Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has become an increasingly popular flooring option for homes and businesses in recent years. LVP offers the look and feel of natural materials like hardwood or stone, but with enhanced durability, water resistance, and affordability.
LVP is a form of vinyl flooring that comes in planks rather than sheets. The planks click or lock together to form the finished floor surface. LVP gets its realistic visuals from a decorative layer on top that mimics wood grain, tile, or stone patterns. This layer is coated with a clear protective film for added wear and stain resistance.
Definition of luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring
Specifically, LVP consists of four layers:
- Clear protective top coat
- Printed decorative film for visuals
- Vinyl core
- Rigid composite or polymer backing
The layers are fused together under heat and pressure to create a durable, integrated product. LVP floors install as floating floors over a wide range of subfloors. Most LVP planks click together for DIY installation or can be professionally glued down.
How LVP flooring is made
LVP flooring planks are manufactured from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, plasticizers, stabilizers and pigments. These are mixed together and fused into sheets that are then formed into planks. A printed decorative layer is added on top and coated with a clear wear layer for protection and shine.
LVP is distinguishable from other vinyl floors because of its rigid composite core layer. This gives the planks dimensional stability and structure so they can be floated over uneven subfloors. The composite core also provides impact resistance.
Pros of LVP flooring
LVP flooring offers many benefits compared to traditional hardwood or laminate:
- Waterproof – won’t swell or warp when wet
- Durable and scratch resistant
- Affordable compared to hardwood
- Easy DIY installation
- Wide variety of styles and colors
Cons of LVP flooring
Potential drawbacks of LVP flooring include:
- Not as high-end as real wood
- Can show indentations over time
- Limited thickness options
Benefits of Choosing Light Colored LVP
Light colored LVP flooring offers some distinct advantages over darker colors or shades. Here are some of the top benefits of going for a lighter LVP floor:
Creates a brighter, more open look
Lighter colored floors reflect more light, creating a bright and airy feeling in the space. This effect makes rooms appear larger and more inviting. Light LVP is ideal for small rooms you want to make feel more expansive.
Makes small spaces appear larger
In addition to reflecting more light, pale colored floors are less visually dominant so they seem to recede. This helps create the illusion of more floor space in tight quarters. Dark floors tend to look overbearing and close things in.
Reflects more light
With their higher light reflectance, light colored LVP floors bounce and distribute natural light effectively. This allows you to maximize daylight and visibility in window-filled rooms.
Versatile for coordinating with various decor
From a design standpoint, light and neutral colored floors offer flexibility in furnishings and decor. You can easily switch up paint colors, furniture, and accessories without clashing with pale LVP.
Conceals dirt and wear better than dark colors
Lighter floors don’t show dirt, dust, footprints and scratches as noticeably as darker finishes. This helps light LVP better maintain its clean, fresh look over time.
Considerations for Light Colored LVP
While light colored LVP provides many benefits, there are a few factors to consider when choosing a pale plank floor:
Avoid high contrast finishes that show scratches
LVP with heavily grained or distressing will highlight wear and dents more on light colors. Opt for low variation wood looks in a matte or satin finish.
Look for wear layer thickness of 20 mil or more
Thicker wear layers better resist indentations and damage. Light colors will need this extra protection to hide markings.
Choose larger planks to minimize seams
Wide planks have fewer seams than narrow boards so there’s less chance of dirt buildup in grout lines. Limit seams on light floors where grime is more visible.
Stay away from distressed or intricate styles
Detailing like pronounced grain variation or physical distressing becomes more obvious against pale backgrounds. Solid colors or painted looks are ideal.
Sample flooring in the actual space before purchasing
Viewing large floor samples on site will give the most accurate impression of how light LVP will look in your unique room lighting and surroundings.
Best Light LVP Flooring Colors and Styles
From barely-there neutrals to light warm woods, here are some of the most popular light colored LVP flooring options:
White washed oak or maple woods
Washed oak planks have a whitewashed, coastal vibe perfect for airy, casual spaces. Maple provides a lighter wood tone for traditional settings.
Light warm gray vinys
Solid vinyl options come in beautiful, pale grays that pair with any style. The gray adds coziness without going too dark.
