Luxury Vinyl Guide
Best Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring: A Buyer's Guide
The best luxury vinyl plank is the one built for your room, not the one with the biggest number on the box. Wear layer, core and thickness each do a different job.
We carry luxury vinyl plank from Shaw, TRUCOR, Hallmark and Raintree, among others, and can compare specifications side by side at our showrooms.
Wear layer: protection for the surface
The wear layer is the clear top layer, measured in mils. It protects the printed design from scratches and scuffs. Light-use rooms need less; kitchens, entries, pets and rentals benefit from a thicker wear layer. Commercial use calls for products rated for it.
Core: SPC vs WPC
SPC (stone plastic composite) cores are dense and rigid, and resist dents and temperature-related movement. WPC (wood plastic composite) cores are generally softer and quieter underfoot. Both are common in rigid-core LVP.
Thickness is not the same as wear layer
Overall thickness affects feel and how well the plank bridges small subfloor dips. It does not tell you how well the surface resists wear; check the wear layer separately.
Attached pad, edges and texture
An attached pad can soften sound and feel; check whether extra underlayment is allowed. Beveled edges make planks look more like wood. Embossed or textured surfaces hide scratches better.
Read the warranty and installation guide
Water claims, sun exposure, temperature limits and approved rooms vary by product. Seasonal cabins and sunrooms need extra attention. We work with any installer you choose, and we're happy to recommend installers we know.
Best Luxury Vinyl Plank FAQ
What wear layer should I choose for LVP?
Thicker wear layers suit busier rooms, pets and rentals. Compare the wear layer and warranty for each product.
Is SPC or WPC better?
SPC is denser and more dent resistant; WPC is softer and quieter underfoot. Choose based on the room and how it is used.
Is thicker LVP better?
Thicker planks can feel more solid, but surface durability comes from the wear layer, not overall thickness.
Which LVP brands do you carry?
We carry Shaw, TRUCOR, Hallmark and Raintree, among others. See luxury vinyl plank flooring.
Is LVP good for a cabin that freezes in winter?
Some products allow unheated spaces and some do not. Check the product's temperature limits. See cabin and lake-home flooring.
Request a quote
Tell us about your project and our team will follow up with a written materials quote.
See it in our Kalispell and Lakeside showrooms
Compare these materials side by side in person and take samples home to check in your own light.