Lesson No.1: LVP? No such thing.

  Here is this installer's take on the most popular flooring to come along since wall to wall, LVP: There is no such thing. The term "LVP" comes from another resilient flooring known as Luxury Vinyl Tile, although the two have almost nothing in common.

  Luxury Vinyl Tile, usually square tile, is a solid core resilient flooring. Typically constructed in layers consisting of a crushed limestone and poly vinyl chloride body, a picture layer (rotogravure) and a series of wear layers, LVT employs a mechanical bond (it gets glued down). 

  It is reasonable to believe that the confusion of the term stems of the floating click lock vinyl plank being sold beside the glue down vinyl plank in the big box stores. One being the evolution of laminate planks the other of organic linoleum they are now joined forever as family.

 

side note: Over my 25 years working for the big box stores I constantly heard the same rumors: the products that they sold were seconds or end runs or cabin grade. One thing I can assure you is that this is not true. What is true is that if anybody makes a floor covering, they want it sold by the big box stores because they're going to sell a lot of it. What this does is put a lot of pressure on the installation teams because seemingly daily they are given products that nobody has ever even heard of let alone have any experience with and are expected to install it, install it professionally, and WARRANTY it. what this means is that only the absolute best are going to make as installers for Lowes and Home Depot. Many have tried.

What is Rigid Core Flooring?

Attractive, long-lasting, and easy to install, Rigid Core Flooring is a variation in the evolution of the vinyl composition tile (VCT), a resilient floor covering. VCT itself is and evolution of another resilient floor covering known as vinyl asbestos tile, or VAT, which in turn is an evolution of the original true (Organic) linoleum flooring. Rigid core flooring is a type of vinyl tile constructed mostly of rectangles (Planks) in four or five layers, depending on the product. The rectangular shape has given this tile the nickname of plank. Thanks to its textured finish this line of flooring tends to look more like the hardwood it is trying to mimic than its predecessor laminate did, which is why it is also called “luxury” vinyl flooring. Most luxury vinyl “plank” (LVP) flooring sold these days is rigid core flooring. Because the core is an engineered composite, it is known to professionals as engineered vinyl plank (EVP) flooring, or more precisely EVC, “Engineered Vinyl Click". The top wear layer is a scratch-resistant coating. A water-resistant topcoat beneath that protects the vinyl design layer underneath, which can mimic stone, ceramic tile, or wood. The next layer is a rigid composite core of crushed limestone or wood fibers combined with plastic resin. Most products have a water-resistant underlayment as a final layer that provides extra cushion and insulation.

What Kind of Cost?

With a starting point of around $1.50 per square foot EVC/LVP/RCP/RCF is among the more economical choices. The required accessories such as transition strips and edge trim place it in the middle of the pack.

How To Install

If you have installed laminate flooring, you will find EVC  similar. While all laminates require acclimation most EVC  manufacturers do not. The expansion gap requirements for EVC  are less as well. The planks have edge locking mechanisms like laminates that simply click together. The planks only attach to each other (meaning no glue mess) creating a floating floor that can span minor imperfections. Unlike laminates however, all you need to cut EVC  is a utility knife. To cut a plank, simply score it with a knife and snap it across a straight object. You might need a power saw to cut a notch or fit the flooring around a curve. Rigid core flooring with a backing needs no underlayment. It is also important to lay it on a flat surface. Installing any floating floor on concrete may need leveling first. Some installations require ¼ round.

 

Pros and Cons of floating vinyl floor coverings

Like most products EVC has pros and cons:

Pros

  • Design flexibility: Second only to traditional tiles, EVC comes in about every imaginable size, shape, and pattern.
  • Noise reduction and insulation: Products with attached underlayment reduce the noise of footsteps and although slight there is a measurable reduction in heat loss through the floor.
  • 20-to-25-year warranties
  • Easy installation means a good choice for entry level DIY.
  • Suitable for wet areas and below grade. Laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchen as well as basements are good choices.

Cons

  • It has a really hard surface floor covering. Adding a pad underlayment or selecting a product with an attached padding will make for a more comfortable choice.
  • Although warranties can run for up to 25 years, the soft nature of vinyl textures will show signs of wear long before hardwood or ceramic tile.
  • Textured: The surface coating is scratch-resistant, not scratch-proof. Heavy foot traffic, larger dog’s toenails and dining room chairs can make the floor look worn.
  • UV fade: Vinyl flooring must be protected from direct sunlight to prevent the color from fading and washing out.

Philo’s Philosophy

EVC was born and designed to be a DIY product and therefore is amongst the easiest products to install. As the cores get stiffer, and the product gets stronger the skill level increases if only due to the fact that you now need a power saw.