Find luxury vinyl flooring that fits your lifestyle

How do you choose the ideal luxury vinyl flooring?

Not all luxury vinyl is the same. Understanding a few basic features can make your decision much easier.

LVP vs. LVT

LVP flooring, or luxury vinyl plank, is designed primarily to create the appearance of hardwood. Individual planks can reproduce wood grain, knots, color variation, and other natural details. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is ideal when you love wood visuals but want the practical benefits of vinyl.

LVT flooring, or luxury vinyl tile, typically recreates tile and stone. Luxury vinyl tile can capture looks inspired by slate, marble, ceramic, concrete, and other materials.

Your choice comes down largely to style. Want wood? Start with LVP. Prefer stone or tile? Explore LVT.

WPC vs. SPC

Rigid-core luxury vinyl often comes with either WPC or SPC construction.

WPC, or wood plastic composite, typically provides a slightly softer, more comfortable feel underfoot. SPC, or stone plastic composite, uses a dense, rigid core that offers excellent dimensional stability and resistance to dents.

Neither is automatically better. Consider the room, traffic level, subfloor, comfort preferences, and manufacturer's specifications.

Wear layer

The wear layer is the transparent protective surface above the decorative design. It helps protect your floor from scratches, scuffs, stains, and everyday traffic.

Wear layers are commonly measured in mils. In general, spaces with heavier traffic may benefit from a more substantial wear layer. A quiet bedroom and a busy commercial space have very different performance needs, so choose based on the application rather than simply selecting the highest number.

Color and shade

Luxury vinyl comes in nearly every flooring color imaginable. Light oak-inspired LVP can make rooms feel open and casual. Medium brown shades offer classic warmth. Dark flooring creates contrast, while gray, beige, and greige tones complement many contemporary interiors.

Think about your cabinets, furniture, walls, natural lighting, and adjoining rooms. Flooring Concepts also provides a room visualizer that lets you see different flooring options in a room before making your decision.

Installation method

Installation varies by product. Click-lock luxury vinyl planks connect and float above the subfloor, making this a common method for rigid-core flooring. Glue-down products are adhered directly to a properly prepared subfloor and can be useful in high-traffic or commercial applications.

Some products may offer other installation methods. Always follow the manufacturer's requirements and make sure the subfloor is properly prepared before work begins.

Where can luxury vinyl flooring be installed?

One reason homeowners love luxury vinyl is its versatility.

Kitchens are an excellent place for waterproof luxury vinyl because spills and splashes are part of everyday life. Bathrooms are another popular application when the selected flooring is approved for wet or moisture-prone spaces.

In living rooms, luxury vinyl plank flooring can provide the warmth and character of a wood look while remaining easy to maintain. It also works well in dining rooms, bedrooms, hallways, home offices, entryways, mudrooms, laundry rooms, and many basements.

Luxury vinyl isn't limited to homes. Certain products are designed for commercial spaces such as offices, retail environments, and other businesses. Always check the product's specifications and warranty to confirm that it is rated for your intended application.

How do you clean luxury vinyl flooring?

Keeping luxury vinyl clean is refreshingly simple.

Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum regularly to remove crumbs, dust, and grit. Use a vacuum without a damaging beater bar if recommended by your flooring manufacturer.

For deeper cleaning, damp mop with a manufacturer-approved luxury vinyl cleaner. Avoid overly abrasive tools, harsh chemicals, waxes, and cleaning products not intended for vinyl flooring.

Clean spills promptly, even if you have waterproof flooring. Place mats at entrances to reduce tracked-in dirt and use furniture protectors under heavy pieces. Never drag heavy furniture directly across the surface.

Most importantly, follow the care instructions for your specific floor. Different finishes and constructions can have different maintenance requirements.

Why choose our North Olmsted flooring store?

At Flooring Concepts, flooring is what we do. Flooring Concepts combines the values of a family-operated business with more than half a century of flooring experience. Since 2000, the company has served customers throughout Medina County, Lorain County, Cuyahoga County, Geauga County, and Cleveland's West Side from its North Olmsted location.

Our approach is personal. We take time to answer questions, understand your budget, and help you compare flooring that actually makes sense for your home.

Flooring Concepts' North Olmsted showroom is also a one-stop destination for flooring and design needs, with an experienced design team available to help customers select products and styles.

Frequently asked questions about luxury vinyl flooring

Is luxury vinyl flooring waterproof?

Many luxury vinyl products are waterproof, particularly rigid-core collections, but specifications vary. Flooring Concepts carries 100% waterproof rigid-core options, including products from COREtec and Shaw Floors. Always verify the specifications of the exact flooring you select.

Is LVP flooring good for kitchens?

Yes, waterproof LVP flooring can be a practical kitchen choice. It combines realistic wood visuals with an easy-to-clean surface and moisture protection. Confirm that your selected product is approved for kitchen installation.

Can luxury vinyl flooring be installed in bathrooms?

Many waterproof luxury vinyl products can be installed in bathrooms. Proper product selection and installation are essential, so check the manufacturer's approved applications before choosing flooring.

How long does luxury vinyl flooring last?

The lifespan depends on product quality, wear layer, traffic, installation, and maintenance. Choosing flooring rated for your space and following the manufacturer's care instructions can help maximize its performance.