Luxury Vinyl Plank & Tile

What luxury vinyl plank and tile are

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are multi-layer resilient floors built to reproduce the look of wood or stone. Each board or tile combines a stable core, a printed design layer and a clear protective wear layer on top. Many products use a rigid core for added firmness underfoot, and some are made as a homogeneous vinyl composition tile where the colour and pattern run through the full thickness, so the finish holds up as the floor ages. Planks and tiles come in a range of widths and lengths, with square tiles commonly around 12 by 12 inches. The core is water-resistant, and many lines are fully waterproof.

Wear layers and everyday durability

The wear layer is the clear surface that shields the printed design from scratches, scuffs and daily wear. A thicker wear layer generally stands up to more traffic, which is why heavier-duty options suit busy households, entryways and light commercial spaces such as shops, offices and schools. Because the surface resists scratching and staining, luxury vinyl is a practical choice for homes with pets and children.

Click-lock and glue-down installation

Luxury vinyl is installed in two main ways. Click-lock (floating) planks and tiles snap together over an underlayment without being fixed to the subfloor, which makes for a fast, clean install. Glue-down products are bonded directly to the subfloor for a firmer feel that works well in large or high-traffic areas. Either way, the subfloor needs to be smooth, sound and level. Luxury vinyl can be laid on approved above-grade, on-grade and below-grade floors, and over some existing smooth resilient flooring that has no foam layer. We check moisture and prepare the subfloor before installation.

Where luxury vinyl works well

Because the core resists water, luxury vinyl suits below-grade and moisture-prone rooms where solid hardwood is not ideal, including basements, kitchens, laundry rooms, mudrooms and sunrooms. It is equally at home in living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms, and it handles the wear of hallways and other high-traffic zones in both residential and commercial settings.

How it compares to other floors

Compared with laminate, luxury vinyl generally tolerates moisture better, which is why it is a common pick for basements and wet areas. Against engineered hardwood, it trades a genuine wood surface for stronger water and scratch resistance and a lower-maintenance finish. Next to ceramic or porcelain tile, it feels warmer and softer underfoot and is quicker to install. The right choice depends on the room, the traffic and the look you are after, which is where seeing samples in your own space helps.

Caring for luxury vinyl

Day-to-day upkeep is straightforward. Sweep or vacuum to remove grit, then clean with a damp mop and a mild, low-alkali cleaner. Wipe up spills when they happen, fit felt pads under furniture legs, and place mats at entrances to catch grit and moisture. With simple, regular care, a luxury vinyl floor keeps its finish for years.

Rigid core types: SPC and WPC

Many luxury vinyl planks and tiles are built on a rigid core, and the two common types differ in what the core is made from:

• SPC (stone plastic composite): a dense, stone-based core that feels firm underfoot and stays stable over minor subfloor imperfections.
• WPC (wood plastic composite): a lighter, wood-based core that carries a bit more give and a slightly warmer feel.

Both are water-resistant and suit floating installs. SPC tends to be thinner and harder, while WPC feels a touch softer to stand on. Which one fits depends on your subfloor, the room and how the floor feels when you try a sample in the space.

Comfort, sound and underfloor heating

Luxury vinyl feels warmer and gives a little more than tile or stone, so it is easier to stand on for long stretches in kitchens and work areas. An underlayment, where the product allows one, can soften footsteps and reduce the sound that carries to rooms below, which helps in apartments and on upper floors. Many luxury vinyl lines are also rated for use over hydronic or electric underfloor heating, provided the floor temperature stays within the range the manufacturer sets. We confirm compatibility and set a steady, gradual warm-up before and after installation.