Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring, or LVP for short, is rapidly becoming a popular choice in hard flooring. Its realistic appearance, compared to more expensive and functionally limited options like solid and engineered wood flooring, makes it a standout choice. For those new to LVP, its realistic appearance is often a pleasant surprise. This guide, supplemented with helpful images, will show you exactly how LVP can enhance your space.
What Is LVP, Precisely?
Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring is composed of multiple synthetic layers, creating a product that closely resembles real hardwood. The topmost layer is a transparent, protective ‘wear layer‘, followed by the ‘design layer’. It’s the design layer that gives LVP its realistic appearance, mimicking the colour and natural characteristics of wood, including knots, sap, and grain variations. Beneath the design layer lies the core, providing structural integrity, typically made from PVC, WPC, or SPC. The final layer is the backing, made from PVC and cork, which protects against moisture and adds bulk.
What Does LVP Flooring Look Like?
LVP flooring mimics plank-style flooring, characterised by long floorboards with medium or wide widths, as opposed to Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), which is shorter and designed to resemble natural stone and marble. LVP’s design layer allows for a broader range of colours and shades, from bold, dark blacks to light, vibrant whites. Many collections closely replicate natural hardwood in its raw state.
Does LVP Flooring Look Artificial?
A common query from potential buyers is whether LVP flooring looks artificial compared to solid and engineered wood. The truth is, with quality LVP, the design layer is crafted so well that it’s challenging to distinguish it from real wood. Manufacturers often print variations in knots, sap, and other natural wood characteristics across different planks, enhancing its authentic appearance.
Is LVP Flooring a Good Fit For You?
While no flooring option is without drawbacks, LVP flooring’s aesthetic is not one of them. Top-tier LVP can mimic natural hardwood flawlessly. Moreover, it surpasses Laminate Flooring, its closest alternative, in almost every aspect – from durability to water resistance. So, if you’re considering plank-style hard flooring, you can rest assured that choosing LVP is a sound decision.
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FAQ
What Exactly is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring?
LVP flooring is a synthetic product designed to closely resemble real hardwood. It consists of several layers including a transparent protective top layer, a design layer that mimics wood’s natural characteristics, a core layer for structural integrity, and a backing layer that provides moisture protection.
How Does LVP Flooring Compare in Appearance to Hardwood?
LVP flooring is crafted to look like traditional plank-style hardwood floors, offering a variety of colors and shades. It is designed to replicate the appearance of natural hardwood, including detailed aspects like knots and grain variations.
Does LVP Flooring Look Like Real Wood or Does It Appear Artificial?
High-quality LVP flooring is made with a design layer so realistic that it can be difficult to differentiate from actual hardwood. Manufacturers use varied designs across planks to replicate the natural inconsistencies found in wood, enhancing the authentic look.
Can LVP Flooring Offer a Wider Range of Designs Than Natural Wood?
Yes, LVP flooring’s design layer enables a broader range of colours and designs compared to natural wood. This includes options from dark to light shades, offering more variety than typically found in natural hardwood.
Why Choose LVP Flooring Over Other Hard Flooring Options?
LVP flooring is a versatile option that excels in both appearance and functionality. It surpasses laminate flooring in durability and water resistance, making it a practical choice for those seeking the aesthetic of hardwood with added benefits.