Beauty meets practicality. Our luxury vinyl plank and tile options offer waterproof durability with stunning wood and stone aesthetics — supplied directly from leading manufacturers to our Montana showrooms.
Outside the Flathead Valley? See how remote projects are reviewed and quoted.
Our Selection
Why Choose Us
Visit our showroom or schedule a consultation with our expert team members.
Our Work
Kalispell, MT
Whitefish, MT
Flathead Lake, MT
Our Partners
Outside the Flathead? Ask us about shipping. We can ship flooring and samples to your area, and we'll quote shipping for your territory. In some regions a local distributor partner may be able to get it to you for less.
Outside the Flathead? Ask us about shipping. We can ship flooring and samples to your area, and we'll quote shipping for your territory. In some regions a local distributor partner may be able to get it to you for less.
Core construction, wear layer, and installation method decide whether an LVP floor still looks new after a decade of boots, dogs, and lake-house traffic.
Here is how our showroom team frames the choice.
SPC (stone plastic composite) uses a dense limestone-based core that barely moves with temperature swings — the right call for sunrooms, lake cabins that go unheated, and basements on slab.
WPC (wood plastic composite) has a lighter foamed core that feels warmer and quieter underfoot, which many homeowners prefer in bedrooms and second-floor living areas.
Wear layer is measured in mils, not millimeters, and it determines how the surface holds up to grit, claws, and chair casters.
12 mil suits light residential use, 20 mil is the practical standard for families and pets, and 22–30 mil lines carry light-commercial ratings for rentals, offices, and short-term stays.
Click-lock floats over most flat subfloors and is the most common residential method.
Glue-down is the most dimensionally stable choice for large open runs, heavy rolling loads, and radiant slabs. Loose lay relies on friction and a heavy back, which makes it easy to lift for rentals. We supply the material and the manufacturer's substrate requirements; Northern Lights Design does not perform installation.
A waterproof core protects the plank, but the assembly is only as good as its perimeter expansion gap and the seal at showers and exterior doors.
Most SPC and WPC lines are rated for radiant systems up to roughly 85°F at the floor surface. In cabins that sit cold all winter, choose SPC and follow the manufacturer's acclimation window before the boxes are opened.
A printable PDF on wear layers, SPC and WPC cores, what waterproof claims actually cover, and room-by-room recommendations for kitchens, baths and basements.
Each brand page covers that manufacturer's own rigid-core collections, wear-layer specifications, and care guidance.
Side-by-Side
An honest comparison of the three most-asked-about floor types — so you can pick what fits each room of your home.
| Criterion | Luxury Vinyl (LVP) | Hardwood | Laminate |
|---|---|---|---|
Waterproof rating | 100% waterproof (SPC & WPC core) | Susceptible to warping & cupping | Water-resistant; fiberboard core can swell |
Scratch & dent resistance | 20mil+ wear layer; pet & furniture friendly | Refinishable but shows wear over time | Hard surface; chips at edges |
Look & feel | EIR embossing is highly realistic | Authentic wood — unmatched warmth | Realistic visuals; hollow underfoot |
Radiant heat compatibleLearn more | Most SPC/WPC rated to ~85°F | Engineered hardwood only — solid not recommended | Compatible with most low-temp systems |
Resale value | Strong in practical spaces | Highest long-term ROI | Minimal impact on home value |
Typical price (installed) | $4–$10 / sq ft | $10–$20+ / sq ft | $3–$7 / sq ft |
MaintenanceLearn more | Sweep & damp-mop only | Periodic refinishing required | Easy to clean; avoid standing water |
Warranty coverageLearn more | Lifetime residential on premium lines | 25-year to lifetime finish warranties | Typically 10–25 years residential |
Best for Kitchens
Waterproof core handles spills, dishwasher leaks, and pet bowls without warping — and stands up to dropped cookware better than solid wood or laminate.
Best for Bathrooms
100% waterproof and dimensionally stable in humid environments. Hardwood is not recommended for full baths; laminate's fiberboard core risks swelling at seams.
Best for Basements
Below-grade moisture and temperature swings demand a rigid, waterproof core. Solid hardwood is incompatible with concrete subfloors; laminate is moisture-sensitive.
Tell us what you're considering. Our team will confirm sample availability, price or shipping costs, and next steps.
Prefer to see it in person? in Kalispell or Lakeside.
Visit our showroom to see our full selection or schedule a consultation with our expert team members.
Learn More
Flooring Comparisons
Solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, or luxury vinyl plank? How Flathead Valley humidity swings, substrate, and radiant heat decide the answer — plus refinishing limits and long-term care.
Read articleProject Planning
A room-by-room guide to picking flooring, tile, and countertops that survive Montana boots, snowmelt, and dogs — plus maintenance, repairability, and the manufacturer requirements that keep a warranty intact.
Read articleDesign Trends
What actually makes mountain modern work: a restrained palette, real texture, layered light, an entry built for winter, and flooring, tile, and countertops that agree with each other.
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