A review of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), with pros and cons
If you’re in the market for new floors, then you’ve probably come across luxury vinyl plank. At Florida Design Works, we’ve seen a significant growth in the use of luxury vinyl in both commercial and residential spaces. Luxury vinyl is a great all-around material; it not only looks great but also holds up well and doesn’t break the bank.
In this guide, we’re sharing our luxury vinyl plank review: pros and cons and why so many Florida homeowners are choosing LVP. We’ll help you understand when to use it, how our team can assist you in choosing the right one, and why it works.
What is luxury vinyl plank flooring?
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is a stylish, reliable alternative to hardwood flooring. It checks all the boxes. It’s beautiful, durable, easy to maintain, and has a layering system that adds a bit of comfort underfoot. LVP has a scratch-resistant top layer and a durable core, making it great for high-traffic and commercial areas.
The biggest perk of using LVP is its versatile design options. Whether you want a lighter neutral color or something a bit darker and dramatic, there’s an LVP option for you. It’s also waterproof or highly water-resistant, making it ideal for moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, and even basements. LVP is an excellent choice for any space.
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The pros of luxury vinyl plank flooring
Luxury vinyl plank flooring has become a go-to choice for homeowners, and it’s easy to see why. Built to last up to 20 years, LVP is resistant to scratches, dents, and water damage, making it an excellent option for busy homes. You can also often get a warranty when purchasing LVP. Another plus is its easy installation, with click-locks and floating systems, making LVP a DIY-friendly option. Although LVP isn’t real wood, thanks to today’s technology, the designs look incredibly realistic, but with a more affordable price tag.
Beyond looks and durability, LVP is super low-maintenance; just a little bit of sweeping and mopping does the job. It’s also softer and warmer underfoot compared to traditional hardwood or tile, which adds an extra layer of comfort. Whether you’re remodeling a single room or redoing your whole home, LVP offers a stylish, practical solution.
The cons of luxury vinyl plank flooring
Luxury vinyl planking can be a great choice, but it comes with a few things to think about. It won’t last forever; most vinyl planking lasts between 15 and 20 years, and since they can be refinished, like real wood, you have to replace them entirely. Because of this, LVP isn’t the most eco-friendly material; depending on the brand, some LVPs aren’t recyclable. So, if sustainability matters to you, look for brands that are upfront about their environmental impact.
Another thing to keep in mind is resale value. Hardwood still reigns supreme in many markets and can boost your home’s value more than LVP. Installation also matters; a smooth subfloor is a must, or you risk imperfections showing through. And finally, if your space gets a lot of direct sunlight, fading could be an issue. UV-resistant options or some light-blocking window treatments can help you avoid that.
To help you decide if Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring is right for your space, we’ve put together a quick infographic highlighting its biggest strengths and a few things to keep in mind before you commit.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring
Pros & Cons
Pros
Durable (15–20 years lifespan)- Scratch & water resistant
- Easy DIY installation
- Low maintenance
- Realistic wood look at a lower cost
- Softer & warmer underfoot
- Ideal for high-traffic or wet areas
Cons
Not as eco-friendly- Cannot be refinished
- May fade in direct sunlight
- Resale value lower than hardwood
- Requires smooth subfloor
LVP combines the beauty of wood with practical durability, making it a smart flooring solution for families, businesses, and remodels.
When is luxury vinyl plank the right choice?
LVP is an ideal flooring solution for areas that see a lot of foot traffic and need to stand up to everyday wear and tear. It’s a smart choice for families with kids or pets, and it works just as well in commercial settings like retail stores or office spaces. If you’re remodeling and looking for something that combines style and performance, LVP is a great choice.
Where Florida Design Works comes in
At Florida Design Works, we carry a curated selection of luxury vinyl plank flooring from MSI Everlife. All of our products are handpicked to stand up to Florida’s climate and your day-to-day life. These floors are tough, stylish, and low-maintenance. Whether you’re a homeowner with a specific vision, a builder working on a new space, or a designer tackling a remodel, we’ve got the right options to fit your needs.
With showrooms located throughout Florida, you can stop by to explore materials in person and get a feel for what works best in your space. Our experienced team is here to walk you through the entire process, from product selection to professional installation.
Explore Florida Design Works LVP collections
Final thoughts: Is LVP right for your project?
Luxury Vinyl flooring checks a lot of boxes; it’s durable, cost-effective, and stylish. Sure, it might not last as long as real wood, but for families and businesses looking for outstanding performance, LVP is a top pick. Whether you’re remodeling on a budget or just need something that works with your lifestyle, LVP is worth a closer look. Visit a Florida Design Works showroom to browse your options and get expert help turning your vision into a reality.
Written by Florida Design Works, who learned during 58 years of experience that the best projects happen when people get honest guidance from the start and materials that won’t let them down.
Photo credit: MSI Everlife
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring FAQ
Is luxury vinyl plank flooring completely waterproof?
Yes, high-quality luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring features a synthetic construction that is 100% waterproof from top to bottom. Unlike natural hardwood, LVP will not warp, swell, buckle, or crack when exposed to moisture. This makes it an exceptional choice for humidity-prone Florida environments and areas typically unsafe for wood, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and pool entryways.
How long does luxury vinyl plank flooring last?
Most residential-grade luxury vinyl plank flooring lasts between 15 and 20 years, depending on the thickness of its wear layer and daily foot traffic. To maximize the lifespan of your floors in high-traffic homes or commercial spaces, look for commercial-grade LVP options featuring a thick wear layer (20 mil or higher), which provides maximum resistance against scratches, scuffs, and dents.
Does luxury vinyl plank flooring increase home resale value?
While LVP is highly attractive to modern homebuyers due to its stunning realism and low-maintenance care, it generally does not increase a home’s appraisal value to the same degree as solid, structural hardwood. However, if you are replacing old, stained carpet or damaged sheet vinyl, upgrading to a premium LVP collection will dramatically boost your home’s visual appeal, marketability, and speed of sale.
Can LVP be installed directly over existing floors?
LVP can often be installed as a “floating floor” directly over flat, hard existing surfaces like ceramic tile, concrete, or old sheet vinyl, provided the surface is structurally sound. However, a smooth, level subfloor is absolutely vital. If your existing floor has deep grout lines, dips, or structural imperfections, those flaws can eventually telegraph (show through) to the surface of your new vinyl planks or damage the click-lock joints.
Where can I buy luxury vinyl plank flooring in Florida?
You can view, touch, and test a premium selection of durable, water-resistant luxury vinyl plank collections by visiting Florida Design Works. We proudly showcase top-performing lines—like the heavily requested MSI Everlife series—engineered to handle Florida’s active, sandy, and humid lifestyle. Stop by our regional design showrooms and fabrication centers located across the state in Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami.