What luxury vinyl plank is
LVP planks have a rigid or flexible core, a high-resolution wood-look image layer and a clear wear layer on top. Rigid-core products, often called SPC or WPC, are stiffer, hide minor subfloor imperfections better and click together as a floating floor. Many include an attached underlayment.
The wear layer is what resists scratches and scuffs. Thicker wear layers are generally recommended for busy households and pets.
Where LVP makes the most sense
Because the planks themselves are waterproof, LVP is a practical choice for rooms where wood is at risk:
- Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and mudrooms
- Finished basements
- Homes with dogs, cats and young children
- Rental properties and high-traffic areas
- Waterfront and second homes where humidity is hard to control
Our LVP installation process
LVP is only as flat as the floor beneath it, so subfloor preparation is the most important step. We remove the old flooring, check for flatness, level low spots and test concrete for moisture. Planks are then laid out to balance the room, installed with proper expansion space, and finished with matching transitions and trim.
Maryland considerations
LVP is not affected by humidity the way wood is, which makes it reliable in basements and in homes near the water. It should still be installed in climate-controlled spaces, since extreme temperature swings can cause any floating floor to move. Waterproof planks do not stop water from getting under the floor at the edges, so leaks should still be dried out quickly.
Care and maintenance
Sweep or vacuum regularly and clean with a damp mop and a cleaner made for vinyl. Use felt pads under furniture and avoid rubber-backed mats, which can discolor some vinyl surfaces.
Common questions
- Is LVP waterproof?
- The planks themselves are waterproof, so spills and pet accidents will not damage them. Water that gets underneath the floor from leaks or flooding still needs to be dried out.
- Is LVP good for pets?
- Yes. LVP is one of the most pet-friendly floors because it is waterproof and scratch-resistant. A thicker wear layer adds protection.
- Can LVP go in a basement?
- Yes. Rigid-core LVP is one of the most common basement floors. We test the concrete for moisture and check flatness first.
- LVP or hardwood: which should I choose?
- Hardwood offers real wood that can be refinished and tends to add long-term value. LVP is waterproof, easier to maintain and better suited to wet areas and busy pet households. Many homes use both in different rooms.
Related services
Further reading and nearby areas
Where we work
Prospect Hardwood Flooring of Maryland is based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and serves communities across the state, including Annapolis, Severna Park, Arnold and Gaithersburg, plus the rest of Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties.
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