Key Questions to Ask When Ordering Wholesale Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring has quickly become one of the most popular flooring choices for modern homes, rental properties, and commercial interiors—and it’s easy to see why. This innovative flooring solution is not only waterproof and highly durable, but also flexible and comfortable underfoot. Thanks to today’s advanced printing and manufacturing technology, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is available in an impressive range of high-definition styles, including realistic wood-look planks and natural stone finishes that rival traditional materials in both appearance and texture.

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But as with any design choice, not all vinyl plank flooring is created equal. From core construction to wear layers and finish details, the quality and performance of LVP can vary widely between products. That’s why it’s important to understand the differences before you buy. With so many options on the market, having a clear guide to choosing the best luxury vinyl flooring for your space ensures your investment looks great and lasts for years to come.

Standard Vinyl Flooring vs. Luxury Vinyl Planks: What’s the Difference?

While both standard vinyl flooring and luxury vinyl planks (LVP) fall under the vinyl flooring category, they differ significantly in construction, appearance, and performance. Traditional vinyl flooring has been around for decades, often found in sheet or tile form. It's known for being budget-friendly and available in a wide range of colors and basic patterns. However, it typically has a thinner profile, a lower wear layer, and a less realistic appearance compared to modern luxury vinyl options.

Luxury vinyl plank flooring, on the other hand, is a major upgrade in both design and durability. LVP is made from multiple layers, including a rigid or semi-rigid core and a thick wear layer that provides enhanced resistance to scratches, stains, and everyday wear and tear. This makes it a better fit for high-traffic areas, homes with pets, or spaces where water resistance is essential, like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

In terms of aesthetics, LVP outshines standard vinyl flooring by offering hyper-realistic designs that closely mimic natural hardwood, stone, and even ceramic tile. Advanced printing technologies allow for deeper textures, richer color variation, and more detailed grain patterns. Many luxury vinyl planks even include embossed or hand-scraped textures, making them nearly indistinguishable from the real materials they replicate.

When deciding between standard vinyl and LVP, consider the long-term benefits of luxury vinyl plank flooring, particularly in terms of durability, visual appeal, and overall value. As a design choice, LVP offers a premium look and feel without the high cost or maintenance of other types of flooring, such as natural wood or stone.

Types of Applied Finish

LVP comes with various finish types, which are coatings applied on top of the wear layer. These finishes protect the wear layer, add shine, and improve the color and pattern. There are three types of finishes available.

• No-wax finishes are best for areas with a low amount of foot traffic or exposure to dirt.
• Urethane finishes are appropriate for the average amount of foot traffic and activity. They are resistant to scratches and scuffs from shoes. They make vinyl flooring care and maintenance a breeze.
• Enhanced urethane finishes are the top-tier option, delivering a durable high-gloss appearance that endures longer than other finishes. They are ideal for high-traffic areas, such as commercial spaces, providing superior protection against scratches, stains, wear, and various damages.

Surface Texture

XL Cyrus Akadia Luxury Vinyl Planks

Many types of luxury vinyl plank flooring have a textured surface. The texture contributes to the authenticity of the premium surface it is re-creating, such as wood. A wood-look vinyl plank will have a wood-grain texture, which makes it look much more believable than a plain, flat surface. Textured surfaces also provide a degree of slip-resistance, which is so important in areas such as bathrooms.

Wear Layer Thickness

The wear layer thickness is a key factor. It is the thickest layer in LVP flooring and accounts for most of its cost. LVP comes in various wear layer thicknesses, from 4 mil to 40 mil, equivalent to 0.1 to 1 millimeter. Generally, a thicker wear layer indicates higher quality and increased durability, leading to a longer-lasting floor.

Pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations for the wear layer. As a rule of thumb, 8 mil is a good choice for a residential area with moderate traffic. For commercial use, a wear layer with a minimum thickness of 20 mil is recommended.

