A Guide to Comparing Vinyl Plank Flooring

Installing vinyl plank flooring is the perfect cost-effective solution that also happens to check off most homeowners’ needs for durability and aesthetics. The only question is how to go about buying vinyl plank flooring. Not all products are created equal and some may be outright ill-suited to the project at hand, no matter how high-quality they are.
To sift through this conundrum and make the buying journey easy for you, we have provided this simple and helpful guide to buying the best vinyl plank flooring.

Quality of Product

Without a doubt, the general quality of the vinyl plank flooring product matters more than any other criteria. By “quality”, we mean how likely it is to hold up under normal wear and tear, including during shipping. Some vinyl flooring products are so cheaply made that even handling the cartons can cause them to become scratched.
Price is not always a great indicator of quality, either. Brands like Vesdura cost the standard $1.99 – $2.19 per sq ft, yet have such a great look that they could fool anyone into thinking they were genuine aged oak planks!
The best way to identify quality vinyl plank flooring products is to do your homework. Look at online reviews and ask builders for their recommendation. ServiceWhale can make consulting contractors easy. Just fill in the project details about your space and request recommendations in the notes section to get their feedback.

Durability

Durability goes hand-in-hand with quality but it also has to do with the intended use of the flooring product. Some of the best brands will have trouble standing up to high-traffic use unless the right type of flooring is purchased.
You can learn about how durable a vinyl plank choice is by looking at its thickness rating. The most durable ones have a wear-resistant, anti-scuff layer made of polyurethane that is at least 10 mils – 20 mils thick, according to the World Floor Covering Association. Some may even be 50 mils thick!
Another key durability feature to look for is to find designs that are inlaid rather than printed. Inlaying embeds the ink and texture deep within the vinyl, ensuring that the pattern will not wear off from the first sign of surface damage.

Cost, Including Maintenance & Warranties

Your budget will naturally dictate what you can afford but you should always take into account the lifetime costs of the product. Many vinyl planks are rated to last 10 years, whereas the thicker ones are expected to last 25 years or more. Installation costs are also a concern, although most click-lock products allow experienced flooring contractors to complete the job fairly quickly.
Finally, take lifespan ratings with a grain of salt unless they are backed by a fair manufacturer warranty. Manufacturers should be willing to stand behind their product and the technology used to make it by guaranteeing against defects for the duration of its rated lifespan.

Get Advice on the Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation Options and Real Quotes from Contractors

ServiceWhale can help you get your tile and have it installed at a competitive price, thanks to our handy price comparison tool. Get quotes and suggestions from real contractors on installing vinyl plank flooring today.