Struggling to figure out where to buy LVT flooring? You’re in luck! When you’re ready to upgrade your space with luxury vinyl tile LVT or luxury vinyl plank LVP, you’ve got a few solid options, whether you prefer browsing in person or clicking around online. For a wide selection and competitive prices, your best bet is often a combination of big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, alongside specialty flooring retailers that offer more personalized service and high-end brands. Don’t forget online-only stores for sheer variety and sometimes the best deals, though you’ll miss out on touching and seeing samples in person. Ultimately, the “best” place depends on your budget, whether you plan to DIY the installation or hire a pro, and how much hands-on help you need. We’re going to break down all the ins and outs, so you can make a super informed decision and get those dream floors installed without a hitch.

Let’s face it, choosing new flooring can feel like a huge task. There are so many options out there, and once you land on something like Luxury Vinyl Tile LVT or Luxury Vinyl Plank LVP, the next big question hits you: “Where do I even buy this stuff?” It’s not just about finding the cheapest place. it’s about finding the right place that offers quality, variety, and good service. This guide is all about helping you figure out exactly that.

Table of Contents

What Exactly is LVT Flooring?

Before we jump into where to buy, let’s quickly chat about what LVT and its cousin, LVP actually is, because it’s become incredibly popular, and for good reason! Luxury Vinyl Tile LVT and Luxury Vinyl Plank LVP are types of resilient flooring that mimic the look of natural materials like hardwood, stone, or ceramic tile, but without the high cost or maintenance.

Think of it like this: traditional vinyl used to come in big, flimsy sheets or peel-and-stick tiles that, let’s be honest, often looked a bit cheap. LVT and LVP are a whole different ballgame. They’re constructed in layers, often featuring a durable core like SPC or WPC, which we’ll get into, a high-definition printed design layer, and a super tough transparent wear layer on top. This layered construction gives them incredible durability, water resistance, and a much more realistic look and feel. The main difference between LVT and LVP is simply the shape: LVT comes in squares or rectangles to look like tile or stone, while LVP comes in planks to emulate hardwood. Easy peasy!

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Why Choose LVT? The Perks You’ll Love

So, why are so many people choosing LVT flooring for their homes? Well, there are a bunch of advantages that make it a fantastic choice for almost any room.

Durability and Resilience: LVT is built to last. It can handle a lot of foot traffic, and it’s quite resistant to dents and scratches. This makes it perfect for busy areas like hallways, living rooms, and especially homes with kids and pets.
100% Waterproof: This is a massive selling point! Unlike real hardwood, most LVT products are completely waterproof, making them ideal for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms. No more worrying about spills or splashes ruining your floors! If you’re looking for specific waterproof vinyl flooring options, many brands focus on this feature.
Easy to Clean and Maintain: Forget special cleaners or refinishing. LVT just needs regular sweeping or vacuuming, and an occasional damp mop to keep it looking pristine. It’s a dream for low-maintenance living.
Design Versatility: Seriously, the options are endless. You can find LVT that perfectly mimics dozens of wood species, from light oaks to dark walnuts, and a huge array of stone looks, including marble, slate, and travertine. Plus, some even come with realistic textures that feel like the real thing underfoot.
Comfort Underfoot: Compared to tile or hardwood, LVT often has a bit more give, making it softer and more comfortable to stand on for long periods. Some also come with attached underlayment for extra cushioning and sound absorption.
Affordability: While “luxury” is in the name, LVT is generally much more affordable than natural hardwood or stone, both in terms of material cost and often installation. You get that high-end look without the high-end price tag.

Of course, no flooring is perfect. Some downsides include potential for minor denting from very heavy objects, and the fact that quality can vary significantly between brands, with some cheaper options looking less realistic.

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Navigating the Market: Where to Buy LVT Flooring

Alright, let’s get down to the brass tacks: where can you actually go to buy this fantastic flooring? You’ve got several avenues, each with its own pros and cons.

1. Big Box Home Improvement Stores

These are probably the first places that come to mind, and for good reason. Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s are huge players in the flooring market, and they carry a massive selection of LVT and LVP.

Pros:

Convenience: There’s usually a store near you, making it easy to pop in and see samples.
Availability: They often have popular lines in stock, so you can pick up what you need relatively quickly.
Competitive Pricing: They buy in bulk, which means they can offer good prices, especially on their own brands like LifeProof Home Depot or SmartCore Lowe’s.
Installation Services: Both Home Depot and Lowe’s offer professional installation services, often including in-home measurements, which can simplify the process significantly if you’re not planning a DIY project.
Financing Options: They frequently have special financing offers that can make a large purchase more manageable.

