We walk on floors daily to get through all the areas or rooms of our home. This leaves the floor’s surface prone to damage caused by heavy foot traffic from human feet or pet paws, spilled food and beverages, and many more. So, as a homeowner, it’s best that you get only the most durable flooring for your property. Now, which flooring can last for years to come?
Some think hardwood, ceramic tile, and natural stone are the best flooring options when discussing durability. And while this may be true, such materials can be expensive. So, why not choose cheaper alternatives with the same strength or resilience? Here are some of them:
• Luxury Vinyl Plank
Otherwise known as LVP, luxury vinyl plank is manufactured to simulate solid hardwood’s exact look and feel. It is made up of 6-8 structural layers. These include an ultraviolet (UV) layer, design or décor layer, print layer, wear layer, glass fiber layer, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) layer.
LVPs also contain wood plastic composite (WPC) or stone plastic composite (SPC) core layer, cork or PVC backing, and foam. Sometimes, they also have an added antimicrobial layer.
LVP flooring is also waterproof. That said, luxury vinyl plank is one of the most resilient flooring options in the market today. It can handle traffic without losing its elegance and integrity. With proper care and maintenance, it can last up to 30 years.
• Luxury Vinyl Tile
Also known as LVT, this flooring option is designed to look like real stone or ceramic tiles. It is made of plasticizers (high-molecular-weight solvents), pigments and trace stabilizers, polyvinyl chloride (or vinyl) resins, and a carrier sheet or backing. Like LVPs, LVTs are also waterproof, making them perfect for your kitchens, bathroom, laundry room, mudroom, and basement.
Luxury vinyl tiles are manufactured to withstand moisture, heavy foot traffic, spills, and scratches. They can also last up to 30 years, depending on how well you maintain them. Some homeowners even claim that their LVT flooring lasted for 50 years.
• Luxury Sheet Vinyl
Also known as luxury vinyl sheet or LVS, this synthetic floor-covering product is a budget-friendly alternative to real hardwood or ceramic tile. It comes in rolls instead of individual planks or tiles.
Luxury sheet vinyl is made up of the same materials as LVT flooring. This means it is also fabricated from PVC resins, pigments, solvents, and stabilizers.
In addition, LVS is covered in UV-cured urethane. That said, sheet vinyl flooring is resistant to dents, scratches, scuffs, stains, and water damage. With proper care and maintenance, LVS can last up to 20 years.
• Laminate
In the early years, laminate flooring looked like it was made of plastic because of its appearance and design. And to this day, many still think that it is indeed manufactured from such material, even though it now mimics the look of solid hardwood and stone. However, such is not the case. Laminate flooring is actually composed of multiple layers.
The underlayment or back layer balances the floor, promotes moisture resistance, and adds soundproofing qualities to the plank. Some laminates, however, don’t have this bottom layer. Above the attached underlayment is the core or base layer. It is made of plywood or high-density fiberboard that provides the plank strength and stability and protects it from moisture and indentations.
On top of the core layer is the image or design layer, giving the plank a wood, stone, or metal look. The last layer that’s made of aluminum oxide is called a wear layer. It protects the plank against surface burns, stains, and fading.
Get in Touch With a Flooring Company Now!
Now that you know which floorings are the most durable, go ahead and start looking for a trusted and reliable flooring company in your area today. If you’re still unsure which of the options listed above is best for your home, don’t hesitate to ask them for advice.
And if you have questions or clarifications about LVP, LVT, LVS, or laminate flooring, feel free to ask your chosen flooring company. They’ll surely be happy to hear from you and assist you with your needs. Get in touch with them now so you can begin your flooring project.
