Buying Guide: Shop for Rigid Vinyl Plank

What to Look for When You Shop Rigid Vinyl Plank Flooring

When it comes to superior sturdy flooring options, rigid vinyl planks might be the best option for someone who wants it all—toughness, comfort, and style. A rigid vinyl floor upgrade is also excellent for when you have a busy space with kids, pets, or heavy exercise equipment.

But how do you know which rigid vinyl boards are suitable for different areas of your home? There are things to consider when you're looking at rigid vinyl plank.

 

 

What is Rigid Vinyl Plank?

You may think of a rigid vinyl plank (RVP) as a superior type of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) but with a "rigid" core. The flooring is made from an attachment of luxury vinyl to a rigid plank using innovative technology to flawlessly replicate authentic wood-look and stone-look at an affordable price.

These vinyl planks are “rigid” because their stone-plastic composite core (SPC) gives them extra rigidity and resilience, which sets them apart from other traditional vinyl floorings. SPC aside, the rigid vinyl flooring has up to five layers, including a top wear-layer urethane coating, for improved dent and scuff resistance, making it suitable for pets and busy homes.

 

 

Why Buy Rigid Vinyl Plank Flooring?

With so many flooring options available, there are features and benefits across the board. Consider buying rigid vinyl flooring for several reasons, including its low maintenance, style, stability, and more.

Low maintenance

Rigid vinyl floors are great if you’re seeking low-maintenance flooring. Generally, dirt and stains will simply require sweeping or mopping thanks to the top layer that protects against everyday wear. This type of low-maintenance floor is great for busy families that don't have time to maintain floors that require frequent cleaning.

Superior Stability

Plus, if your home experiences a lot of foot traffic from children and pets, the SPC core layer makes it less pliable and super sturdy. Securely laid, it can be more forgiving on less-than-perfect subfloors.

Style and Aesthetics

Functionality aside, rigid vinyl planks offer timeless aesthetics and many décor options. Our CoreLuxe rigid vinyl collection features beautiful textures, graining, and finishes that give your home the best of wood-effect flooring, modern stone look, or elegant marble floors. They also come in vibrant rich browns, white, or gray tone variations to bring a rustic, classic, or contemporary charm to your home.

 

 

What to Consider When Buying Rigid Vinyl Planks for Your Space

Engineered rigid vinyl planks contain a stone polymer core which gives them enhanced sturdiness. If you’re looking for a floor with superior stability in our rigid vinyl collection, then the CoreLuxe Ultra is an excellent choice. It has a stone polymer core and the thickest vinyl plank for improved dent resistance in the high-traffic areas of your home, or rooms with heavy-duty gym equipment such as treadmills.

Rigid vinyl planks also work well for large open spaces that let in a lot of light. The basic component of this vinyl flooring type—the limestone core—can withstand a surface temperature of about 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which gives your floors the resilience to last longer without warping under UV rays.

You’ll also want to consider bathrooms and kitchen spaces when buying rigid vinyl flooring as they’re waterproof and less susceptible to humidity. However, you must keep in mind the size and openness of your bathroom floor—does it include a shower or a bathtub, or is it a half bath? This will ensure you get the right size boards for easier cutting and installation, which is somewhat dependent on layout.

 

Installation Considerations

Rigid vinyl planks have a floating floor installation method. This means that they apply over the subfloor without any glue or adhesive tape, and use an easy-click installation system that streamlines the installation on any level of your home.

 

 

Where and How to Install Rigid Vinyl Plank

Although CoreLuxe vinyl flooring has a premium grade attached pad on most of our floors, we still recommend using underlayment. This is a thin strip made from foam, hardboard, or poly sheeting to minimize sound, serve as a moisture barrier, and provide comfort underfoot. They’re installed over concrete substrates—between your subfloor and the flooring surface—helping your rigid vinyl planks lay evenly. However, for the best results, install rigid vinyl plank on a clean, flat, and dry subfloor surface.

Additionally, you can install rigid vinyl planks on any home grade, with some suitable for installation over hydronic radiant heating systems. We recommend consulting with a heating provider as regards the best practices and installation methods for this flooring type.

It also does not require acclimation when installing rigid vinyl plank in residential areas of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. But you may have to bring the planks up to room temperature before installation. This is great when you need to quickly replace flooring. You can also install rigid vinyl plank flooring in homes with a temperature range of 65 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, making it great for seasonal homes.

 

Maintenance

Regarding maintenance, avoid aggressive cleaning products or cleaners that contain wax or oil, as this may damage the topcoat. Instead, we recommend using a well-wrung, slightly moist mop or cloth with a compatible floor cleaner. This should remove stains as soon as possible from your rigid vinyl plank.

With proper and regular maintenance, rigid vinyl plank flooring can last you decades. Explore our CoreLuxe rigid vinyl plank collection at LLFlooring.com, or visit the closest store to you.