Waterproof Flooring Solutions

Avery Ash Hybrid Rigid Core Flooring

LVP is waterproof, which is one of the greatest benefits of luxury vinyl flooring. Liquid won’t penetrate the surface and damage the flooring, although it could potentially leak between cracks. A waterproof underlayment can solve that problem. If your home tends to have trouble with excess humidity, luxury vinyl plank flooring is a great flooring solution for every room in your house.

Underlayment

Underlayment is not always necessary. One of the benefits of LVP is that it can be installed directly over the subfloor because it has some type of underlayment built in. However, there are situations where an underlayment is preferable. It helps to reduce room noises, can improve its waterproof properties, and decreases the “popping” sound that occurs when the LVP is installed on an uneven subfloor or one that has not been cleared of debris.

Glue-Down vs. Floating LVP Flooring

Wilmot Twilight Oak Luxury Vinyl Planks

LVP flooring is available in two types, glue-down and floating. Both types of flooring have many of the same advantages. They are 100% waterproof, are available in many different colors and patterns that emulate natural stone or wood, and are easy to maintain. So, how do you decide when to use each?

Floating vinyl flooring, also known as Rigid Core LVP, doesn't require adhesive. Instead, it features a locking system that allows each piece to snap into a groove on the next, making installation straightforward. This type of flooring is a popular DIY choice because it installs quickly and provides better noise absorption than glue-down planks. Additionally, it's suitable for uneven subfloors since it requires minimal prep work. However, since it isn't glued to the subfloor, it can be damaged by moving furniture or heavy foot traffic.

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Glue-Down LVP flooring is permanently attached to the subfloor with an adhesive. Because of this, the subfloor must be perfectly level and free of debris, making installation more complicated. It generally withstands heavy foot traffic better, which is why it’s a popular choice for commercial flooring.You can find many different sizes, shapes, textures, patterns, and colors available. While this might seem to offer endless options, you can narrow it down by considering your needs and preferences. Whatever you choose, your LVP floor will be beautiful, durable, and easy to maintain for many years.

You can find many different sizes, shapes, textures, patterns, and colors on the market. While this may seem to present an endless array of choices, when you consider your own needs and preferences, you’ll be able to narrow it down a bit. No matter what you choose, your LVP floor is going to be beautiful, durable, and easy-care for many years.

One of the reasons luxury vinyl flooring is so popular is that it can be installed in nearly any indoor space, regardless of what's already on the floors. You could get started today and be done in just a few days – and with professional, polished results. If that sounds attractive to you, read Luxury Vinyl installation best practices for optimal results.

Check out this luxury vinyl flooring pricing guide to learn more about costs. And here are some options on where to buy Luxury Vinyl Planks. And for personalized assistance, chat with us online now, contact an MSI authorized retailer, or visit an MSI showroom.

More on Vinyl Flooring

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) has exploded in popularity over the past decade thanks to its budget-friendly price and do-it-yourself installation. Yet even seasoned remodelers have lingering questions. Below you’ll find straightforward, fact-based answers to the ten queries we hear most often at AdvantageLumber.com.

1. What is LVP flooring?

LVP is a rigid, click-together plank flooring that mimics the look of hardwood. Each plank is a multi-layer composite built around a core of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or an upgraded stone-plastic composite (SPC). Finished planks lock together without nails or glue, forming a “floating” floor over most flat sub-surfaces.

2. What does LVP stand for?

Luxury Vinyl Plank. “Luxury” signals a more durable wear layer with more realistic visuals than early sheet-vinyl products, while “Plank” refers to the rectangular board format that resembles wood flooring.

3. What is LVP flooring made of?

Typical anatomy (top-to-bottom):

Color repeat happens every 4-8 boards, so keen eyes may spot identical patterns—one reason many luxury builders still prefer authentic hardwood.

4. Is LVP flooring toxic?

Modern LVP must pass strict U.S. emissions standards (FloorScore®, CARB II) for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). That said, it is still a PVC product, which depends on petroleum-derived plasticizers and may off-gas more than natural materials. If you’re chemically sensitive, request third-party certification sheets before purchasing.

