After living with our new floors for a couple of weeks, I’m sharing the pros and cons of choosing Luxury Vinyl Plank floors.
If you missed the beginning of the flooring saga and why we had to replace our engineered hardwood, I wrote about picking new flooring earlier. Replacing the floors this summer wasn’t planned, but now that it’s done, I have thoughts—and a few surprises.
When we moved in seven years ago, the house had reddish-brown engineered hardwood that had weathered badly. It was scratched, sun-faded and long overdue for an update, so “replace floors” remained on my to-do list for years. I hadn’t researched flooring options in advance, so when the time came I spent several hectic weeks visiting stores and talking to pros to decide quickly.
I originally expected to choose engineered hardwood again, but luxury vinyl plank (LVP) caught my attention. The idea of waterproof, kid-proof and low-maintenance floors appealed to me—especially with a water-loving four-year-old in the house who treats our kitchen like a science lab.
We had the floors installed and lived on them for a couple of weeks before I wrote this review, so here are the real-world pros and cons after daily use.
What is Luxury Vinyl Plank?
Luxury Vinyl Plank, commonly called LVP, is an engineered vinyl flooring designed to mimic real wood. One well-known line is COREtec Plus from US Floors, which introduced a high-quality engineered vinyl plank with a cork backing that adds cushioning and naturally resists bacteria. (We chose COREtec for these qualities.)
LVP replicates the appearance and grain of wood while offering water resistance—many products are fully waterproof—and can often be installed over flat, existing floors. The result is a durable surface that looks like wood but handles daily life more easily.
The Pros of Luxury Vinyl Plank
The Look
Walking into the house the first time after installation was love at first sight. We selected COREtec Boardwalk Oak in a rustic, weathered finish that blends warm browns with cool grays for a coastal farmhouse vibe. The pattern has modest variation, which gives a consistent, lived-in look without distracting color shifts or high-contrast planks.
Finding this exact look in LVP saved us a significant amount compared to a similar engineered hardwood—LVP offered the style we wanted at a lower cost. Many modern LVP collections include popular colors and weathered finishes, making it easy to modernize a home’s aesthetic on a budget.
Cleaning
LVP has been extremely easy to keep clean. Regular sweeping or vacuuming removes dust and crumbs, and a damp mop or cloth tackles spills. I use a simple water-based mop system for everyday messes, and occasionally a mild cleaner for grease. The manufacturer also recommends suitable cleaners if you prefer a specific product.
Because LVP is so forgiving with water and stains, it’s an excellent choice for kitchens, mudrooms and family homes with kids. Messes that used to make me panic on hardwood are now quick to address.
Installation
We had professionals install our floors because insurance covered it and we were short on time, but many homeowners install LVP themselves. It’s often offered as a floating floor that can go over concrete, tile or existing hardwood—as long as the surface is flat. That flexibility is helpful for renovations or when you want to avoid demolition.
The thinner profile of many LVP products also makes transitions near cabinets and appliances easier than thicker hardwood might. If you’re handy and want a DIY project, there are plenty of tutorials showing how to install floating LVP floors.
It’s Popular
LVP has become a popular choice in new construction and remodels in our area. That broad adoption means it’s a familiar, acceptable option for prospective buyers and can make a home feel current. While some say LVP doesn’t add the same resale value as real hardwood, its durability, waterproofing and appeal to families are strong selling points.
The Cons of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
The Sound
Sound was my biggest concern going in, and it’s the area where LVP differs most noticeably from hardwood. LVP can have a more hollow or clicky sound underfoot compared with thick engineered hardwood. I do notice footsteps more than I did before, and very quiet movement is harder to achieve. My husband isn’t bothered, and guests often don’t notice, but if you’re particularly sensitive to sound it’s worth considering.
Choosing a more textured or thicker plank, or adding more underlayment, can reduce noise. I plan to add runners and a large bedroom rug to dampen sounds, and after a couple of weeks we’ve already become more accustomed to the new acoustics.
The Feel
The texture and finish of LVP vary by product. Our boards have a smooth matte finish with a cork backing that makes them feel slightly soft underfoot. My husband likes the cushioned feel; I miss the firmer, grainy sensation of real wood. If you want more of a wood-like texture, select an LVP with deeper embossing or a different finish.
Spills and Dirt
I picked a medium-light tone hoping crumbs and dirt wouldn’t show, but the matte finish reveals drips and small messes more than I expected. That can be a good prompt to clean quickly, but it also means you’ll notice every small spill. Fortunately, cleaning is easy and fast, so this mostly nudges me to tidy more often rather than creating extra work.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love the way the floors look—they deliver the farmhouse, weathered-wood vibe I wanted and transformed our home’s feel. If we build a custom home someday, I might splurge on the engineered hardwood of my dreams. For now, choosing LVP gave us the exact aesthetic we wanted within our budget and with far greater durability for everyday life.
Every major change takes adjustment, and the sound and feel took a little getting used to. Overall, the update has made our home feel fresh and modern, and I expect to enjoy these floors for many years.
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