Luxury Vinyl Flooring Buying Guide

With a range of elements to consider when purchasing flooring, it can be difficult to know what’s right for you and your space. Whether you're renovating your home or simply looking to refresh your floors, luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) offers a durable, stylish and cost-effective solution. Read on to discover the benefits of LVF, the differences between various options available and gain valuable insights that will help you to help you make an informed decision for your next interior design project.

Luxury vinyl flooring is a premium synthetic flooring alternative that perfectly replicates the visual appeal of flooring materials like real wood or stone. It is known for its outstanding durability, resilience and water resistance – perfect for high-traffic areas or rooms that are prone to moisture.

LVF is available in a variety of colours, installation types and styles, primarily in planks, tiles and unique patterns like herringbone, making it a popular flooring option for many homeowners and interior designers.

Although LVF provides style without sacrificing on functionality and comfort, there are some factors to consider before buying this flooring. With these in mind, you will increase the longevity and appearance of your LVF for years. 

One of the main advantages of luxury vinyl flooring is its durability. The wear layer (the topmost layer of the flooring that experiences the brunt of everyday wear and tear) is a key factor in deciding how long a floor will last. Vinyl flooring with a thicker wear layer, is more likely to provide higher resistance to damage when compared to thinner alternatives. For areas with high foot traffic, such as a living room or kitchen, we would advise a wear layer of at least 20mm.

LVF offers great flexibility when it comes to methods of installation to suit your personal needs. The first option is glue-down vinyl which offers a stable, more permanent installation, making it perfect for commercial spaces with high usage because it involves attaching the flooring directly to the subfloor with adhesive.

Alternatively, the click-lock and rigid click-lock installation involves interlocking planks or tiles and doesn’t require any adhesives, making it the preferred option if you’re fitting the flooring yourself.

Although vinyl can be installed over concrete, plywood or an existing vinyl flooring, it’s important to make sure the subfloor is level, clean and smooth. If there are any surface flaws before installation, it could eventually lead to issues like loose tiles or uneven flooring. 

As previously mentioned, it’s important to consider how the room will be used. For busy areas like kitchens and bathrooms, we recommend vinyl with a high wear layer and water resistance, such as the LX Hausys vinyl flooring. If you have pets or children, we recommend that you choose flooring that gives increased scratch resistance, such as the Quick-Step Livyn Balance vinyl. 

Aside from its practical qualities, luxury vinyl flooring is also highly sought after due to its visual versatility, including a wide range of popular colours and styles to complement any interior aesthetic. 

The fine grain patterns, realistic textures and rich colours give it a remarkably realistic appearance. Whether you're looking for a warm oak timber look, a cool stone finish or anything else, LVF has been expertly designed to perfectly replicate these styles. 

Although nothing can completely compare to the natural beauty of real wood or stone, a quality vinyl flooring can offer a more practical alternative substitute. Compared to their natural equivalents, LVF is easier to maintain and has higher wear resistance, making it a great option for commercial settings and busy homes. 

Natural wood and stone floors need to be frequently sealed and are more susceptible to damage caused by moisture and heavy foot traffic. LVF can also provide the luxurious appeal of materials like marble, slate and hardwood at a fraction of the price. Overall, vinyl flooring is a cost-effective method to get a luxurious look without going over budget.

Vinyl styles - Now more than ever, homeowners are able to create unique flooring styles, such as wood effects and stone, due to the advanced design technology within luxury vinyl flooring.

Big and bold - Wider planks and darker colours are popular design trends for vinyl flooring to give it a more modern appearance. At Wood2U, the Malmo Wide Plank Linus flooring is the perfect option for this modern trend.

Traditional patterns - As always, the herringbone pattern is still a popular choice due to its classic, elegant appearance.

Rustic aesthetic - Rustic and weathered finishes are also appealing because they offer a desirable blend of comfort and luxury. The Quick-Step Livyn Balance Oak Dark Grey flooring perfectly complements the rustic feel with a modern style.