Neutral toned woods like hickory or birch
Naturally lighter species like hickory and birch replicate the light wood look at a lower cost than oak or maple.
Solid color options in beige, cream, or gray
Monochromatic vinyl floors in soft beiges or greys make small rooms feel instantly larger while hiding dirt.
Stone and tile visuals in soft whites and grays
Matte stone finishes and geometric tiles lend texture without going dark. Keep grout lines light as well.
Long planks versus parquet patterns
Wide, uninterrupted planks maintain the bright, spacious look better than small, busy parquet layouts.
Caring for Light Colored LVP Flooring
While LVP itself is low maintenance, light colored LVP does require a little extra care to keep looking its best. Here are some tips for maintaining light floors:
Daily sweeping and vacuuming
Frequently removing gritty dirt particles before they get ground into the floor will prevent micro scratches and dulling on light floors.
Damp mopping with mild cleaner
For wet mopping, use a vinyl-safe, pH-neutral cleaner and wring mop thoroughly. Minimize moisture to prevent planks from swelling at the seams.
Avoiding abrasives or harsh chemicals
Never use abrasive scrubbing pads or acidic cleaners on LVP floors. Stick to gentle, vinyl-approved formulas.
Using furniture glides and area rugs in high traffic zones
Adding rugs at entryways and soft pads under furniture legs shields light floors from excess scuffing, gouging and staining in heavy wear areas.
Protecting from heavy impacts and scratches
While durable, light LVP can still be damaged by heavy furniture dragging or dropped objects. Handle floors gently and use protection when moving objects across them.
Light LVP Flooring in Kitchens and Baths
Thanks to their waterproof construction, light colored LVP floors are uniquely suited for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and other possibly wet areas of a home. Here are some tips for installing light LVP floors in wet rooms:
Pros of using in wet areas – waterproof!
LVP won’t warp, swell or delaminate when exposed to water like natural wood or laminate. Its resistance makes it great for rooms prone to spills and splashes.
Mopping up spills quickly
While water won’t damage LVP, you still don’t want it sitting on the floor too long. Quickly wiping up leaks and drips keeps floors looking their cleanest.
Using area rugs at sinks and tubs
Placing absorbent rugs around sinks, showers, tubs and other wet zones provides an extra layer of splash protection.
Installing floor-to-ceiling to protect walls
Running LVP up walls a few inches helps reduce damage from leaks and overflows by protecting vulnerable trim and drywall underneath.
Pairing with brighter paint colors and fixtures
Light floors look best against other pale backdrops. Use lighter wall colors, cabinetry, and reflective metals for a clean, vibrant look.
Light LVP Flooring Costs
On average, light colored LVP flooring costs between $2-$6 per square foot including materials and professional installation. Here are some other factors that impact the overall budget:
Price per square foot and packages
LVP flooring is sold in cartons of 10-30 planks covering 15-30 square feet. Prices range from $1.50-4 per square foot for materials.
Comparing to hardwood and laminate options
Good quality LVP costs 25-50% less than typical hardwood flooring. It is pricier than basic laminates but more durable.
Added costs for professional installation
Installation averages $3-5 per square foot for labor. DIY can save significantly on smaller projects. Ensure proper prep and clearance.
Top Light LVP Flooring Brands
Many leading vinyl flooring brands offer attractive light colored LVP options. Here are some of the most recommended companies to look at:
Brand overviews and comparisons
Top brands for light LVP include CoreLuxe, Shaw Floors, Armstrong, Karndean, Mannington, and Mohawk. Comparison shop quality, warranty, and price.
Best styles from top brands: Mohawk, Shaw, Armstrong
Look at Oak Haven (Mohawk), First Avenue (Shaw), and TimberCraft (Armstrong) for quality light oak and maple looks.
Where to view and purchase light LVP flooring
Shop major home improvement stores, flooring specialists, or directly from brand websites. Always view large samples in your space before purchasing.
When chosen with care, light colored LVP flooring presents a beautiful, livable option for any home. Factor in activity levels, aesthetics and room functions when selecting planks to ensure your light floors retain their luminous appeal.
Focus on maximum protection through quality construction, proper maintenance, and smart design choices like low-variation wood looks and UV-coated finishes. The right light LVP floors will brighten up your rooms and withstand the demands of everyday life.