What Does LVP Flooring Look Like?
Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring, or LVP for short, is rapidly becoming a popular choice in hard flooring. Its realistic appearance, compared to more expensive and functionally limited options like solid and engineered wood flooring, makes it a standout choice. For those new to LVP, its realistic appearance is often a pleasant surprise. This guide will show you exactly how LVP can enhance your space.
What Is LVP, Precisely?
Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring is composed of multiple synthetic layers, creating a product that closely resembles real hardwood. The topmost layer is a transparent, protective ‘wear layer, followed by the ‘design layer’. It’s the design layer that gives LVP its realistic appearance, mimicking the colour and natural characteristics of wood, including knot, sap and grain variations. Beneath the design layer lies the core, providing structural integrity, typically made from PVC, WPC, or SPC. The final layer is the backing, made from PVC and cork, which protects against moisture and adds bulk.
What Does LVP Flooring Look Like?
LVP flooring mimics plank-style flooring, characterised by long floorboards with medium or wide widths, as opposed to Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), which is shorter and designed to resemble natural stone and marble. LVP’s design layer allows for a broader range of colours and shades, from bold, dark blacks to light, vibrant whites. Many collections closely replicate natural hardwood in its raw state.
Does LVP Flooring Look Artificial?
A common query from potential buyers is whether LVP flooring looks artificial compared to solid and engineered wood. The truth is, with quality LVP, the design layer is crafted so well that it’s challenging to distinguish it from real wood. Manufacturers often print variations in knots, sap, and other natural wood characteristics across different planks, enhancing its authentic appearance.