Much like any quality flooring, luxury vinyl flooring will last longer and look better with regular cleaning and maintenance. Simply remove dust and debris with regular sweeping to help to prevent scratches on the surface of the flooring. Using a damp mop and a mild cleaner that is designed especially for vinyl flooring will give the best results for a deeper clean. 

Tip: Avoid using scrubbers or cleansers with abrasive chemicals as this could damage the wear layer.

To further prevent your flooring from scratches, consider using rugs and floor protectors under furniture and in high traffic areas like hallways. For furniture that may be moved often, like dining chairs, felt pads or rubber floor protectors can be added to the legs. 

Tip: Try not to drag heavy furniture where possible to reduce the risk of scratching the flooring.

Prolonged direct exposure to the sun can cause vinyl to lose its vibrancy over time. You can help to prevent this by using window coverings, like blinds, curtains or UV-protective window coatings, to block or filter sunlight.

By following these simple maintenance and protection practices, you can ensure that your luxury vinyl flooring remains a beautiful and durable part of any space for many years to come.

Design, thickness and overall quality can have a significant impact on how much you might expect to pay for your flooring. Naturally, vinyl options with realistic designs and a thicker wear layer will be more expensive. However, a higher quality option can lead to substantial long-term savings. This being said, a cost-efficient option can still provide good durability and visual appeal, making it a worthwhile option for anyone on a tight budget. 

At Wood2U, we recognise the value of meeting the various needs and financial constraints of our customers. As a result, we provide a wide selection of luxury vinyl flooring at various price points. From specially selected brands like Explora, Quick-Step, Kronostep and more, our flooring experts can help you choose products that not only meets your aesthetic and practical needs, but also fits inside your price range without sacrificing quality. 

When choosing your flooring, it’s important to consider the additional costs, as well as the flooring itself. There may be additional costs to prepare the subfloor, installation and any other additional accessories like underlay and adhesives.

By understanding these cost factors and budgeting wisely, you can make an informed decision and get the best value for your money when purchasing LVF.

Before deciding on installation, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of DIY installation versus hiring professionals. 

Advantages: 

• Cost-effective: You can save on labour costs by installing vinyl yourself. 
• Flexibility: You have the freedom to work at your own pace and schedule.

Considerations: 

• Time-consuming: The process can be laborious and lengthy, particularly if you’re not experienced with floor installation.
• Risk of errors: A lack of professional expertise may lead to mistakes, which can be costly to fix. 

Advantages: 

• Expertise: Professionals have the necessary experience and skills to ensure a flawless installation.
• Efficiency: Professionals can complete the task swiftly and efficiently, saving you time.

Considerations: 

• Cost: The service of professionals comes at a cost which is an additional expense to consider.

If you decide to install your vinyl flooring yourself, here are some general steps to guide you:

1. Prepare the subfloor: Ensure it is clean, flat and dry.
2. Measure and plan: Accurately measure your room and plan the layout of your flooring.
3. Cut the pieces: Using a utility knife, cut your flooring to fit your room dimensions.
4. Fit the flooring: Starting from one corner, lay or glue the pieces according to your plan, ensuring they fit together securely.

Tip: Always follow the manufacturer's specific installation instructions for your selected luxury vinyl.

Depending on whether you're installing your flooring yourself or hiring a professional, you'll need some additional products:

• Underlay: This goes beneath your flooring and provides a layer of cushioning, noise reduction and protection against moisture.
• Tools: A utility knife for cutting the pieces and a tape measure for accurate measurements.
• Accessories: Transition strips for where your vinyl meets other floors and adhesive (this may not always be necessary if the flooring already has an adhesive backing).

Remember: A successful installation doesn't just depend on the quality of your luxury vinyl flooring, but also the quality of your installation process and products.

We hope that our comprehensive buying guide has given you a better understanding of what there is to know about luxury vinyl flooring – from understanding its benefits, cost factors, maintenance and installation methods. Remember, choosing the right flooring can drastically improve any space, whether it be in your home or business by offering the ideal balance of functionality and aesthetic. 

Explore our extensive selection of vinyl flooring today to find the ideal balance of functionality and aesthetic design for the interior of your dreams. For more help and advice on which LVF is right for you, contact our team of experts today, we’re always happy to help.