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Check out the best brands to shop for this durable, low-maintenance, and affordable floor throw in.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
And it’s DIY-friendly so it’s possible for you to save even more money and install it yourself.
It looks just like wood, but it’s much easier on your wallet and supersimple to keep clean.
Note that the thicker wear layers are more expensive.
Its also scratch-resistant and can last for yearswithout needing a replacement.
The floors are sustainably made and low-VOC, whichminimizes the toxinsin your home.
Flooring from Armstrong is designed for heavy traffic and is good for homes with children or pets.
you could clean it like aregular hardwood floor, including wet-mopping, without damage.
The floor has a polyurethane finish featuring nanotechnology that increases stain-resistance, which makes it easy towipe away messes.
Place thisflooring in high-traffic areaslike kitchens, living rooms, hallways, and bathrooms.
Padding underneath reduces noise and enhances comfort.
But there are also wider options, like theMalibu Wide Plank French Oak Astoria, with a 9-inch width.
Cali is well-loved for its large array of wood and stone finishes inbrown and gray tones.
Cali flooring is waterproof and can beused in the basementor bathroom.
Before installation, its important to make sureyour floor is cleanand dry to prevent the plank pieces from shifting.
Furthermore, vinyl flooring comes in flexible vinyl or rigid-core options.
Flexible luxury vinyl is soft and bendy.
Examples are self-adhesive peel-and-stick, interlocking click-lock planks, andloose-lay vinylthat uses plank weight to hold it in place.
According to Sanchez, flexible vinyl isideal for uneven floorsand is typically cheaper than rigid core luxury vinyl planks.
However, its not as stable as rigid-core vinyl and doesnt work as well in high-traffic areas.
Rigid-core is typically moisture-resistant, making it the best vinyl plankflooring for bathroomsand basements as well as high-traffic areas.
Most rigid-core types come with click-lock installations which can be snapped into place without glue or nails.
Plank thickness is measured in millimeters (mm), while wear layer thickness is in mil.
Thicker planks are typically more cushioned, durable, and insulated, so they feel better underfoot.
The wear layer is a clear layer on top of the vinyl that protects it from wear and tear.
[Its] important because it guards against scratches and the usual damage from daily use, Britchfor says.
Plank Width
Another factor to consider is the size of the plank itself.
These styles are trendy in open-concept homes and spaces withcontemporary or minimalist designs, she says.
Long, wide vinyl planks have a modern, luxurious feel and authentic hardwood look.
Textured flooring generally costs more because it closely resembles hardwood, marble, or natural stone.
Its also embossed, making it look authentic.
Vinyl flooring is available in many colors and in matte and glossy finishes.
According to Sanchez, most people prefer a matte or textured finish because of the natural look.
They are also more moisture-resistant compared to standard vinyl floors.
How long does vinyl plank flooring last?
For most cases, it will be closer to 10 years, Britchford says.
Can you put heavy furniture and appliances on vinyl plank flooring?
Avoid dragging items across the floor to maintain their appearance.
