What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?

Vinyl plank flooring is among the most resilient and attractive flooring on the market! Vinyl is known for its eye-catching natural wood and stone looks and benefits, like scratch resistance and waterproof capabilities, compared to actual wood or stone. 

Flooring contractors choose vinyl plank flooring in commercial and residential applications for the timeless and inviting touch it brings. Our selection of vinyl planks comes in several natural wood textures that can mimic the traditional farm-style aesthetic and more. 

Whether you’re a business owner, a house flipper, or simply looking to upgrade your home, vinyl plank flooring gives the perfect combination of style and versatility.

Vinyl Plank Flooring at a Glance

Customer Favorite Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl Plank Types

To find the perfect type of vinyl flooring, you must start with the core! Although many vinyl planks may look similar, the construction impacts the longevity of your flooring. Consider the traffic and locations of your flooring before looking at designs. 

WPC Vinyl Plank Flooring

Wood-plastic composite (WPC) vinyl plank flooring is a popular choice for 100% waterproof flooring. WPC flooring comes in an array of ultra-durable plank sizes and trending color variations. For moisture-prone areas of the home, like the kitchen or bathroom, we recommend this vinyl plank flooring for its reliability and high-quality wood looks. 

SPC Vinyl Plank Flooring

Stone-plastic composite (SPC) vinyl plank flooring is a rigid core luxury vinyl option that can withstand the toughest of settings. Its dense, sturdy core works well in high traffic areas, making it understandably the most popular choice for commercial use. High-traffic areas like the basement, kitchen, and bathroom all can benefit from SPC vinyl flooring. 

Many of our SPC vinyl planks are easy to install, thanks to the popular interlocking tongue and groove system. 

LVP Flooring

Luxury vinyl planks, otherwise known as LVP, offer high-quality visuals and character to any home or business. One thing to note about LVP is that they are not all 100% waterproof but rather highly water-resistant. This vinyl option is an excellent flooring for areas that don’t need as much coverage mitigating moisture. 

Layers of Vinyl Plank Flooring

Luxury vinyl planks, otherwise known as LVP, offer high-quality visuals and character to any home or business. One thing to note about LVP is that they are not all 100% waterproof but rather highly water-resistant. This vinyl option is an excellent flooring for areas that don’t need as much coverage mitigating moisture. 

Vinyl plank flooring is typically comprised of four layers; however, this can vary between products. Note: WPC and SPC vinyl plank flooring have a unique makeup, including a 100% waterproof core. Learn more.

• Backing layer: The backing layer gives the vinyl plank majority of its support and is considered the backbone of vinyl flooring.
• Solid vinyl core: The vinyl core accounts for the majority of each plank. It aids in resisting moisture and mildew and gives your flooring an ultra-durable design.
• Printed vinyl layer: This is the vinyl layer everyone loves. The gorgeous imagery of stone, wood, and decorative looks are possible with the latest vinyl advancements. You’ll get nearly identical grains and textures to natural alternatives.
• Wear layer: Your vinyl planks wouldn’t be complete without a protective wear layer. The wear layer prevents scratches, dents, and moisture from seeping into the material and the subfloor. The rule of thumb – the thicker the wear layer, the better!

Vinyl Plank Flooring: Thickness and Wear Layers

Even the highest quality vinyl floor needs protection. The wear layer acts as a protective coating on top of the printed design to ensure your flooring will look great for years to come. 

The thinner the wear layer, the more susceptible your flooring is to wearing down faster. For a low to medium traffic area, thinner wear layers are adequate. For increased durability in commercial settings, the higher the wear layer, the better the long-term results. 

Here is the range of wear layer thicknesses and the traffic recommendations for each. 

• 6MIL to 10MIL: Recommended for low-foot traffic residential applications.
• 12 MIL: Ideal for residential spaces and light commercial applications. This wear layer is fantastic for those looking for a moderately thick yet affordable option.
• 20 MIL+: The thickest wear layers on the market. Works well for both residential and commercial and can withstand the toughest of high-traffic environments.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Features

One of the best things about vinyl plank flooring is the additional features. Below are just a few reasons vinyl plank flooring could be your perfect match.

Waterproof Vinyl Planks

This is by far the most talked-about vinyl plank feature. With a 100% waterproof design, your vinyl flooring will stay resilient and moisture-free in areas like the kitchen, basement, or bathroom. With waterproof planks, you’ll spend less time worrying about permanent stains. A quick mop-over will make your floors just like new. 

USA Made Vinyl Planks

Love USA-made items? We have a selection of vinyl planks made and shipping right here in the USA. Made with the highest quality materials and ethical manufacturing, you’re guaranteed quality flooring that’s built to last. 

