Whether you want to update your home's style or put it on the market, it's hard to beat the upfront cost of luxury vinyl floors.

Modern luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and plank (LVP) floors can perfectly match the aesthetics and texture of their natural counterparts.

Here, we'll take a quick look at why luxury vinyl floors are a great investment both now and for the years to come.

Initial cost

With very few exceptions, luxury vinyl floors cost less to manufacture and purchase than their natural counterparts. This is especially true with luxury vinyl tile, which is designed to match the aesthetics of stone flooring. Modern LVT floors can match their natural counterpart so well that they are virtually indistinguishable in terms of both look and feel. The only real difference is price.

Surface resilience

It can vary with each line, but most LVT and LVP floors feature surface treatments that protect against scuffs and scratches. These wear layers help resilient floors maintain their rich aesthetics longer than their natural counterparts. For example, unlike solid hardwood floors, LVP flooring doesn't need to be resurfaced every few years. That beauty is here to last. 

Resilient

Both solid hardwood and ceramic stone floors absorb moisture. Although the absorption rate is low, it is enough to expand the individual planks and tiles over time, eventually leading to structural damage. Most solid hardwood planks (and a few engineered planks) also require an acclimation period after installation.

Hardwood floors can also expand and contract as temperatures and humidity levels change. This often leads to gaps between panels. Over time, it can also cause wood planks to warp or buckle.

Luxury vinyl floors overcome all of these challenges. They are not affected by changes in temperature or humidity levels. They are also good to go right after installation (no acclimation necessary).

Waterproof flooring

Luxury vinyl floors are waterproof. The planks and tiles themselves repel, rather than absorb, moisture. Even better, most LVT and LVP floors also use waterproof installation methods.

This means that your LVF floors can also protect your home against moisture damage. Many traditional solid hardwood floors leave small gaps that allow moisture to seep through. These gaps can expand and contract as weather changes. If moisture, whether from spills, tracked snow or even high humidity levels seep through, it can reach the subfloor. Once there, it provides the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. Low-tier carpet can lead to a similar problem if it does not include a waterproof backing.

Since luxury vinyl floors are waterproof through and through, they can actually help protect your subfloor from mold, mildew and degradation. Over the years, they also provide an extra layer of protection for your home's foundation.



Durability

At this point, it's probably no surprise that luxury vinyl flooring is also durable. The wear layer that protects vinyl floors from scratches also improves its stability. LVP and LVT flooring also feature a layered design to further enhance stability. So, your floors last longer, even in high traffic areas.

Easy maintenance

Luxury vinyl floors are easy and affordable to maintain. Simply sweep a few times per week and mop a few times per month. Cleaning solutions for LVT and LVP are low-cost and typically avoid harsh chemicals. Most LVF floors never require professional cleaning services.

The perfect flooring for active families

Given the resilience, durability and waterproof properties of luxury vinyl, it's easy to see why this just might be the perfect flooring for active families. Most LVP and LVT floors are even rated as pet friendly options.