Wood look vinyl flooring has become an increasingly popular flooring option for homeowners in recent years. As a highly versatile and affordable alternative to real hardwood floors, vinyl plank flooring offers the warmth and aesthetic of natural wood with added resilience, easy maintenance, and moisture resistance.
To discover the perfect wood look vinyl flooring online, you need some fundamental knowledge before making a purchase. First, understand your unique needs, including aesthetic preferences, budget constraints, and the intended usage of the space.
As you explore the vast array of wood look vinyl flooring options, consider the realism of the wood grain patterns, the variety of colors and textures, and how well the design aligns with your home’s style. Investigate the durability aspects, such as wear layer thickness and resistance to scratches, stains, and water.
Furthermore, conducting research on reputable brands, reading customer reviews, and verifying certifications will steer you toward dependable choices. Budget considerations, installation requirements, and maintenance needs should also play a pivotal role in your decision-making process.
By comparing prices among various online retailers, making use of visual tools, and grasping the intricacies of shipping and returns, you can confidently navigate the digital realm to discover the ideal wood look vinyl flooring for your home.
This guide will walk you through the key considerations when shopping for wood look vinyl flooring online, from types and styles to proper installation and care. Read on to learn how to find your perfect vinyl wood flooring.
Benefits of Wood Look Vinyl Flooring
There are many reasons vinyl plank flooring has become a top choice among homeowners and contractors alike. Some benefits of opting for wood look vinyl floors include:
Durability: Vinyl floor planks are designed with a durable wearing layer that resists scratches, scuffs, and indentations from heavy furniture. This makes them ideal for high-traffic areas.
Waterproof: The vinyl material is 100% waterproof, making it a great option for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements. Spills and moisture won’t damage the flooring underneath.
Affordability: Vinyl plank flooring is very competitively priced compared to solid hardwood. It provides the look of real wood for a fraction of the cost.
Easy Installation: Many vinyl plank products feature click-lock systems for fast, simple DIY installation without glue or nails. Most also work well as floating floors.
Low-Maintenance: Vinyl requires no sanding or refinishing over time. Just some simple sweeping and damp mopping is all that’s needed for routine care.
Types of Wood Look Vinyl Flooring
There are a few main classes of vinyl floor planks available:
1. Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVPs)
LVP offers the most realistic wood look and feel. Made of a rigid composite core layered with a protective wear layer, LVPs are the most durable and highest-performing option.
2. Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVTs)
LVTs mimic the look of ceramic tile, natural stone and concrete in vinyl plank form. Easy to install and maintain, LVTs offer style and versatility.
3. Rigid Core Vinyl Planks
Rigid core vinyl planks are similar in construction to LVPs but are generally thinner and don’t have the advanced layering. Still, they offer durability and realistic aesthetics at a lower price point.
Key Considerations When Buying Online
When researching wood look vinyl flooring online, keep the following factors in mind:
Style – Vinyl plank flooring now comes in a vast range of colors, textures, plank widths and finishes. Be sure to choose an aesthetic aligned with your home’s design sensibilities 6.
Quality – Prioritize durability in whatever vinyl flooring you select. Carefully inspect product descriptions and reviews regarding the wear layer, warranty offerings and expected product lifespan.
Brand Reputation – Stick to flooring brands with established, positive reputations. Well-reviewed companies typically produce higher performing and longer-lasting plank products.
Waterproof Rating – Fully waterproof vinyl options offer the best liquid protection, especially for bathrooms and basements.
Underlayment Needs – Determine if and what type of underlayment you need based on the specific vinyl plank product and your home’s subfloor situation.
How to Choose the Right Color and Style
One of the best aspects of wood look vinyl plank flooring is the vast amount of options for colors, plank size, textures and finishes. When selecting a style, consider the following tips:
Complement your interior design style
A farmhouse-inspired home would suit wider, distressed gray wood planks while a contemporary space may look best with narrower, clean-lined warm brown planks.
Match your cabinetry and furnishings
Select vinyl wood flooring in a similar tone and finish to your existing cabinetry or furniture for a cohesive look.
Consider natural light
Dark wood vinyl flooring can appear richer in sun-drenched rooms while light, natural oak vinyl planks add brightness to darker spaces.
Unify adjoining rooms
Maintaining the same flooring color and style between rooms that connect directly, like a kitchen and living room, promotes better flow.
Installation Process
One advantage of vinyl plank flooring is its relative ease of installation. Here is a quick run-through:
- Make sure the subfloor is prepped properly by cleaning, filling any holes or cracks, and ensuring it’s flat and level.
- Most vinyl plank products simply float over the subfloor, interlocking together without nails or glue.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for layout, spacing from walls and transitions from adjoining flooring surfaces.
- Use floor protectors recommended for vinyl plank under any heavy furniture to guard against indentations over time.
Hiring a professional installer is advised for more complex home flooring projects. DIY installation works best for simpler, smaller rooms.
Maintenance and Care
Caring for vinyl wood flooring is refreshingly easy compared to natural hardwood. Follow these basic maintenance practices to keep your floors looking like new:
- Sweep or vacuum loose debris as needed – daily for high-traffic areas.
- Wipe spills immediately to prevent staining risks.
- Damp mop using just water or a manufacturer-approved vinyl floor cleaner. Harsh chemicals may dull or damage floors.
- Avoid using steam cleaners which can warp planks over time.
- Don’t wax or polish floors. Most vinyl plank flooring today has textured surfaces and protective wear layers that don’t require waxing.
By taking simple precautions and proper care, quality vinyl plank flooring can retain its like-new beauty and function for well over a decade.
Conclusion
Finding that perfect wood look vinyl flooring for your home renovation or new construction project is now easier than ever. This extensive guide outlined everything you need to choose durable, beautiful vinyl plank flooring tailored to your unique needs – all from the convenience of shopping online. Be sure to carefully compare types and styles, brands and reviews, and installation factors as you search to discover vinyl flooring that will suit your home beautifully for years of enjoyable use.
FAQs
What is the difference between luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT)?
LVP is designed to mimic the look of hardwood planks, while LVT is designed to mimic the look of ceramic or stone tiles. Both are made of vinyl and are durable, waterproof, and easy to maintain.
Can I install wood look vinyl flooring over my existing flooring?
Yes, you can install wood look vinyl flooring over your existing flooring as long as it is clean, dry, and level. However, it is recommended to remove the existing flooring to ensure a smooth and even surface.
How long does wood look vinyl flooring last?
Wood look vinyl flooring can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance. The lifespan of the flooring depends on various factors such as the quality of the flooring, installation, and maintenance.
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