Home flooring opinions

[volclone]

I've been in the flooring business for over 30 years, selling many different materials. There are a couple of considerations that I have not seen addressed.
1) What is the value of your home--especially after your sizeable remodel? Installing vinyl may have some near-term benefits for you, but could cost you thousands when you go to sell. LVT is not viewed as a premium material. Said another way, would you replace Granite/Stone countertops with Formica? If your home value is below say $250k, it probably won't hurt you when you sell. If the value is higher...
2) LVT on stairs is very tricky and if not done right can be a huge safety issue. I do not recommend doing this yourself.
3) At the end of the day, all materials will scratch. The only difference is how easily the scratch and how readily they show scratches. There is no such thing as a scratch-proof floor and no manufacturer will provide a scratch warranty that is real.
4) Be aware, when someone claims the floor (any material) is waterproof, this is misleading. If water is left on a floor long enough, it will eventually get in the subfloor. This can cause a host of problems. Some flooring materials resist moisture, but that doesn't mean they will prevent failure of your floor.

Good luck!

 

[volclone]

One other thing: the advice concerning buying extra material is spot-on. Depending on the size of the installation, you should buy several cartons (2-3 would not be too many). This will help you when it comes to repairs, etc. It sure beats ripping your entire floor out and starting over.

Which brings me to designs being discontinued--it happens all the time. Flooring is a fashion business; tastes change over time. Don't plan on being able to add on to your installation (ie: adding another room) several years in the future. Do it all at one time.

 

[jbhtexas]

We JUST installed LVP in the two living areas, dining room, kitchen, two bedroom hallways & 2nd bathroom. We absolutely love it. Here are a couple pics (the second pic with the blue wall is an area that is still in the process of being decorated).
View attachment 77444

View attachment 77445

Is that Armstrong Luxe Plank? It looks exactly like what we have.

We had the Armstrong installed about 4 years ago. So far it has held up well (and we have crazy cats with claws). I have managed to put in a couple of scratches by dragging really heavy things (like a safe that some how got a metal burr under it). The scratch was not deep at all, but did disturb the finish. It was easy to cover up with furniture marker.

However, we did have an issue initially. There was a section about 40 ft in length that encompassed a hallway and several rooms, where the plank was laid cross-wise. After about 3 months, in the section common with all these areas (about 40 ft x 4 ft) the planks started buckling up at the seams. It was determined that this was due to expansion pressure, as there was no expansion joint. Supposedly, LVP wasn't supposed to have that issue, and the installation instructions didn't mention the need for an expansion joint. The buckling planks were replaced and an expansion joint installed at no cost to us. There have been no further problems. However, the distributor told us that Armstrong refused the claim, so the distrubutor and installer covered the cost.

Also, if you install Armstrong, make sure you use their Once 'n Done to clean the floor. If you don't and you run into a problem, they may attempt to void your warranty for improper cleaner use. When we had the floor installed, the distributor and installing contractor reiterated this to us several times. When the Armstrong rep came to look at the buckling planks, he asked if we were using Once 'n Done to clean the floor, and he asked to see the container. The distributor gave us a heads up that he would be asking for that, so we had the Once 'n Done container ready to show.

 

[kentkel]

Is that Armstrong Luxe Plank? It looks exactly like what we have.

We had the Armstrong installed about 4 years ago. So far it has held up well (and we have crazy cats with claws). I have managed to put in a couple of scratches by dragging really heavy things (like a safe that some how got a metal burr under it). The scratch was not deep at all, but did disturb the finish. It was easy to cover up with furniture marker.

However, we did have an issue initially. There was a section about 40 ft in length that encompassed a hallway and several rooms, where the plank was laid cross-wise. After about 3 months, in the section common with all these areas (about 40 ft x 4 ft) the planks started buckling up at the seams. It was determined that this was due to expansion pressure, as there was no expansion joint. Supposedly, LVP wasn't supposed to have that issue, and the installation instructions didn't mention the need for an expansion joint. The buckling planks were replaced and an expansion joint installed at no cost to us. There have been no further problems. However, the distributor told us that Armstrong refused the claim, so the distrubutor and installer covered the cost.

Also, if you install Armstrong, make sure you use their Once 'n Done to clean the floor. If you don't and you run into a problem, they may attempt to void your warranty for improper cleaner use. When we had the floor installed, the distributor and installing contractor reiterated this to us several times. When the Armstrong rep came to look at the buckling planks, he asked if we were using Once 'n Done to clean the floor, and he asked to see the container. The distributor gave us a heads up that he would be asking for that, so we had the Once 'n Done container ready to show.

Ours is Mohawk. We have had it for a month. So far no issues - but thanks for the heads-up on all of that. We were given a Mohawk dust mop, cleaning cloth & cleaning solution. SO, I will check up on the warranty parameters. I appreciate the info!! Also, glad your problem was solved.

 

[FarminCy]

This thread is perfect timing. In a 10 year old house that the previous owners dog completely ruined hardwood and carpet on main floor. I keep seeing people recommend LVP but I struggle with the concept of vinyl floors. I’ve had good luck with laminate wood in the past.

My main question is are the “water resistant” laminate as durable as LVP. Don’t need waterproof. Im still leaning towards laminate just due to how it feels walking on it and sound below. But I’m starting to really question myself on that and if it even matters.

 

[volclone]

This thread is perfect timing. In a 10 year old house that the previous owners dog completely ruined hardwood and carpet on main floor. I keep seeing people recommend LVP but I struggle with the concept of vinyl floors. I’ve had good luck with laminate wood in the past.

My main question is are the “water resistant” laminate as durable as LVP. Don’t need waterproof. Im still leaning towards laminate just due to how it feels walking on it and sound below. But I’m starting to really question myself on that and if it even matters.

It all comes down to the composition of the wear-layer. Look for laminate floors that have aluminum oxide wear-layers. Aluminum oxide is the hardest substance next to diamonds. This wear-layer and corresponding durability & easy care lead to the explosive growth of laminate floors 20+ years ago. It's proven technology.