Cons:

Overwhelming Selection: The sheer volume of choices can be daunting, and sometimes the staff might not be as specialized as those in a dedicated flooring store.
Limited High-End Brands: While they offer great value brands, you might not find the full range of premium, specialized LVT brands that smaller retailers carry.
Sample Quality: Sometimes the in-store samples can be small or not represent the full pattern variation, making it hard to visualize the whole floor.

Tip: Check out brands like LifeProof LVP flooring at Home Depot for solid, waterproof options with good wear layers.

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2. Specialty Flooring Retailers

These are your local or regional flooring stores, often independent businesses or smaller chains. Think places like LL Flooring formerly Lumber Liquidators, Floor & Decor, or your neighborhood carpet and flooring shop.

Expert Knowledge: The staff here usually live and breathe flooring. They can offer invaluable advice, help you compare different products, and guide you to the best options for your specific needs.
Wider Range of Brands: They often carry a broader selection of both popular and high-end LVT brands, including names like Karndean, Amtico, COREtec, Mohawk, and Shaw. This means more unique designs and higher quality options might be available.
Personalized Service: You’re more likely to get one-on-one attention, help with precise measurements, and tailored recommendations. How to Navigate the Rollercoaster: Your Guide to Trading Cryptocurrency
Showroom Experience: You can see larger samples, sometimes even full room displays, which makes it easier to visualize how the flooring will look in your home.
Professional Installation: These stores almost always offer professional installation, often with their own trusted crews, ensuring a quality finish.
Potentially Higher Prices: Due to overhead and specialized inventory, prices might be slightly higher than big box stores for comparable products.
Fewer Locations: You might not have as many options in your immediate area, requiring a bit more travel.
Sales Pressure: Some smaller stores might have more commission-based sales, which can sometimes lead to a pushier experience. Is wondershare safe

Tip: If you’re looking for a specific premium brand like COREtec LVP, a specialty retailer is often the best place to find it.

3. Online-Only Retailers

The internet has opened up a whole new world for buying flooring. Websites like Floor & Decor which also has physical stores, Floor City, and other specialized online LVT shops allow you to browse and buy from your couch.

Unbeatable Selection: Online retailers often have the largest inventory, featuring hundreds of styles, colors, and brands that you might not find anywhere else.
Competitive Pricing: Lower overhead for online stores can sometimes translate to better deals and discounts, especially if you’re looking for cheap LVT flooring.
Convenience: Shop 24/7, compare prices easily, and have your flooring delivered right to your doorstep. Land Rover Defender Glow Plugs: Illuminating the Mystery and Dodging Scams
Customer Reviews: You can usually find extensive customer reviews and photos, which can be super helpful for getting real-world feedback on specific products.
No Physical Samples initially: This is the biggest drawback. You can’t touch or truly see the color and texture until it arrives. Most reputable online stores offer free or low-cost samples, so always order them before making a big purchase.
Returns Can Be Tricky/Costly: Returning large quantities of flooring can be a hassle and expensive due to shipping costs. Double-check return policies!
No Installation Services: You’ll almost certainly need to arrange your own installation, whether DIY or hiring a separate contractor.
Lead Times: While convenient, delivery can sometimes take longer, especially for less common items or large orders. How to win crypto for free

Tip: If you’re looking for a great online selection and don’t mind arranging installation yourself, consider checking out online options for luxury vinyl plank flooring.

4. Wholesale Clubs and Discount Outlets

Places like some local flooring warehouses or even big box stores with “clearance” sections can offer very attractive prices on LVT.

Cheapest Place to Buy LVT Flooring: If you’re on a tight budget, these spots can offer significant savings, sometimes on overstock or discontinued lines.
Immediate Availability: What they have, they have. You can often take it home right away.
Limited Selection: You’re usually restricted to what’s currently in stock, so finding a specific style or color can be a hit or miss. Free ai voice changer unlimited
No Returns: Sales are often final, so inspect everything carefully before you buy.
Inconsistent Stock: If you miscalculate and need more, it might be impossible to find an exact match later.

Key Factors to Consider Before You Buy

Now that you know where to look, let’s talk about what to look for. Not all LVT is created equal, and understanding these factors will help you choose the best product for your home.

1. Wear Layer Thickness

This is arguably the most crucial factor for durability. The wear layer is that clear protective coating on top of the design layer that shields your floor from scratches, scuffs, and stains. It’s measured in “mils” one mil is one-thousandth of an inch, so not millimeters!.

