Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Cost

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring, a type of advanced vinyl flooring, offers a practical and stylish choice for modern interiors, designed to resemble natural wood or stone. Made from durable polyvinyl chloride (PVC), it features multiple layers, including a realistic photographic layer and a tough wear layer for resistance to scratches and dents, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and homes with pets or children.

Notably water-resistant and often waterproof, LVP is ideal for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms. It’s user-friendly in installation with its click-lock design, making it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts, and demands minimal upkeep — just regular cleaning suffices. LVP’s wide range of styles and its ability to convincingly mimic different natural materials provide both aesthetic appeal and practical advantages, such as durability and low maintenance.

Pros and Cons of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Pros

• Durability: LVP is highly durable and resistant to scratches, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and homes with pets or children.
• Water Resistance: Most LVP flooring is water-resistant or waterproof, perfect for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
• Ease of Maintenance: LVP is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping.

Cons

• Susceptibility to Fading: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause some types of LVP to fade over time.
• Environmental Impact: Although improving, the PVC used in LVP can have environmental impacts during manufacturing and disposal.
• Lesser Resale Value: Compared to natural wood flooring, LVP typically adds less value to a home in terms of resale.

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How Much Does Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Cost?

LVP flooring has emerged as a popular and versatile flooring option for its durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. The average cost of LVP flooring can vary widely depending on factors like brand, quality, design, and features. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2 to $7 per square foot for the material alone.

Installation costs can add an additional $1 to $5 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the project.

Below, we will delve into a selection of well-known LVP brands and their respective cost ranges, providing a clearer picture of the budget you might need to set aside for this type of flooring.

1. Shaw Floorté
   • Cost Range: $2.50 to $5.50 per square foot.
   • Known for: High-quality construction and a wide range of style options.
2. Armstrong Luxe Plank
   • Cost Range: $2.50 to $4.00 per square foot.
   • Known for: Durability and a variety of realistic wood and stone designs.
3. Mannington Adura Max
   • Cost Range: $3.00 to $6.00 per square foot.
   • Known for: Premium designs with excellent soundproofing and comfort features.
4. COREtec Plus
   • Cost Range: $3.80 to $7.00 per square foot.
   • Known for: Their patented core structure that offers enhanced durability and water resistance.
5. LifeProof
   • Cost Range: $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot.
   • Available at: Home Depot.
   • Known for: Being a budget-friendly option with a good balance of quality and cost.
6. Karndean Designflooring
   • Cost Range: $4.00 to $6.00 per square foot.
   • Known for: High-end luxury vinyl with unique, artistic designs.
7. Mohawk SolidTech
   • Cost Range: $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot.
   • Known for: Combining style, durability, and easy maintenance.

These ranges are approximate and can vary based on the specific product line within each brand, the retailer, and regional pricing differences. It’s also important to consider additional costs like underlayment, installation, and any necessary preparation work when budgeting for LVP flooring.

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What Factors Influence the Cost of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Several factors can influence the cost of LVP flooring, making it vary significantly from one product to another. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision when selecting LVP flooring that fits your budget and requirements. Here are the key elements that impact the cost:

• Quality of Material: The composition and quality of the vinyl material greatly affect the price. Higher quality LVP, which often includes thicker layers and superior wear layers, will typically be more expensive but offers better durability and longevity.
• Thickness and Wear Layer: The thickness of the plank and the wear layer play a crucial role in determining cost. Thicker planks and a thicker wear layer generally indicate better quality and durability, leading to a higher price.
• Design and Aesthetics: The cost can also vary based on the complexity and realism of the design. Advanced printing and texturing techniques that create more realistic and attractive designs can increase the price.
• Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often charge more due to their established reputation for quality and reliability. However, this higher cost can sometimes translate to better warranties and customer service.
• Waterproof and Additional Features: LVP flooring with special features like enhanced waterproofing, scratch resistance, or added cushioning can cost more than basic options.
• Installation Requirements: The cost of installation can vary depending on whether the LVP is designed for easy, DIY-friendly installation or requires professional fitting. The need for additional materials like underlayment or adhesives can also affect the overall cost.
• Size and Shape of the Area: The total area where the flooring will be installed impacts the cost. Larger areas require more material and potentially more complex installation efforts, increasing the overall expense.
• Geographical Location: Prices can vary by region due to differences in labor costs, availability of materials, and transportation costs.
• Retailer or Supplier: Where you purchase your LVP flooring can influence the price. Big-box retailers might offer competitive pricing due to bulk buying, whereas specialty flooring stores might offer higher-end, more expensive options.
• Eco-Friendly and Health Features: LVP that boasts eco-friendly manufacturing processes or healthier, low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions can come with a higher price tag due to the specialized production methods required.

By considering these factors, you can better understand the pricing of different LVP options and choose a product that offers the best balance of cost, quality, and features to meet your specific needs.

Can You Save Money by Installing Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Yourself?

One of the appealing aspects of LVP is its DIY-friendly nature. Many LVP products come with a click-lock mechanism that simplifies the installation process, allowing homeowners to fit the planks together easily without the need for professional tools or extensive flooring experience.

By undertaking the installation yourself, you can significantly reduce costs associated with labor, which can be a substantial part of the overall flooring project budget. However, it’s important to be aware of the project’s demands, including preparation of the subfloor, accurate measuring and cutting, and potential challenges unique to your space.

While DIY installation can be more cost-effective, it requires careful planning, a bit of skill, and a willingness to invest your time to ensure a successful and visually appealing outcome.

On the other hand, there are considerable benefits to using a professional for installing LVP flooring. Professionals bring expertise and experience that ensure the installation is done efficiently and correctly, potentially avoiding costly mistakes that can occur with DIY projects. They have the right tools and knowledge to handle complex aspects of installation, such as uneven subfloors, intricate cutting for tight spaces, and proper alignment, which are crucial for the longevity and appearance of the flooring.

Furthermore, professional installation often comes with warranties or guarantees, providing you with peace of mind and protection against future issues. While the upfront cost might be higher when hiring a professional, the long-term value they provide in terms of quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal can be a worthwhile investment, especially in high-traffic areas or large-scale projects where precision is key.

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Finding Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Installers

LVP flooring is generally straightforward to install, especially with its click-lock design, proper installation is key to ensure its functionality and longevity. Before deciding on a contractor, it’s advisable to obtain three to four quotes to find both a trustworthy professional and the best price for your project.

To aid in your search for the right installer, you can explore flooring contractors in our directory. Alternatively, you can use Modernize to simplify your search, as we can connect you with up to four experienced pros in your area.

If you’re considering different flooring options, feel free to read our guide on various flooring types or visit our main page on home improvement projects for flooring. There, you can learn about top flooring brands, peruse our buying guide, and gather more valuable information.