Warmer weather is coming to Charleston! Soon, we’ll be spending more time enjoying the ocean and waterways. We’ll also see humidity skyrocket and an uptick in rain storms.
Needless to say, it could be a challenging time for your home’s flooring. The increase in moisture (whether that comes from tracking more water indoors or higher humidity levels) can actually prove damaging for some types of flooring. Plus, who doesn’t want to just plop their gear down after a long day on the water? And then there’s the increased foot traffic that comes from pool parties and 4th of July celebrations…
Needless to say, you need a floor that’s up for the challenge. In this post, we’ll discuss why that floor is luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) – especially if you’re on a budget.
LVP and LVT Floors are Completely Waterproof
Obviously, waterproof floors are essential for warmer days in Charleston. We love our water sports, and we sure don’t want our plans for fun in the sun ruined by unexpected floor repairs.
Luxury vinyl floors have absolutely no absorption rate. This means they won’t expand when exposed to water, even if they’re fully submerged. This is actually better than ceramic tile, which does absorb a very small amount of moisture.
Most luxury vinyl floors also use waterproof installation methods. This prevents moisture from seeping through the cracks, where it could lead to mold and mildew. Unfortunately, moist subfloors are often the source of mold and odor problems that seem to come from nowhere.
So, luxury vinyl floors are a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. It’s also ideal for installation near doorways, especially those that lead to a pool.
Luxury Vinyl Plank and Tile Floors are Durable (Really)
It’s true: vinyl floors were off to a rocky start when they first hit the market. They were easy to dent, easier to tear, and tended to take on a yellow tint over time.
Unfortunately, that stigma still kind of lingers. However, the floors themselves have changed. Luxury vinyl plank and tile are now just as durable as the hardwood and stone floors that they’re designed to replace.
In fact, you can sometimes find luxury vinyl floors that perform even better than their natural counterparts. We’ve already discussed how they’re more waterproof than ceramic tile. This also applies to durability.
To prove it, several of the LVP and LVT floors that we carry are protected by lifetime scratch and dent warranties. So even if your floors are damaged, there’s no risk for you! Your purchase is protected for life.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring is Good for Resale
Summer is the best time of the year to sell your home, and Charleston’s real estate market is hot right now!
As we’ve discussed here, LVT and LVP floors are trendy, easy to clean, durable, and waterproof. And we’ve already mentioned that many of the luxury vinyl floors we carry are protected by lifetime warranties! Needless to say, they’re a great choice (possibly even the best) for resale value.
If you’re try to get your home ready for the summer real estate market, spring is the perfect time to begin your presale renovations.
Luxury Vinyl is Affordable
You might be thinking “that’s great, but I’ve got vacation plans this summer. I can’t afford new flooring right now.” That brings us to another benefit: LVT and LVP are some of the most affordable floors on the market. They cost less (sometimes much less) than their wood and stone counterparts.
Despite the lower cost, modern luxury vinyl floors perform just as well (or better) than their natural counterparts. This gives them great long-term value as well. So, spending less now also means greater value moving forward! How often does that happen?
Installation
Many (although not all) luxury vinyl plank and tile floors use a floating click installation method. This means that each plank or tile clicks into place – a great DIY project! “Floating” means they can be installed over your existing floors. No cleanup or removal!
So, if you’re planning for a busy spring and summer season, they’re the perfect new floors for a quick installation.
Charleston’s Best Selection of Luxury Vinyl Tile and Plank Flooring
Luxury vinyl floors come in many different styles, and each offers its own set of features. Needless to say, there’s a lot to consider and the decision can be a little overwhelming. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you make an informed choice for your home! To get started, give us a call or stop by Beasley Floor Covering of Charleston today.
