Should You Choose Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)?
LVP is the best value in flooring: 100% waterproof, looks convincingly like hardwood, costs $3-6 per square foot, and installs easily as a DIY project. It's become the most popular flooring choice for modern homes. Learn about SPC vs WPC cores and whether LVP is right for you.
Quick Summary
Material cost
$3-6/sq ft
Lifespan
15-25 years
Best for
Any room (100% waterproof)
What is Luxury Vinyl Plank?
LVP is a multi-layer flooring product with a photographic image of wood grain sandwiched between a protective wear layer on top and a rigid core underneath. Modern LVP is so realistic that many people can't distinguish it from real hardwood without touching it.
LVP Layer Structure (Top to Bottom):
- 1. Wear Layer (20-40 mil): Clear protective coating that resists scratches and stains
- 2. Visual Layer: High-resolution photo of wood grain
- 3. Core Layer (SPC or WPC): Rigid waterproof core provides stability
- 4. Backing Layer: Sound dampening and additional stability
- 5. Attached Underlayment (optional): Some LVP includes foam pad attached
SPC vs WPC: Which Core is Better?
SPC (Stone Plastic Composite)
Rigid core made from limestone powder and stabilizers. The most popular and recommended option for most homes.
Pros
- ✓Most durable and dent-resistant
- ✓Extremely stable (won't expand/contract)
- ✓Best for uneven subfloors
- ✓Handles temperature extremes
- ✓Great for high-traffic areas
Cons
- ✗Harder underfoot (less cushion)
- ✗Louder when walking
- ✗Colder to the touch
- ✗Slightly more expensive
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, high-traffic areas, homes with pets, anywhere durability matters most.
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite)
Softer core made from wood pulp and plastic. Warmer and quieter but less durable than SPC.
Pros
- ✓Softer, more cushioned feel
- ✓Quieter when walking
- ✓Warmer to the touch
- ✓Slightly less expensive
Cons
- ✗Less durable, dents easier
- ✗Can expand slightly with heat
- ✗Not as rigid, needs flatter subfloor
- ✗Shorter lifespan in heavy traffic
Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, low-traffic areas where comfort is priority over maximum durability.
Our Recommendation: Choose SPC for 90% of applications. The added durability is worth the slight premium, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas. WPC only makes sense for bedrooms where you value warmth and quiet over durability.
Pros & Cons of LVP Flooring
Advantages
- ✓100% waterproof: Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, basements
- ✓Easy DIY install: Click-lock system, no special tools needed
- ✓Affordable: $3-6/sq ft vs $6-12 for hardwood
- ✓Pet-friendly: Scratch-resistant, waterproof for accidents
- ✓Low maintenance: Sweep and damp mop, no refinishing
- ✓Looks like wood: Realistic textures and grain patterns
- ✓Durable: 20-mil+ wear layer resists scratches
Disadvantages
- ✗Can't be refinished: Replace when worn (15-25 years)
- ✗Not as high-end: Doesn't add value like hardwood
- ✗Can dent: Heavy furniture or sharp impacts leave marks
- ✗Feels like plastic: Not authentic wood feel
- ✗UV can fade: Direct sunlight may discolor over years
- ✗Proper disposal: Not biodegradable like wood
What to Look For When Shopping
Wear Layer Thickness
The protective top coating. Thicker = more durable.
- • 12-mil: Light residential only, not recommended
- • 20-mil: Minimum for homes, good for bedrooms
- • 28-30-mil: Best for most homes, high traffic areas
- • 40-mil+: Commercial-grade, overkill for most homes
Recommendation: Buy at least 20-mil, preferably 28-30-mil for main living areas.
Total Thickness
Look for 5-8mm thick planks. Thicker feels more solid and hides minor subfloor imperfections. Thinner (3-4mm) is budget quality and feels cheap.
Attached Underlayment
Many quality LVPs include foam padding attached to the bottom. This saves money and installation time. If not included, budget $0.50-1/sq ft for separate underlayment.
Texture and Embossing
Better LVP has embossed texture that matches the wood grain photo. "Registered embossing" means texture aligns perfectly with the visual pattern for maximum realism.
Locking System
Most LVP uses "click-lock" installation. Check reviews to ensure the locking mechanism is easy to use and stays locked over time. Poor locking systems can separate.
Is LVP Right for Your Home?
Choose LVP If:
- • You need 100% waterproof flooring (kitchens, bathrooms, basements)
- • You have pets (dogs, cats) that might have accidents
- • You want the wood look without the wood price
- • You plan to DIY install to save money
- • Budget is $3-6/sq ft for materials
- • You value low maintenance and durability
- • This is a rental property or starter home
Consider Alternatives If:
- • You want authentic wood feel and maximum resale value (choose hardwood)
- • This is your forever home and you can afford hardwood
- • You strongly dislike the idea of "fake" flooring
- • You're installing in a luxury home (hardwood adds more value)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between SPC and WPC vinyl plank?
SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) has a rigid stone-based core. More durable, dent-resistant, and dimensionally stable. Better for high-traffic areas. WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) has a softer wood-based core. Warmer and quieter underfoot, but less durable. SPC is recommended for most homes.
How long does luxury vinyl plank flooring last?
Quality LVP lasts 15-25 years depending on wear layer thickness and traffic. Look for at least 20-mil wear layer for residential use. Unlike hardwood, LVP cannot be refinished, so when the wear layer wears through, the floor must be replaced.
Can you install LVP over existing flooring?
Yes, LVP can be installed over most existing hard surfaces (tile, vinyl, concrete, hardwood) if the surface is clean, flat, and in good condition. The subfloor must be within 3/16 inch variation over 10 feet. Remove carpet and padding first. Installing over existing flooring saves removal time and cost.
Ready for the Next Step?
Compare LVP with tile flooring, another waterproof option that's ideal for kitchens and bathrooms but requires professional installation.