Expert advice on style, durability, and installation — from your local Seattle flooring specialists
Luxury vinyl plank flooring — often known as LVP — has become one of the most sought-after flooring choices for Seattle and Bellevue homeowners. And it’s easy to see why. LVP mimics the natural beauty of hardwood but is more affordable, highly durable, and easier to maintain. Whether you’re renovating a modern condo in downtown Bellevue or refreshing a classic home in Kirkland, LVP can offer the perfect solution.
But here’s the catch: not all LVP is created equal. The quality, performance, and longevity of your floors will depend heavily on the choices you make before installation.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know to make the right decision — from materials and textures to wear layer thickness and subfloor requirements.
🪵 What Is LVP Flooring, and Why Are Homeowners Choosing It?
Luxury Vinyl Plank is a type of engineered flooring that closely resembles hardwood, yet it’s made from a series of layered synthetic materials topped with a durable, photographic wood finish.
Benefits of LVP include:
- 100% water resistance (great for kitchens and basements)
- High scratch and dent resistance (ideal for homes with pets or kids)
- Stylish options in every wood tone and texture imaginable
- More affordable than hardwood, with faster installation
In our Pacific Northwest climate, LVP is especially popular due to its resistance to seasonal moisture changes and ease of care.
🔍 Types of LVP: What’s Inside Matters
There are 3 main types of LVP cores, and each one affects comfort and performance:
1. SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) Core
- Rigid, stable, ultra-durable
- Excellent for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens
- Feels harder underfoot
2. WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) Core
- Slightly softer and warmer than SPC
- Great sound insulation
- Best for bedrooms and family rooms
3. Traditional (Flexible) LVP
- Budget-friendly but less stable
- Requires perfect subfloor prep
- Not recommended for uneven surfaces
📏 How Thick Should Your LVP Be? (Spoiler: Thicker Is Better)
Total Plank Thickness:
Ranges from 4mm to 8mm+. Thicker planks offer:
- More comfort underfoot
- Better noise absorption
- Higher quality feel
Wear Layer Thickness (This Protects Your Floor):
The wear layer is the top coating that guards against scratches, dents, and stains. It matters a lot.
- 6–12 mil: Basic protection (light residential use)
- 12–20 mil: Ideal for families, pets, and average daily traffic
- 20+ mil: Heavy use, rentals, or commercial spaces
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t go below 12 mil if you’re installing in high-use areas.
🎨 Choosing Your Style: Color, Texture, and Sheen
Today’s LVP floors are incredibly realistic — from grain patterns to hand-scraped textures.
Popular Color Trends in Seattle & Bellevue:
- White oak and natural tones brighten up cloudy days
- Warm browns create a timeless, cozy atmosphere
- Grey or greige offers a clean, modern aesthetic
Texture & Finish:
- Embossed-in-Register (EIR): Matches real wood grain — ultra authentic
- Matte Finish: Hides scratches and smudges better than glossy
- Low-sheen textures: Safer for pets and kids (less slippery)
🧱 Subfloor Requirements: The Most Important Step Before Installing LVP
This is where many DIY jobs go wrong.
LVP must be installed on a clean, dry, and 100% level surface.
Even small bumps or dips can cause:
- Plank separation
- Squeaking sounds
- Early damage or uneven wear
At LUKS Construction, we always inspect and level the subfloor first — whether it’s concrete, plywood, or over old tile.
🧩 Floating vs. Glue-Down Installation: What’s Best for You?
The installation method depends on your space, goals, and subfloor.
<ul”>
- Floating (Click-Lock):
- Most common in homes
- Fast, easy, and mess-free
- Great for above-grade installations
- Glue-Down:
- Best for commercial settings or very large areas
- More stable and permanent
- Requires more prep time
🧼 LVP Maintenance: The Easy Part
Keeping your luxury vinyl floors looking great is simple:
✔ Sweep or vacuum regularly
✔ Use a damp mop with mild pH-neutral cleaner
✔ Add furniture pads to prevent scuffs
✔ Clean up spills quickly
💡 Bonus: Most LVP floors allow plank-by-plank replacement, so repairs are easier than ever.
🏡 Final Thoughts: What’s the Best LVP for Your Home?
The best luxury vinyl plank flooring for your home will depend on:
- Your lifestyle (pets, kids, foot traffic)
- Your style (color, grain, finish)
- The condition of your subfloor
- Your long-term goals (durability vs. budget)
When in doubt, consult a local expert.
At LUKS Construction, we help homeowners across Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and surrounding areas choose the right flooring — and we install it right the first time. We specialize in subfloor prep, custom cuts, and picture-perfect finishes that last.
✅ Request a Free In-Home Estimate Today
📞 Call us at 425-971-2895
🌐 www.luksconstruction.com
📍 Serving Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland & Surrounding Areas
💬 FAQs: Choosing & Installing LVP
Q: Can LVP be installed over tile?
A: Yes — as long as the tile surface is level, clean, and firmly bonded. We may recommend a leveling compound first.
Q: What causes LVP floors to squeak?
A: Typically, an uneven subfloor. That’s why leveling is essential before installation.
Q: Is LVP good for pets?
A: Yes! It’s scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and more forgiving than hardwood.
Q: Can I install LVP myself?
A: Click-lock LVP can be DIY-friendly, but subfloor leveling and clean cuts are best handled by a pro — especially if you want long-term results.