6-8 mil: This is considered the minimum for light residential use, like a guest bedroom or a low-traffic office. It offers basic protection.
12 mil: This is a good standard for most residential applications, suitable for moderate-traffic areas like living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways. Many homeowners find this to be a sweet spot for durability and cost.
20 mil and above: This is heavy-duty protection, ideal for high-traffic residential areas kitchens, busy family rooms, homes with large pets or even light commercial use. If your floors are going to take a beating, aim for 20 mil or higher. Some commercial-grade LVT can go up to 28-40 mil.

Don’t skimp on the wear layer! It directly correlates to how long your floor will look great. Your Ultimate Guide to the Traeger Ranger Portable Pellet Grill

2. Overall Plank/Tile Thickness and Core Type

The overall thickness of the plank or tile measured in millimeters, or mm also matters, impacting stability, comfort, and how forgiving it is over minor subfloor imperfections. LVT generally ranges from 2mm to 8mm thick.

2mm-4mm: Thinner options, often best for glue-down installations. They might show more subfloor imperfections.
5mm-6mm: A solid middle ground, good for most homes and click-lock installations.
7mm-8mm: Thicker, more cushioned, and excellent for high-traffic areas or basements where subfloor leveling might be an issue. These often have a more substantial feel underfoot.

The “core type” is also important.

WPC Wood Plastic Composite: This core is softer and more comfortable underfoot, offering good sound absorption.
SPC Stone Plastic Composite: This core is denser and more rigid, providing superior indentation resistance and stability, especially in areas with temperature fluctuations. Many top brands now use SPC for its performance.

3. Installation Method

How you’re going to put the floor down makes a big difference in what you should buy.

Click-Lock Floating: This is the most popular and DIY-friendly option. The planks or tiles simply snap together and “float” over your subfloor, without needing glue. It’s quicker and generally less messy. Many click lock vinyl plank flooring options come with pre-attached underlayment.
Glue-Down Dry-Back: This method involves permanently adhering the LVT to the subfloor with adhesive. It offers maximum stability and is often preferred in commercial settings or for intricate patterns. It’s usually best left to professionals.
Loose-Lay: These are heavier planks or tiles with a high-friction backing that simply lay on top of the subfloor, relying on their weight to stay in place. They’re easy to install and replace.

4. Design and Aesthetics

This is where your personal style comes in!

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Realistic Look: Pay close attention to how well the LVT mimics natural wood grain or stone patterns. Higher quality LVT often has “embossed in register” EIR textures that match the visual grain, making it incredibly realistic.
Color and Pattern Variation: Look for products with good variation between planks/tiles to avoid a repetitive, artificial look.
Plank/Tile Size: LVP comes in various widths and lengths, impacting the final look. Larger planks can make a room feel bigger.

5. Brand Reputation and Warranty

Don’t just go for the cheapest option. Reputable brands often invest more in quality materials, manufacturing processes, and rigorous testing. They also stand behind their products with solid warranties. Look for brands known for durability and good customer service. Typical warranties for LVT range from 15-25 years residential and 5-10 years commercial.

6. Budget Material + Installation

LVT material costs generally range from $2 to $8 per square foot, but can go up for premium options. Professional installation typically adds another $2 to $6 per square foot. So, for an installed LVT floor, you’re usually looking at a total cost of $3 to $18 per square foot, with an average around $6 per square foot. This can be influenced by subfloor preparation, removal of old flooring, and the complexity of the room.

Top LVT Flooring Brands Worth Checking Out

While availability might vary depending on your location and retailer, here are some of the most well-regarded brands in the LVT/LVP market based on their quality, durability, and design options:

COREtec: Often considered a premium brand, known for its waterproof core technology WPC or SPC and innovative features like attached cork underlayment for comfort and sound absorption. Many love their realistic wood and stone visuals.
Shaw Floors: A leading manufacturer offering a wide range of LVT and LVP, including their Floorte Pro collection, known for robust wear layers up to 30 mils.
Mohawk: Another industry giant with durable and stylish LVT lines like SolidTech Plus, which performed well in water and stain tests. They often feature wider planks and varied wood-look patterns.
Armstrong: A long-standing name in flooring, offering diverse LVT options, including rigid core products designed for ultimate durability and moisture resistance.
Karndean & Amtico: These are often considered high-end, design-focused brands, renowned for their incredible realism in replicating natural wood and stone with intricate detail and a wide array of customizable styles.
Mannington: Known for its quality, style, and performance, Mannington offers a variety of beautiful and durable luxury vinyl options.
LifeProof Home Depot & SmartCore Lowe’s: These private label brands offer excellent value, reliable performance, and are very accessible if you prefer shopping at big box stores.

