There are many benefits to both types of luxury vinyl flooring. Coretec Plus is an engineered luxury vinyl plank floor that feels just like a real floor. It features a cork underlayment to provide extra give. Not all luxury vinyl flooring has an underlayment, however, so you may have to choose a different type of cushioning to keep your feet comfortable. Some luxury vinyl floors are easy to install over existing surfaces, such as hardwood or tile.
Flexible core luxury vinyl flooring
Rigid core and flexible core luxury vinyl flooring are two types of vinyl floors. While rigid core luxury vinyl flooring is more durable than flexible core, the former is softer. Both types are waterproof and perform well in terms of moisture resistance. For example, flexible core luxury vinyl flooring can withstand rain and snow while rigid core is better at water resistance. Here’s a closer look at these different types. Let’s compare the benefits and drawbacks of each type.
LifeProof is a budget option. Available at The Home Depot, it costs between $2.70 to $4.40 per square foot. LifeProof has fewer designs than NuCore, but the planks are good looking. For more durability and comfort, consider Shaw’s Floorte line. Shaw’s rigid core luxury vinyl flooring costs between $5.70 and $10 per square foot. While it costs slightly more, it is comparable to wood flooring.
Cost
Luxury vinyl and rigid plastic flooring costs vary widely, depending on the area. In many cases, the materials used are MID GRADE. These materials may be more expensive if you want premium materials or use a master craftsman. If you want to get a more accurate estimate, consider getting written quotes from trade professionals in your area. Homewyse strongly recommends hiring reputable professionals to install your new floor.
The cheapest option is glue-down rigid core flooring, which costs as much as $6 per square foot. However, this style is more difficult to install and requires professional installation. Moreover, glueing down rigid core vinyl flooring requires additional adhesive, which drives up the cost. Budget luxury vinyl flooring, on the other hand, costs as little as $1 to $2 per square foot but lacks the backing of high-end flooring and can easily scratch and damage the subfloor.
Durability
Luxury vinyl and rigid vinyl flooring are similar but differ significantly in durability. Luxury vinyl flooring is ultra-thin compared to rigid core vinyl flooring and is typically no thicker than 6mm. Rigid core vinyl floors are waterproof and resistant to wear and tear. This type of flooring also doesn’t show minor subfloor imperfections. Depending on how it’s made and how detailed the design layer is, rigid-core luxury vinyl flooring can last as long as 20 years.
Standard vinyl flooring is a soft product with a low-durability layer and is susceptible to scratches, dents, and tears. Luxury vinyl is more resilient and can be disassembled to replace individual planks. However, the material can fade in direct sunlight and can be scratched or stained. Luxury vinyl flooring can be refinished easily. Luxury vinyl is the perfect choice if your home’s design calls for it.
Fashionability
While traditional luxury vinyl tiles will continue to be popular, you can also find a slew of new patterns and colours on sheet vinyl. In addition to new colours, some planks have fibreglass cores and backing for better durability. Stone and wood-look textures have never looked better. And unlike other flooring types, vinyl sheets are easy to install. You can even design specific rooms around your flooring. You can read a guide to luxury vinyl tile to make the right choice for your home.
Luxury vinyl flooring is best installed on a level subfloor that is flat and smooth. The broader planks will not sit correctly on an uneven floor, so narrower planks are recommended. Luxury vinyl flooring is waterproof, easy to install, and durable. Most vinyl flooring comes with an underlayment essential for an impervious surface. You can even choose to use a combination of luxury vinyl and rigid vinyl flooring in one room.