)…and come in the house soaking wet…so being waterproof is a HUGE benefit of this product for us!
Natalie Gallagher says
Lisa, thanks SO MUCH for your comment. I’m excited to hear about the improvement in the stair pieces for LVP, because that has made me hesitant to use it up the stairs. Would you do me a favor and send me photos of your stairs when your project is completed? You may inspire me to write a follow up post on this (and change my plans for our stairs!).
Brigid Wright says
So I just discovered vinyl plank flooring, and it looks amazing! I also wish to do my entire house, but was told it cannot be used on stairs. After reading this post, I will be doing research on the stairs!
My only reservation about buying this product is my concern that because it’s vinyl, it’s going to bring down the value of my home. I am actually going to be selling my home, so I obviously don’t want to do something that’s going to turn off home buyers. I live in a beautiful, middle class home in Scottsdale, AZ (2,300 sf; sale price in the range of $440k).
Is there a huge stigma with this product? Or will the beauty and ease of it override any stigma? I wouldn’t blink at it in someone’s home, but I don’t want to make a mistake with it going on the market in a month or so.
Any input or advice on how it may affect my home’s value/resale?
Natalie Gallagher says
Yes Brigid, since writing this post, we’ve decided to go a different direction with new flooring for our stairs. We plan to use the NuStair System instead. As far as the question regarding how installing LVT will impact resale value, I recommend talking with a local real estate professional in your area to get their expert opinion on it (since things differ dramatically across different geographical locations). Truth be told, I had similar concerns. When I spoke to several professionals in our local real estate/home building community, they assured me that there is no stigma associated with LVT in our local area. In fact, the builders said that they are installing it in high-end new construction homes routinely.
Bottom line — ask your local professionals to understand how it might affect resale in Scottsdale (beautiful area by the way…we visited Scottsdale a few years back to attend baseball spring training during our family’s spring break!)
Jayne says
Hi Natalie I can’t thank you enough for your review of LVT. Your laundry floor turned out beautiful. My hubby and I are doing a new build of 2500 sq. ft. and I know that once we get to the design that there is no way we can afford engineered flooring and everything else we want. Part of my problem is I want flooring that flows throughout and it isn’t broken up into pieces. After going to a flooring store and talking to a sales representative who sold all flooring types and reading your blog I’m am more sold of LVT flooring then ever! I love the look and couldn’t tell it from the engineered. I truly love your blog and reading what other subscribers feelings, questions and concerns that they are pondering. It is nice to know that I am not alone in this pursuit of floor shopping and just wanting a flooring that I love.
Natalie Gallagher says
This put a huge smile on my face! So happy the information was helpful to you in your decision-making. Come back after the project is completed and let us know how it turned out 🙂
Amy Keogh says
We just installed CoreTec luxury vinyl planks in our kitchen and bath and I wanted to respond to Heather’s comment about water damage. She had laminate floors. This is NOT laminate, it is vinyl and ours said ‘waterproof’ right on the box. I hope this is helpful.
Natalie Gallagher says
Thanks for chiming in Amy. I’ve certainly received an education about flooring options as I’ve gone through the process of researching and selecting the laundry room flooring. I’ve learned that there is a distinction between laminate flooring and luxury vinyl plank flooring (which was not clear to me at the beginning of this process). It may not be clear to others as well. Like your flooring, the Shaw Floorte product is advertised as “waterproof”, which is not the case with laminate flooring from what I understand.
Natalie Gallagher says
Amy, I’m excited to hear your positive experience so far with CORETec flooring…it’s one of the options we’re looking closely at for the larger flooring project. I’ve heard a lot of great things about this particular product
jjoette davis says
laminate is good but not indestructible by any means. i have had it for 17 years & have chips where things have been dropped. i had it in the kitchen & loved it. i also have had it swell when i plant was overwatered & not noticed. we had a massive water pipe break on the 2nd floor that flooded our bedroom & all of the laminate had to be taken up & replaced. with that being said, we are moving into a new home & i am having laminate put down on the main floor, everything but bathroom & kitchen.
Natalie Gallagher says
Yes, I”ve learned that laminate floors don’t handle water as well as the LVT and engineered vinyl plank floors do
paulette says
So this would be an option for a bathroom? We have old linoleum and carpet in the master. It can hold up to humidity and wet feet/damp rugs? Can you use a steam mop on it? It looks beautiful. We’d have to take up the carpet and at that point probably the smaller linoleum area. Can it go right over the subfloor?
Natalie Gallagher says
Yes, it goes right over the subfloor Paulette! Great choice for a bathroom 🙂 I don’t know about using a steam mop on it though. The wet Swiffer mop works great on mine though