Attached Underlay

Underlayments are essential for every type of flooring. Underlayments provide stability and ensure an even application over the subfloor. The majority of our vinyl planks come with an attached underlayment, which makes it an easy plus.

Trending Vinyl Plank Flooring Looks

Functionality is key. It’s essential to consider both the appearance and performance of your vinyl planks in your intended environment. Rest easy knowing the majority of our vinyl plank flooring come with multiple features and attractive styles! 

Wood-Look Vinyl Plank Flooring

The most popular vinyl flooring style is wood-look vinyl planks. Thanks to manufacturing advancements, vinyl planks look incredibly similar to natural hardwood flooring. 

To get the most realistic feel and look, we recommend our embossed in register vinyl plank flooring. The visuals and wood grain patterns will give the perfect combination of warmth and charm to your space, with the added durability of vinyl. 

Stone-Look Vinyl Plank Flooring

Want beautiful, elegant stone looks in your home without the significant expense of natural stone? Stone-look vinyl planks are an equally beautiful, budget-friendly, and versatile option to elevate your bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and more. You’ll find various stone options to meet your aesthetic and several textures to enhance the underfoot experience. 

Decorative Vinyl Plank Flooring

Fun, vibrant flooring is possible with vinyl planks! Our selection of decorative looks will steal the show in any home and make an excellent choice for those who seek something adventurous. 

Oversized Vinyl Plank Flooring

 Looking for the traditional farmhouse-style vinyl planks or complimentary flooring that goes well anywhere? Elongated vinyl planks can make your space appear larger and less busy. Oversized planks can be a strategic option for small spaces and those looking to cover a large room effortlessly. Planks sizes over 5” wide are considered oversized. For an ample oversized look, we recommend vinyl planks with a width of 6” to 9” 

How to Install Vinyl Plank Flooring

Generally, vinyl plank flooring is DIY-friendly. We’ve included detailed installation instructions to give you a closer look at what to expect. *For the best results, consult the manufacturer’s recommended installation for your vinyl planks. 

Peel and Stick

Lovers of DIY installations enjoy this vinyl plank installation the most. Peel and stick vinyl is one of the easiest to install and equally as easy to remove. To install, remove the backing of the plank and stick the underside directly to your subfloor, and you’re done! 

Loose Lay

No adhesives or interlocks are necessary for loose lay vinyl plank flooring. You’ll find the gripped backing to be sufficient to keep your vinyl planks attached to your subfloor, and better yet – they’re easy to remove when needed. 

This application is not recommended for high-traffic areas but can be achieved through gluing down the perimeter or taping the vinyl planks down. 

Interlocking / Floating

1. Begin installation by removing any dirt and debris from the subfloor.
2. Take the tongue side of a vinyl plank and face it to the wall.
3. After completing the initial plank, press the second plank’s end seam into the first plank’s end seam. Lock the vinyl planks together by pressing them firmly downward. Continue working left to right.
4. Install the first plank in the second row and insert the tongue into the plank’s groove in the first row.
5. Next, insert the second plank of the second row. When the top surfaces meet, rotate the plank down into a locked position. If challenging to connect, use a rubber mallet where needed.
6. Continue to install planks. Remove any gaps between planks by tapping a block over the vinyl surface, and careful not to damage the tongue and groove system.
7. Installation is complete. For a finished look, install wall molding or transition strips to protect exposed edges.

 Tip: For easier installation, insert planks at an angle before carefully interlocking them into the other. 

Glue Down

For high-traffic environments, you will need the toughest hold for your vinyl planks. The sturdiest, most permanent solution involves adhesive, so we recommend testing different layout variations before deciding your final choice of installation. 

• Begin by removing any dirt, debris, or particles from the subfloor.
• When installing vinyl planks, start installation in the left corner of the room.
• Spread an even layer of manufacturer-approved flooring adhesive on the subfloor.* Gently press the planks downward onto the floor. Once one row is complete, begin the next row. *If excess adhesive comes up between the gap of planks, remove it quickly.
• After room installation is complete, allow 48 to 72 hours for your floors to set before using.

 *Confirm manufacturer product specifications, as not all adhesives will work for the vinyl plank glue-down method. 

How to Maintain Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring is easy to clean. For regular maintenance, we recommend sweeping with a soft bristle broom and vacuuming to get rid of the everyday dirt and debris. 

For deep cleaning, a damp mop is a perfect solution to wipe away lingering stains and food particles. Remember to use cleaning solutions free of harsh chemicals and avoid steam mops unless recommended by the manufacturer. 

*Check manufacturer product specifications for maintenance recommendations.

Which Vinyl Planks Will You Choose?

Whether you’re ready to shop our selection of vinyl planks or want to explore our free samples, we’re here to help! We can guide you to the perfect flooring.