Vinyl flooring is found in many homes. It’s a suitable flooring material with PVC as one of the main components. However, these days homeowners opt for luxury vinyl flooring, which is stronger and relatively easy to maintain. It comes in three primary types: luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP), luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), and commercial luxury vinyl. This article discusses luxury vinyl planks, their cost, and a few valuable maintenance tips.

What is luxury vinyl plank flooring?
Luxury vinyl planks were first used in the 1930s. They’re made using PVC and other agents and are printed with patterns and colors that resemble a wood floor. Some high-end options look so much like a hardwood floor that you might find it hard to tell the difference. They’re available in the form of multi-ply planks and are thicker and stronger than ordinary vinyl flooring.

How much does luxury vinyl plank flooring cost?
On average, luxury vinyl planks cost about $2.5 to $12 per square foot. But several factors could influence the price, such as:

House location
Depending on where you live, the fees for a contractor to install your vinyl plank flooring would vary. This is because the cost of labor differs from one place to another. The amount could go up further if the materials need to be transported to a remote location.

Installation method
Three types of planks are available: floating, peel-and-stick, and glue-down. Floating planks are installed by clicking them together. It costs about $5 to $7 per square foot. Peel-and-stick planks have an adhesive on the back and can be stuck to the subfloor. Although affordable, you need to ensure the subfloor is leveled. Else you might end up paying more. Glue-down is the cheapest vinyl plank flooring but the most expensive to install. You might be able to install all types by yourself if you’re good at DIY, but an expert is recommended.

Materials used
Luxury vinyl plank flooring can range from cheap to expensive depending on the materials used. Budget ones don’t have sufficient backing and usually have a short lifespan. They might also be available in limited designs and could be prone to scratches. Standard options could last for about ten to 15 years and come in quite a few styles. Then comes the above-average category, which is the most sought-after. Finally, high-end options look exactly like hardwood and are the most expensive. Manufacturers might offer a lifetime warranty on them.

Surface area
The amount of space or area which needs new flooring impacts the total vinyl plank flooring cost. If there are many stairs or corners, the planks need trimming, making the job more expensive.

Flooring style
Woodgrain designs are the most affordable, whereas styles that resemble a solid oak finish or reclaimed wood are the most expensive. Contractors also recommend different flooring layouts and patterns that go with the appearance of your home, and their prices can vary.

Brand
Some brands offer affordable options, whereas others provide several products from cheap to expensive. A few only offer the best and most premium quality flooring options. So, choose the brand that best suits your needs depending on your budget and the factors mentioned above. Don’t forget to check for warranties.

How to maintain vinyl plank floors?
To maintain the appearance of a newly-installed luxury vinyl plank flooring, clean it regularly. Here are a few things to follow every two weeks. If you have pets or small children, you might need to perform these more frequently:

Vacuum
The hard-floor brush tool of a vacuum removes dust, dirt, and debris. Several stick and canister vacuums on the market have soft rubber wheels that don’t damage the floor. Besides vacuuming, you can use a broom, dry mop, or sweeper.

Stain removal
If you notice stains, remove them with a mix of dish soap and lukewarm water. Use a soft bristle brush. Old stains might be difficult to get rid of, so wipe spills as soon as they occur. For difficult stains, use a paste of baking soda. But note that vinyl can get scuffed or scratched, so be gentle. Avoid using powerful chemical cleaners and detergents.

Mop
After removing dirt and stains, mop the floor using a cup of apple cider vinegar or any other white vinegar mixed with a gallon of water. You can also use vinyl plank cleaners available at hardware stores. To avoid stains, dry the floor of excess water using a microfiber cloth.

Although luxury vinyl flooring can be affordable, consider the factors that could affect the price, such as your location, the home’s surface area, and brand. Note that some installation methods take a considerable amount of time, so you cannot access that part of the home. Also, consider the pros and cons before choosing luxury vinyl as the flooring material for your home.