The Dangers of LVP: Fire Risks and Health Concerns

Beyond its aesthetic and imported shortcomings, LVP poses significant safety risks due to its PVC composition. PVC is a petroleum-based plastic that, when exposed to fire, releases toxic smoke and chemicals, increasing the dangers of a house fire. Here’s why this matters:

• Fire and Smoke Risks of PVC-Based LVP:
  • When PVC burns, it produces dense, toxic smoke containing hydrogen chloride gas and dioxins, both of which are highly dangerous to human health. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke inhalation is the leading cause of fire-related deaths, accounting for 50–80% of fatalities in residential fires. Adding PVC-based products like LVP flooring to your home increases the volume of toxic smoke in a fire, heightening the risk of incapacitation or death before flames even reach occupants.
  • The U.S. Fire Administration reports that approximately 3,500 civilian fire deaths occur annually in the U.S., with smoke inhalation being a primary factor. Studies from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) show that burning plastics, including PVC, release smoke that reduces visibility and contains carcinogens, making escape more difficult.
• Health Impacts of PVC Smoke:
  • Hydrogen chloride gas from burning PVC can cause severe respiratory irritation, leading to choking or unconsciousness. Dioxins, a byproduct of PVC combustion, are classified as persistent organic pollutants and are linked to long-term health issues, including cancer and immune system damage. Even low levels of exposure during a fire can have lasting effects.
  • In a study by the International Association of Fire Fighters, synthetic materials like PVC were identified as increasing the toxicity of fire environments, posing risks not only to homeowners but also to firefighters.
• Comparison to Hardwood:
  • Hardwood flooring, while not fireproof, burns more predictably and produces less toxic smoke than PVC. Wood chars slowly, creating a barrier that can slow fire spread, and its smoke primarily consists of carbon dioxide and water vapor, which are less immediately harmful than PVC’s chemical byproducts. Choosing hardwood over LVP reduces the health risks associated with a potential fire.
• Additional PVC Concerns:
  • Even without a fire, LVP can pose health risks. Off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from PVC flooring has been linked to indoor air quality issues, potentially causing respiratory irritation or headaches, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. While modern LVP products may meet VOC emissions standards, the long-term effects of living with synthetic materials are still under study.

5. How to clean LVP flooring?

1. Dust-mop or vacuum (hard-floor setting) daily to remove grit.
2. Damp-mop weekly with a pH-neutral vinyl cleaner.
3. Wipe spills promptly—standing water can seep through plank gaps.
4. Avoid abrasives like scrub pads and powdered cleansers.

6. Can you use a steam mop on LVP?

Most manufacturers prohibit steam mops. Heat and pressurized moisture can soften seams, compromise click joints, and void the warranty. Stick with a microfiber damp-mop instead.

7. How long does LVP flooring last?

Expect 10–20 years in a typical household—shorter with thinner wear layers, longer (up to 30) with commercial-grade 20-mil wear layers and proper care. Compare this to solid hardwood flooring, which can be refinished multiple times and often lasts 50-plus years.

8. Is LVP flooring waterproof?

Planks themselves are impervious to water, but the floating-floor system isn’t a sealed bathtub. Water can seep between joints and reach the subfloor. For kitchens, baths, or basements, follow manufacturer guidelines for seam sealer, perimeter caulking, and moisture-barrier underlayment.

9. How thick is LVP flooring?

Overall thickness ranges 3 mm to 8 mm (≈ 1/8- to 5/16-inch). More important than total thickness is the wear-layer thickness:

10. How do you repair LVP flooring?

For isolated damage:

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1. Warm the plank gently with a heat gun to soften the click lock.
2. Remove the damaged board by disengaging its edges or cutting and pulling out the center.
3. Snap-in a matching replacement plank.
4. If damage is widespread—deep scratches, UV fade—it’s often simpler (and cheaper) to replace the entire floor.

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