Your Trusted Source for Vinyl Flooring Installation in Aurora, CO & Denver, CO

Is luxury vinyl plank flooring really waterproof?

Most luxury vinyl plank is waterproof or highly water-resistant, which makes it a strong choice for kitchens, basements, and entryways. The key is proper installation. Water can still reach the subfloor through seams and edges over time, so the plank being waterproof is not the same as the whole floor being waterproof.

What is the difference between SPC and WPC vinyl flooring?

SPC has a dense stone and PVC core, so it is more rigid, more dent-resistant, and more stable through temperature swings, which matters in Colorado. WPC has a foamed core, so it feels softer and quieter underfoot and is more forgiving over minor subfloor imperfections. The right one depends on how the room is used.

To learn more, check out our full breakdown on SPC vs. WPC in our Complete LVP Guide.

What is the best LVP for homes with dogs?

Look for a higher wear layer and a strong rigid core for scratch and dent resistance, plus a textured, matte finish that hides marks and gives better traction. Dogs apply pressure through their nails, so product quality matters. Nail trimming and prompt spill cleanup also help, no matter which floor you choose.

How long does luxury vinyl plank flooring last?

Most residential LVP lasts about 10 to 20 years, and quality products with proper subfloor prep often last longer. The biggest factors for how long LVP will last are the wear layer specification, how well the subfloor was prepared, and how the household uses the space day to day.

Does LVP look cheap compared to hardwood?

Older vinyl did but modern mid to upper-tier LVP does not. The differences come down to pattern variation, texture alignment, and plank size. Some premium products are hard to tell apart from real wood without close inspection, though many homeowners still prefer the feel and aging character of genuine hardwood.

Can you install LVP over tile or existing floors?

Sometimes. It depends on how flat and stable the existing surface is. It can work over well-adhered vinyl or stable hardwood, but never over carpet or another floating floor. Installing LVP over an existing floor can save time and cost, but it raises floor height, hides subfloor issues, and can affect the manufacturer warranty.

Is LVP good for basements in Colorado?

Yes. LVP is one of the most common basement hard surface choices because of its moisture resistance. That said, moisture testing and proper preparation are still critical, especially over the concrete slabs common in Aurora and Denver homes, where trapped moisture can cause problems if it is not checked first.

Does vinyl plank flooring fade or expand in sunlight?

It can do both. UV exposure slowly breaks down pigment and darker colors usually fade first. Heat is the bigger short-term concern because a floor in direct sun expands and contracts daily and can peak or pop at the seams. In rooms with strong south or west sun, UV-filtering film, shades, and sun-rated products all help.

Is SPC or WPC better for a basement?

It depends on your home and your needs. SPC might be the safer pick as its dense stone-and-PVC core holds dimension better through the wider temperature swings a below-grade room sees. But WPC still works well in a fully conditioned basement with a flat, moisture-tested slab, and it feels warmer and quieter underfoot over cold concrete.

Do you need an expansion gap for vinyl plank flooring?

Yes, for any floating LVP install you need an expansion gap. The floor grows and shrinks with temperature, and the gap at every wall and fixed object is the room it needs to move. Skipping it is the most common cause of peaked seams and buckling. The gap disappears under baseboards once the job is finished.

Why is my vinyl plank floor buckling or peaking?

The most common cause is a missing or pinched expansion gap, so the floor has nowhere to go when it expands. Direct sun and heat, an uneven subfloor, slab moisture, and cabinets or islands set on top of a floating floor are the other frequent causes. Most of these are preventable at install.

How flat does a subfloor need to be for LVP?

Most manufacturers allow no more than three-sixteenths of an inch of variation across a ten-foot span, and some products are tighter. Staying inside that number is part of warranty compliance which is why Colorado subfloors, especially basement slabs affected by expansive soils, often need grinding or leveling first.

Is LVP a good choice for resale value?

LVP can improve how a home shows and feels to buyers, especially when it replaces worn or dated flooring. High-quality LVP is widely accepted in today's market. It may not carry the same perception as hardwood in higher-end homes, so the right choice depends on your home and your potential buyers.

What thickness of vinyl plank flooring is best?

There is no single answer. Thicker planks generally feel more solid underfoot and can better mask minor subfloor imperfections, but beyond a certain point thickness alone does not equal quality. The wear layer and core construction matter more than overall thickness for how the floor actually performs.

Is luxury vinyl plank toxic or bad for indoor air?

LVP is a plastic-based product made from PVC. Most reputable brands are FloorScore certified for low VOC emissions, which is worth asking about. For some homeowners this is not a concern. For others who prioritize natural materials, real hardwood may be the better fit. It comes down to your priorities.

What is the biggest mistake homeowners make with LVP?

Focusing on the sample and not on the subfloor. The product matters, but how it is installed and what it is installed over matter just as much. Skipping subfloor flatness, moisture testing, or expansion gaps is what causes joints to separate and floors to fail a few years later.