Well, no one has answered so I will just tell you what I think based on research I've done about LVP. I don't think that the sun is going to fade the best brands. I would research this on a brand-by-brand basis. LVP is just taking over the market here in SoCal. The waterproof/water-resistent aspect is admirable, and the newer aesthetics are pretty dang good! I wasn't too impressed 5-6 years ago, but now I am. I would put LVP down and laminate not even in the running for me.

However, I also think that with a lot of west-facing windows, you should really look into window film. I know that it may void your window warranty. In our case, we were 2nd owner, so had no warranty and I felt we had nothing really to lose with window film, and the film has been wonderful. It cuts glare; you can't see it because our installer did a fantastic job, and I really don't see a downside to having it at all. Because even if you find a floor that doesn't fade with all that UV coming through, it surely is going to fade a lot of other things like drapes, sofas, rugs, etc.

A lot of people recommend solar shades in these forums. I don't have those, but would definitely consider them. We have 2" blinds, and they're fine. But you need to address the windows, no matter what kind of floor you get. That's what I think.

Here's my take. As a flooring expert (I'm a cork gal so I have to know everything about everything else as well) I would say you need to choose the LESSER of the two evils.

I know a very good laminate ($3-$7/sf out of Europe) will out perform the SAME price LVP (anything under $3/sf is to be avoided at all costs). If you want to run an inappropriate material in your kitchen, you are welcome to do so. My suggestion is this: purchase DOUBLE the kitchen square footage. That should give you 50sf-200sf of extra (on top of your extra). Why? So that you can achieve a FULL floor replacement in the kitchen at some time later in your life.

It sounds more expensive than it is. You simply store these boxes (flat and off of concrete slabs) until you need them. It is MUCH MORE expensive to have to redo EVERYTHING in 4 years (laminate and vinyl = 18 months on the shelf and then they disappear forever...never to be seen from again) than it is to replace the kitchen with the flooring you already have.

Now...vinyl HATES heat. Really really hates heat. A pool of sunlight = IR (infrared = heat producing rays). Vinyl HATES UV rays (the things that fade vinyl). Windows that have a high UV rating also have high IR ratings (same film filters both). How do you know if you have a high or low uv rating on the windows? Easy. Simply put down an outdoor thermometer on the floor where the sunlight pools. Leave it there. Check on the temperature after an hour or so. And then every hour after that.

If, at ANY TIME, the temp reads ABOVE 85 F (yes...it is THAT LOW for vinyl) then you cannot use vinyl. It is simple as that. To get vinyl in that area, you need to do SOOOO many things that you would be sick if I laid it out for you.

A laminate floor is fade resistant. Much more so than most vinyls. It also doesn't care about extreme heat. The one thing laminate hates = water. If you work with a HIGH END European Laminate (Lico out of Switzerland is one...amazing stuff...it's better than their watches...not kidding) you can get quite a bit of water-resistance out of the fibre board.

Just remember to budget for 2x the kitchen square footage. You will be super happy you did.

Remember: the MOST damage comes from FRIDGES with water/ice production. The other most damaging appliance = dishwasher. The steam from a dishwasher is enough to warp a $0.79/sf asian import laminate. And it will happen within 2 years.

Thank you! I’m looking for my new build, so I’ll have to investigate the rating on the windows.

You want to see a rating of 70% or higher. But....that means most plants will NOT survive indoors. The average or 'entry level' UV block = 45% - 55% (depends on who you go with and what level of product you are working with).

The 'E' rating won't tell you much. You will need to look at the full brochure or the website to find out what level you have paid for/ordered. If this is a tract house or spec home (or builder in a subdivision that is offering 'cookie cutter' options with, example 3 floor plans) then you will be looking at the entry level products for sure.

If you are close to this location, then go ahead and do the temp. readings in your current home. I think you will be very surprised at how QUICKLY the heat on the floor rises WELL above 85F.

If I went with a spc lvp could I get away with the direct sunlight do you think?

I defer completely to SJ McCarthy on flooring, but I will also say that around me, San Diego County, very HCOLA area, houses 3,000sqft are well over a million, often $2M. These homes are quite often using LVP. And the stores are not (reporting to me about ) having problems with direct sunlight issues.

However, aside from that:

Plants will grow just fine with window UV Film. Ours blocks between 95% to 97% UV and I'd send a photo of our plants but they're doing just great. And many of our neighbors and friends have UV film, too, and their indoor plants are gorgeous and healthy.

A quick google of that will give you more information.

@Chrissy Scoffield - Sadly the answer is "No." The SPC is the core...it doesn't have anything to do with the vinyl (the melty bit) on top. You have to get into the Korean stuff that is built for in-floor radiant heat. Some of it can handle 100+ F...but the direct sunlight/UV fading/discolouration still happens.

Drop&Done or EZLay Drop & Done Archives - XL Flooring Co. Ltd.

Remember 'melting' records in the sun? The black discs that held info like "The Beatles" or "The Who"? Right. It's the same stuff. Vinyl is vinyl. You have to get expensive/specific to get AWAY from the warping.

This a couple years later, but Mrs S, do you know what brand window film you have? Are you still pleased? I’m considering 3M Prestige Exterior series for my skylight and possibly my south and west facing windows but have yet to find anyone who’s used it (not a big surprise, I live in the rainy NW). I didn’t think plants would grow, so that’s great news.

I have 3M brand, and it has held up perfectly. Money well spent! Plants growing fine. I have never noticed fading on furniture or flooring at all.

Thank you so much! Very helpful