Discover versatile luxury vinyl flooring in Calgary, Alberta

How do you choose your ideal luxury vinyl flooring?

Not every luxury vinyl floor is the same. Understanding a few basic features can make narrowing your options much easier.

LVP vs. LVT flooring

Luxury vinyl plank, or LVP flooring, is generally designed to resemble hardwood planks. You can find visuals inspired by oak, maple, walnut, acacia, and other species in colors ranging from pale neutrals to deep browns. All Floors Design Centre's vinyl selection includes realistic wood visuals from brands such as COREtec and Shaw Floors.

Luxury vinyl tile, or LVT flooring, typically recreates tile and stone. It is a strong option when you want the visual appeal of ceramic or natural stone with easier everyday care.

WPC vs. SPC luxury vinyl

Rigid-core luxury vinyl commonly uses either a WPC or SPC core.

WPC, or wood plastic composite, tends to provide a softer, warmer feel underfoot. Its thicker construction can also help with comfort and sound absorption.

SPC, or stone plastic composite, has a dense, rigid core. It is known for dimensional stability and durability, making it useful for active households and demanding spaces.

Neither construction is automatically right for every project. Consider foot traffic, comfort, subfloor conditions, room use, and overall performance requirements.

Luxury vinyl wear layer

The wear layer is the transparent protective surface above the decorative design. It helps defend the floor against scratches, stains, scuffs, and everyday activity.

Wear layers are generally measured in mils. A thicker wear layer can be beneficial in busy homes or commercial spaces, but your ideal thickness depends on how the room will be used. A lightly used bedroom and a busy retail environment do not have the same performance needs.

Color and shade

Luxury vinyl gives you plenty of freedom with color. Light oak and blonde shades can make rooms feel brighter and more open. Warm beige, honey, and medium-brown tones create a classic look, while greige and taupe offer contemporary versatility. Darker shades bring contrast and drama.

All Floors Design Centre's vinyl gallery includes everything from Blonde Oak and Sand Dollar Oak to Vintage Taupe Ash, walnut, maple, and acacia-inspired visuals.

Installation method

Click-lock and glue-down are two common luxury vinyl flooring installation methods.

Click-lock planks or tiles connect and float over the subfloor without being permanently adhered. This method is popular in residential applications and can offer a faster installation process.

Glue-down luxury vinyl is adhered directly to a properly prepared subfloor. Its stability can make it especially useful in high-traffic areas and commercial environments. The right method depends on the product, subfloor, room, traffic, and long-term needs.

Where can luxury vinyl flooring be installed?

Versatility is one of luxury vinyl flooring's strongest selling points. Depending on the specific product and manufacturer requirements, it can work throughout much of a home or commercial property.

In kitchens, waterproof luxury vinyl can handle spills and everyday cooking messes while providing a more comfortable surface underfoot than many hard materials.

In bathrooms, waterproof products offer the appearance of hardwood or stone without the same concerns about surface moisture.

Living rooms and family rooms benefit from the combination of attractive wood visuals, durability, and comfort. Luxury vinyl also works well in bedrooms, hallways, entryways, and finished basements.

Commercial-grade luxury vinyl can be an excellent choice for offices, retail environments, waiting areas, and other commercial spaces that need flooring capable of handling regular foot traffic. COREtec, for example, offers products designed for high-traffic and light commercial applications.

Always check the manufacturer's specifications before selecting flooring for a particular room.

How do you clean luxury vinyl flooring?

Luxury vinyl is easy to maintain, but good habits will help protect its appearance.

Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and grit that could scratch the surface. Clean spills promptly, even with waterproof flooring. For deeper cleaning, lightly damp mop using a pH-neutral cleaner approved for your particular product. COREtec recommends removing dust and lightly damp mopping with a pH-neutral floor cleaner.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, steel wool, and tools that could scratch the wear layer. Furniture pads can also help prevent scratches and dents.

All Floors Design Centre carries manufacturer-approved floor cleaning supplies, giving customers access to products designed specifically for proper flooring maintenance.

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