Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Buying Guide

LVP has become the most popular flooring category in North America. Learn about wear layers, core types, installation methods, and how to avoid common mistakes.

What is LVP?

Luxury Vinyl Plank is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product with a photographic layer that mimics wood, stone, or tile. Modern LVP is 100% waterproof, dimensionally stable, and available in a wide range of realistic designs. It's suitable for every room in the house, including bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Wear Layer Thickness

The wear layer is the clear protective top coat measured in mils (1 mil = 0.001"). Residential use: 6–12 mil. Light commercial: 12–20 mil. Heavy commercial: 20–28 mil. For most homes, 12 mil is the sweet spot. Thicker wear layers resist scratches, dents, and staining better and extend the floor's lifespan significantly.

Core Types

WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) cores are softer underfoot and better at hiding subfloor imperfections. SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) cores are denser, more rigid, and more dimensionally stable under temperature swings — ideal for areas with radiant heat or extreme climate variation. SPC is generally preferred for commercial applications.

Total Thickness

LVP ranges from 4mm to 12mm total thickness. Thicker products (8mm+) feel more substantial underfoot and better mask minor subfloor irregularities. Thinner products (4–6mm) are lighter and easier to install but require a flatter subfloor. Always check the manufacturer's subfloor flatness tolerance before purchasing.

Installation

Most LVP uses a floating click-lock installation that can go directly over existing hard flooring (within height limits). Glue-down LVP is available for commercial applications requiring a more permanent bond. Always leave a ¼" expansion gap around the perimeter. Subfloor must be flat within 3/16" over 10 feet.

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