It may surprise you to learn that luxury vinyl tile and
luxury vinyl plank flooring products are not all made the same. When you’re shopping around and come across a great deal on some luxury vinyl flooring, beware of the compromises made to allow the price to be so low!
Homeowners or designers are interested in luxury vinyl flooring for a number of reasons, all of which can be compromised with sub-standard and low-quality products. Poorly manufactured luxury vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) have become widely available on the flooring market recently and are increasingly hard to detect. Many people are drawn to these sub-standard flooring options, so it’s important to learn how to detect quality flooring before making an investment in your own project.
More Obvious Differences in Vinyl Flooring
Some of the differences between luxury vinyl flooring will be obvious upon first glance, and others require a little bit more research and knowledge. Off-gassing, for example (which is what it’s called if the vinyl flooring gives off strong and/or toxic odours) can cause serious health issues and is something only present in sub-standard vinyl flooring. That said, you should be able to pick up on the unpleasant odour in the store and avoid the product immediately without any issues. Also, beware that the flooring will likely always give off an unpleasant odour, despite how much it is aired out, so don’t be tempted by the price! Another difference in the quality of LVP or LVT flooring that should be relatively easy to assess is a poor quality finish. This will give the flooring a greasy appearance or cause it to uneven in colour. Make sure you assess the entire piece of vinyl you are purchasing for consistency in colour and also to make sure that each piece isn’t patterned exactly the same (variety in pattern lends to a more natural look).
Subtle Differences in Vinyl Flooring
When it comes to luxury vinyl flooring, there are also differences between different products that are subtle and even some that may not show until after installation, unless you know what to look for. These differences may potentially include a thin wear-layer that will allow the vinyl flooring to be easily scratched and damaged. Make sure you read all of the product information before purchasing anything, and look for something with a proven durability rating. Additionally, many people choose luxury vinyl panel or luxury vinyl tile flooring because of its ease of installation. With sub-standard vinyl flooring they find themselves disappointed when struggling with the installation. This could be for a number of reasons, such as poor joint locking systems or a lack of balancing layers. All of these things will lend to a sloppy looking finish to your flooring project and make you regret taking the bargain priced product after installation.
What To Look For
Knowing what to avoid is important, but knowing what to look for is even more important. When you are seeking out the perfect luxury vinyl flooring for your project keep in mind that, typically, larger manufacturers invest more into their quality control to ensure that their brand is protected. Another valuable warning is to stay away from places that do not install what they sell, this could be because it’s a difficult product to install, or because it’s a discount store that focuses on the lowest priced product as opposed to quality.
All of that said, it is important to do your research and head out with a specific idea in mind with what you are looking for. Each project will have different requirements and, although you should be wary of a bargain, not all cheaper products are sub-standard. If you are having trouble choosing the right vinyl flooring, the team at
The Floor Shop can help you today. Give our office a call to schedule an appointment or simply stop by one of our showrooms and see what we have to offer.
