Quick Answer
What is luxury vinyl plank?
Short Answer
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a multi-layer waterproof flooring with a printed wood-look top layer, protective wear layer, and rigid core. Modern LVP is dimensionally stable, scratch-resistant, 100% waterproof, and installed via click-lock floating planks — making it the fastest-growing flooring category in Kelowna in 2026.
How LVP is built (layers, top to bottom)
- Wear layer — clear urethane coating; thickness measured in mils (12, 20, 22 mil common). Determines scratch resistance.
- Print layer — high-resolution photo of wood, stone, or pattern.
- Core — SPC (stone polymer composite, rigid) or WPC (wood plastic composite, slightly softer).
- Underlayment — attached IXPE or cork foam for sound dampening.
SPC vs WPC vs traditional flexible LVP
- SPC (stone polymer composite): rigid, dimensionally stable, best for full-home and high-traffic. Most modern installs.
- WPC (wood plastic composite): slightly softer underfoot, higher cost, good for residential.
- Flexible LVP (glue-down): thin commercial-grade product; rare in residential.
Why LVP fits Kelowna homes
- Dimensionally stable across the Okanagan's hot dry summers and freezing winters.
- 100% waterproof — perfect for kitchens, baths, basements, lake homes.
- Click-lock floating install over almost any subfloor.
- Wood and stone visuals at a fraction of hardwood/tile cost.
- Same-day walk-on after install.
FAQ
Related Questions
Is luxury vinyl plank the same as vinyl flooring?+
Luxury vinyl plank is a category of vinyl flooring — specifically the rigid-core, click-lock, plank-format product. 'Vinyl flooring' is a broader term that includes sheet vinyl, vinyl tile, and traditional flexible LVP.
How long does LVP last?+
Quality SPC luxury vinyl plank lasts 20–25 years in residential use. Commercial wear-layer (22-mil+) products can last 25+ years in light commercial settings.
Is LVP toxic?+
Modern reputable brands (Mohawk, TORLYS, Opus, Twelve Oaks) use FloorScore-certified low-VOC products. Avoid no-name imports without certification.
Can LVP be refinished?+
No — once the wear layer is damaged, individual planks are replaced rather than refinished.
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