If you're comparing options for new flooring and you want something that has the appearance of wood, then consider engineered vinyl planks. EVP flooring has a realistic wood look and a rigid core, so it's durable and seems similar to wood when walking on it. Here are some benefits of engineered vinyl plank flooring, as well as a look at how EVP flooring is installed.

Why EVP Flooring Is Better Than Wood And LVP

Engineered vinyl is better than wood flooring in some instances since the EVP option can tolerate water. The top layer of EVP planks has a clear coating that makes the flooring waterproof. The coating comes in different thicknesses, and the thicker the protective clear coat, the more durable the planks are. However, the planks with thicker coating also cost more.

Since EVP planks are waterproof, they can be used in any room of your home, while you probably don't want to use real wood in a kitchen or bathroom. EVP flooring also has advantages over basic luxury vinyl planks. It's more durable because of the top coat and the rigid core makes it possible to cover imperfections in the subfloor while the imperfections can show through flexible luxury vinyl planks.

Engineered vinyl plank flooring is higher quality flooring and it often has a more realistic appearance than luxury vinyl. That's important when you want a floor that looks just like real wood but that's easier to care for.

How EVP Flooring Is Installed

EVP flooring installation is done by clicking the planks together. This means your new floor can float over most other types of hard flooring, a slab, or a subfloor. The old floor should be repaired, cleaned, and in good shape first. However, since EVP flooring has a hard core and can have an optional rubber backing, small imperfections won't show through the planks.

The flooring contractor staggers the planks just like real wood boards are staggered so the seams don't match up. This adds to the realistic appearance of the floor. They may start against a wall so the wall can help stabilize the beginning row and then click the planks together as they are put down row by row.

The individual planks can be cut to size so they fit at the ends of the rows. Planks will also need to be cut to fit around columns, toilets, and other things in your home that can't be moved. EVP flooring installation doesn't require any finished steps, such as adding a sealcoat, since the planks come with a clear surface layer already added.

If you buy EVP planks that have a rubber bottom layer, the contractor won't need to add underlayment before the planks are put down. EVP flooring installation is usually a quick process, although it does require skill to put flooring around obstructions and in doorways.

Reach out to a company like Gene's Floor Covering II to learn more.

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