How to Choose the Right Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) for Your Home

Comfort, durability, waterproofing, and style—without guessing.

Luxury Vinyl Plank has become one of the most popular flooring choices for busy homes because it blends the look of real wood with the kind of durability real life demands. But not all LVP is created equal. If you’ve ever stood in a showroom thinking “these all look the same,” this guide is for you.

Below are the key specs that actually matter, what they mean, and where each option fits best in your home.

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1) Start With the Room: What’s the Floor About to Endure?

Before you fall in love with a color, ask one question:

Is this room hard on floors?

High traffic: entryways, hallways, kitchens, living rooms
High moisture: bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements
High impact: kids’ playrooms, homes with large dogs, workshops/mudrooms
Low traffic: guest rooms, formal dining rooms, home offices

Once you know the “job,” picking the right build is easy.

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2) Wear Layer: The Real “Durability” Number

The wear layer is the clear protective coating on top of the plank. This is the spec that determines how well it resists scratches, scuffs, and everyday abuse.

Common wear-layer ranges:
8–12 mil: light to moderate residential use (guest rooms, offices)
20 mil: strong everyday residential + pets + kids (most busy homes)
22+ mil: heavy-duty residential or light commercial (entries, mudrooms, rentals)

Rule of thumb:
If you have pets, kids, or a front door that gets used constantly, 20 mil is the safe bet.

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3) Core Types: SPC vs WPC (And Why It Matters)

The “core” is the structure of the plank. It affects comfort, stability, and how the floor handles temperature changes.

SPC (Stone Plastic Composite)
Best for: high traffic, heavy furniture, big temperature swings, basements
Why: rigid and stable, dents less, great for busy areas
Feel: slightly firmer underfoot

WPC (Wood Plastic Composite)
Best for: bedrooms, living rooms, areas where comfort matters
Why: softer and warmer underfoot, better sound absorption
Feel: more cushioned, quieter

Simple choice:
If you want maximum toughness, lean SPC.
If you want more comfort and quiet, lean WPC.

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4) Thickness: What It Helps—and What It Doesn’t

Thickness can improve the feel and help minor subfloor imperfections, but it doesn’t replace a good core or a good wear layer.

Typical thickness:
4–5 mm: budget-friendly, best on very flat subfloors
6–7 mm: great all-around choice
8+ mm: premium feel, better sound/comfort

Important: thickness isn’t the same as durability. A thick plank with a weak wear layer can still scratch easily.

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5) Attached Pad: Quiet, Comfort, and Real-World Convenience

Many LVP options come with an attached underlayment pad.

Great for:
reducing noise (especially in basements or second floors)
adding a little softness underfoot
simplifying installation

If sound is a concern (kids running, echo in an open room), look for LVP with a quality attached pad, or ask about pairing the right underlayment.

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6) Water Resistance: “Waterproof” Isn’t the Whole Story

Most modern LVP is marketed as waterproof, but here’s the reality:

The plank may be waterproof
The installation and subfloor determine whether water causes problems

Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements can absolutely work with LVP—just make sure the product and install method match the room. Transitions, seams, and edges matter.

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7) Texture and Finish: Looks Great, Lives Better

A floor can look perfect under showroom lights and still show every footprint at home.

What to consider:
Matte finishes hide dust and footprints better
Heavier texture/embossing hides small scratches and adds realism
Very glossy can show streaks and scuffs faster

If you’ve got pets or a busy household, choose a look that forgives real life.

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8) Color and Pattern: Pick What Stays Timeless

Trends come and go. The best floors feel “right” for your home five years from now.

Easy wins:
Medium tones hide dirt better than super dark or very light
Natural wood visuals are more timeless than extreme gray
Wider planks can make rooms feel larger, but scale matters—small rooms can feel overwhelmed by extra-wide plank

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Get the Right LVP the First Time With Goshen Floor Mart

LVP is one of the smartest flooring upgrades you can make—when you choose the right build for the right room.

The team at Goshen Floor Mart can help you compare wear layers, core types, textures, and styles side-by-side, so you don’t end up with “the one that looked good in the box” but doesn’t live well in your house.

Stop by the showroom at 65669 U.S. 33 to see one of the area’s largest flooring selections, or call 574-642-4770 to talk with a flooring specialist today.