Remember, “best” often comes down to your specific needs and budget, so always check reviews and get samples!

Tips for Smart LVT Shopping

To make sure you’re getting the best LVT for your money and your home, keep these tips in mind: Where to buy ssi 50 insecticide

Get Samples, Samples, Samples! You absolutely need to see the flooring in your own home, under your own lighting conditions. Colors can look drastically different online or in a showroom. Get several pieces and lay them out.
Measure Accurately or Get a Pro to Do It: Knowing your square footage is critical, but also account for waste usually 5-10%, more for complex layouts or diagonal installs. Many retailers offer in-home measuring services, which can save you a headache later.
Read Reviews and Ask Around: Customer experiences can tell you a lot about a product’s real-world performance and a retailer’s service. Online forums and local recommendations are great resources.
Understand the Warranty: Know what’s covered, for how long, and what might void it e.g., improper installation.
Consider Underlayment: Some LVT comes with an attached underlayment, but for others, you might want to purchase a separate one for added comfort, sound dampening, or minor subfloor leveling.
Don’t Forget Accessories: Think about transition strips, stair nosings, and matching trim pieces. Make sure these are available for your chosen flooring.

Installation: DIY or Pro?

Installing LVT can be a DIY-friendly project, especially if you choose a click-lock floating floor. Many homeowners with basic handy skills and the right tools like a utility knife, tapping block, and rubber mallet can successfully install LVP or LVT. This can save you a good chunk of money, as labor costs typically range from $2.50 to $6 per square foot.

However, if you’re tackling a large area, complex room shapes, or a glue-down installation, hiring a professional is often the smarter choice. Pros have the experience, specialized tools, and knowledge to ensure a flawless, long-lasting installation, and they can often handle subfloor preparation, old floor removal, and waste disposal. The quality of installation directly impacts the longevity and look of your floor, so it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re unsure about your DIY skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best brand of LVT flooring?

There isn’t a single “best” brand, as it often depends on your specific needs and budget. However, top-tier brands like COREtec, Shaw, Mohawk, Armstrong, Karndean, and Amtico are consistently praised for their quality, durability, and realistic designs. For great value, brands like LifeProof Home Depot and SmartCore Lowe’s are also very popular.

How expensive is LVT flooring?

The material cost for LVT flooring typically ranges from $2 to $8 per square foot, not including installation. With professional installation, the total cost can be anywhere from $3 to $18 per square foot, averaging around $6 per square foot. Factors like wear layer thickness, overall plank thickness, brand, and design complexity will influence the final price.

Where can I buy luxury vinyl plank flooring near me?

To find luxury vinyl plank flooring near you, start by checking big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, which have numerous locations. Also, search online for “specialty flooring retailers near me” or “LVT flooring near me” to find local, independent flooring shops and carpet stores. Many of these local businesses will carry a broader range of premium brands and offer personalized service. Unlock the Power of Voice: How to Transform Text into Engaging Audio

What wear layer thickness should I choose for LVT?

For light residential use e.g., bedrooms, guest rooms, a 6-8 mil wear layer might suffice. For most homes with moderate traffic living rooms, hallways, 12 mil is a solid standard. If you have high-traffic areas, pets, kids, or are looking for commercial use, aim for 20 mil or higher for maximum durability and longevity.

Is LVT flooring truly waterproof?

Yes, most modern LVT and LVP products are designed to be 100% waterproof, making them an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. This is thanks to their multi-layered construction, especially those with rigid SPC Stone Plastic Composite cores. However, it’s always wise to confirm the specific waterproof rating of the product you choose.

Can I install LVT flooring myself?

You absolutely can! Many LVT products, especially those with a click-lock floating installation system, are designed to be DIY-friendly. If you have basic tools, a bit of patience, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, you can save on labor costs. However, for larger areas, complex layouts, or glue-down installations, hiring a professional is often recommended to ensure the best results.

What’s the difference between LVT and LVP?

The core difference is simply the shape. LVT Luxury Vinyl Tile typically comes in square or rectangular formats to mimic the look of natural stone or ceramic tiles. LVP Luxury Vinyl Plank comes in longer, narrower planks to replicate the appearance of hardwood flooring. Both offer similar benefits in terms of durability, water resistance, and design versatility, as they are essentially the same material in different forms.

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Where to Buy LVT Flooring: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Floor