Understanding the different types of Luxury Vinyl Tile

Luxury vinyl plank is an easy way to get a wood look without the maintenance and wear and tear of hardwood flooring. Hardwood flooring is not an option for most people with small children and pets. In the 80s, we had laminate or "Pergo" floors. Another alternative was engineered wood, but now we have LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank). There are a few main variations you will hear about: LVP, LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile), SPC, and WPC. But what is the difference, and how will it contribute to your home project?

Luxury Vinyl plank is either water-resistant or waterproof—and there is a difference. (The cheaper options are often water-resistant rather than waterproof.) You are more likely to find cheaper versions and knock-offs in big box stores, so don’t be fooled! Quality is usually characterized by the wear layer. A general rule of thumb is to go with a 20-mil wear layer. Big box stores will sell 6- and 12-mil wear layers without hesitation, but those are few and far between at independent retailers. Independent retailers deal directly with the customer and pride themselves on quality, so they want to ensure you have a floor that lasts without complaints.

LVP is easy to work with and has many color options, making it easy to match whatever look you are going for. It is also easy to clean and waterproof; those two characteristics go hand in hand. Laminate, for instance, is water-resistant rather than waterproof, so you would not want to put laminate or real wood in a kitchen or bathroom. Toilets leak, tubs overflow, and dishwashers break. Standing water will damage a porous surface such as laminate or wood. Vinyl composition flooring will not do that because it is 100% waterproof.

Vinyl plank flooring comes in many different versions, such as SPC, which stands for Stone Polymer Composite. The main content of an SPC core is natural stone powder, polyvinyl chloride, and a stabilizer, which, combined by a certain formula, provides a very stable composite material. It is an upgrade and improvement to regular LVT or LVP. Basically, SPC has a core made of stone, while standard vinyl planks are made of layers of polyurethane and PVC composite (plastic). Stone is more sustainable than plastic. SPC can have a wood or stone look and is the most durable option.

WPC (Wood Polymer Composite) is another variation of luxury vinyl flooring. A WPC vinyl is manufactured with a wood-plastic composite backing instead of a solid PVC backing. The engineered backing combines recycled wood pulp and plastic composites to form a bond of strength and stability. This is then topped with a standard vinyl top layer. It is also easy to clean and very durable.

Glue-Down vs. Floating Floors Another important distinction in vinyl flooring is how it’s installed. While SPC and WPC are typically "floating" floors that use a click-and-lock system, traditional LVP and LVT can also be glued directly to the subfloor. Glue-down vinyl is incredibly stable and is the go-to choice for large open areas, commercial spaces, or homes with heavy rolling loads (like wheelchairs or heavy furniture). One of the biggest advantages of a glue-down floor is that if a single plank gets damaged, you can easily heat it up, pull it out, and glue a new one in without having to take apart the whole room.

Cleaning LVP, LVT, SPC, and WPC

Once you’ve installed your luxury vinyl plank, you’ll want to keep them looking fresh and clean. While LVP floors are easy to maintain, it’s important to understand how to properly clean them to preserve their durability. Whether you’re looking for advice on how to handle regular cleanings or what to do if you notice scuff marks, this guide will walk you through the important information on how to clean your resilient floors.

While vinegar is a common ingredient in many homemade floor cleaners, it shouldn’t be used on certain household surfaces because it can cause damage. Fortunately, luxury vinyl flooring isn’t one of those surfaces. The acidity in the vinegar can remove grime and dirt without leaving behind buildup and residue like soap can. Just make sure you don’t use full-strength vinegar to clean your floors. It can dull the finish, and you have no way of polishing vinyl flooring to bring back the shine.

To make a homemade floor cleaner using vinegar, simply mix a cup of apple cider vinegar with a gallon of water. You can then use a damp mop to clean your floor. Be sure to frequently rinse your mop with hot water while you’re cleaning. If you’re looking to disinfect and clean your floors at the same time, you can use white vinegar instead.

If your floors are especially grimy, add a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap to your mixture before you mop them. Lastly, if you’re looking to add a little shine to your floors, a few drops of baby oil in the water and vinegar cleaning solution will do the trick.