Best Vinyl Plank Flooring: Why LVP is the Perfect Choice for Your Home
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring has skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years. It’s captured the attention of homeowners, builders, and designers alike for its stunning resemblance to real wood—without the associated upkeep. Maintaining traditional wood floors can be a daily hassle, but with the best vinyl plank flooring, you get the look of wood with far less maintenance.
If you’re wondering, “Is luxury vinyl plank flooring any good?” let me share my personal experience.
Why I Chose the Best Vinyl Plank Flooring
In 2020, I moved into a home with outdated carpeting and tile. My first priority was to replace the flooring. I wanted the beauty of wood without the constant maintenance, and the flooring had to stand up to water since the house came with a pool. After some research, I chose Lifeproof Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring, a decision I’ve never regretted.
A friend had already installed Lifeproof LVP in her dog-friendly coffee shop, where it stood up to heavy foot traffic and curious paws. That was all the proof I needed—it was time to try it in my home.
Benefits of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
LVP flooring has so much going for it:
- Ease of Installation
With no need for nails or glue, LVP is a breeze to install. My Lifeproof flooring even came with pre-attached underlayment, so I didn’t need any extra materials. - Durability and Water Resistance
Lifeproof promises water resistance for up to 36 hours. While I’d describe it as “practically waterproof,” it has more than lived up to the challenge, even with poolside traffic and occasional spills. - Affordability
One of the best-rated LVP flooring options, Lifeproof is budget-friendly without sacrificing quality.
Prepping for Installation
Before installing any vinyl plank flooring, proper preparation is crucial. Here’s what I did:
Paint First: If you’re planning to paint the room, do it before installing the flooring to avoid messes.
Remove Old Flooring: I ripped up carpets and padding, pulled out staples, and busted up old tile with my son’s help.
Level the Subfloor: Ensuring a level surface is essential for LVP installation.
Take Off Baseboards and Molding: Removing these makes for a cleaner, more professional-looking install.
Installing Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Installing 900 square feet of LVP was surprisingly simple. My husband helped with the first room, but I handled the rest on my own. With a laminate and wood flooring install kit, the process was smooth:
- Score and Snap: You don’t need a saw—just a utility knife to score and snap the planks. That said, using a saw speeds things up when cutting around vents.
- Transitions: Lifeproof offers transition pieces that make it easy to connect LVP to carpet or tile.
For a detailed guide, check out my blog post, How to Install Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring.
My Vinyl Plank Flooring Review: Four Years Later
After 4 and a half years of heavy use, I can confidently say that Lifeproof is the best vinyl plank flooring for busy families. Between pool traffic, kids, and dogs, it still looks brand new. There isn’t a single scratch, dent, or stain to be found.
Cleaning is a breeze—weekly vacuuming is usually enough. The color I chose, Tupelo Oak, hides dirt and pet hair incredibly well, making life even easier.
We originally installed this LVP in high-traffic areas like the entryway, dining room, home office, hallway, and family room. It has held up so well that two years later (in 2022) I decided to extend it into the kitchen to create a seamless look throughout the main living areas. I was impressed that even after purchasing the materials two years apart, the color match was absolutely perfect. Often, when buying flooring from different lots, there’s a risk of slight color variations, but that wasn’t the case with this product. The transition from the old flooring to the new was flawless, making it look like it had all been installed at the same time. This consistency further confirmed that choosing Lifeproof was the right decision.
Why the Best Rated Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is Worth It
If you’re debating whether to install LVP flooring, let me tell you—it’s a game-changer. It’s budget-friendly, easy to install, and stands up to everyday wear and tear. The versatility and durability of this flooring make it perfect not just for homes but also for commercial spaces like hospitals and coffee shops.
When it comes to choosing the best vinyl plank flooring, Lifeproof has proven itself time and time again. Whether you’re renovating a single room or updating your entire house, this flooring delivers on style, performance, and value.
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