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Another LVP thread

4 years ago

Hello flooring enthusiasts! We are building a new home and trying to decide on wood/ wood look flooring. I see tons of photos on pinterest of floors i like. looking for white oak with a very neutral look like the photo here. Not many knots or variation in color. Have a dog and grandchildren. Will be installed over slab with in floor radient heat. Confused on hybrid LVP, vs LVP vs engeneered wood. Read the info here on hazy appearance, clothing destructive, offensive repeats etc. Anyone have a suggestion for what has worked well? TIA


Comments (9)

  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    An engineered wood floor is HARDWOOD, with a very stable substrate , and good ones can be refinished. LVP is plastic, made to look as wood.Hybrid is the high end of LVP in pricing and durability.

    If you want a "forever" floor over concrete? You do engineered, with a moisture barrier.

    If you want the wide board, white oak ? Skip the radiant heat. Wood is naturally warm underfoot.

    "The radiant heat that emits through the slab can wreak havoc on hardwood flooring pieces that are greater than 2.25 inches wide. Some installers will say it is safe to install widths up to 3 inches, but smaller widths will have less overall movement in response to the radiant heating.

    Try to stay with wood widths as close to 2.25 inches if at all possible. The heating system needs to be turned on for several weeks before the wood is installed. The actual hardwood must be stored in the house where it can acclimate for seven to 10 days for the best overall results."

    CHECK THE WARRANTY/LVP MANY WILL SAY say no. THEY don't WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. period.

    " The first thing you want to do is to verify that adding radiant heating will not void your LVP warranty. While most vinyl flooring will be fine over this type of system, not all vinyl is created equally, so make sure to follow the flooring recommendations, including any heat restrictions, from your specific manufacturer. While many manufacturers have a restriction of 85 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s recommended that the system be below 80 so that the high heat doesn’t jeopardize the quality of your flooring."

    Hybrid is just that: Layers

    "

    Hybrid flooring consists of several layers:

    • Attached Cork Backing – Some designs include a pre-adhered acoustic backing to deliver exceptional acoustics and comfort underfoot (it also serves to decrease installation costs)
    • Rigid Inner Core – A cutting-edge layer featuring a limestone composite core board that is designed to be waterproof and stable against extreme temperature changes
    • Design Layer – A decorative layer designed to match the realistic textures and styles of authentic timber
    • Wear Layer – A UV coated layer to provide durability and resiliency"

    "

    • Construction – When it comes to traditional luxury vinyl planks and hybrid flooring, the main feature that sets them apart is the construction. Hybrid flooring features two main construction aspects while luxury vinyl planks typically feature one.Hybrid flooring’s rigid floor construction offers increased resistance and stability. Luxury vinyl floors have a more flexible construction that makes them softer than hybrid vinyl. Traditional luxury vinyl floors also have a topcoat that is less resistant to UV rays and dents.
    • Plank Thickness – Hybrid flooring is generally thicker than luxury vinyl planks, making it more comfortable to walk on as well as more durable.
    • Subfloor – Both traditional luxury vinyl planks and hybrid floors can be installed over existing floors, cement, or plywood. However, when it comes to subfloor imperfections, luxury vinyl planks will not be as forgiving.Due to its softer nature, luxury vinyl planks are at risk of taking on the shape of any protrusions or dents. The specialized core and increased thickness of hybrid flooring allows it to hold its maintain its integrity better despite small imperfections that may be present in the subfloor.
    • Installation – Traditional luxury vinyl planks use click lock, loose lay, or glue-down installation techniques. Hybrid vinyl flooring features a floating click lock tongue and groove system, making it ideal for home or business owners interested in DIY installation.
    • Dent Resistance – Traditional luxury vinyl planks are somewhat soft and pliable, putting them at risk of dents from objects like heavy furniture. Hybrid vinyl floors are more resistant to dents, scratches, and general wear and tear.
    • Price – Due to engineering differences, hybrid flooring is more expensive compared to luxury vinyl planks

    Bottom line?? Check that you will NOT void a warranty, with ANY selection.

  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Cothing destructive?????? As for the choice I need to see what other choices have been made for the rest of the house , windows, kitchen etc.Where do you live how big is the dog. Do you have a pool or a body of water near by. Flooring is major choice in a home and is decided by many factors. I sure like white oak not red but I really do not like oak at all . Jan has great advice read it all.

  • 4 years ago

    @Patricia Colwell Consulting There's a whole thread about a CoreTec line being destructive to socks, pants, and anything that touches the users.


    I can't say much technically about flooring except this time we chose rigid core (Armstrong Empower line) because of its resilience to dents (we have heavy antique furniture and I have declining hand strength so I frequently drop things).


    We've had laminate and engineered hardwoods which were both very nice, but we hated the scratches and dents. That isn't a problem with our current floors. BUT some have very strong feelings against LVP or hybrid (called wood core or plastic core), particularly that it's not natural looking (to their desires) or feel (it is harder under foot).


    I can't speak to the radiant heat at all.

  • 4 years ago

    Thanks @Jan Moyer for all the details!! Ill dig in to that for sure. Radiant heat is a certainty. I live in a very cold climate and want the in floor heating to help heat the house. Dont like forced air heat. My understanding about Hybrid flooring is it has a layer of wood on top? Is that correct? @Patricia Colwell Consulting thanks! Yes there are many comments and a video showing how the "sandpaper" like feel of some LVP have destroyed knees of pants, socks and the like! Windowns are Anderson 400 with black interiors. My dog is a very well behaved standard poodle. But she does have claws and sometimes if she alerts to something she might take off running to the door..etc. @Jen K (7b, 8a) Thanks..I will look into the recommendation that you offered.

  • 4 years ago


    Going for this sort of feel. Thanks!

  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    We all understand what you are going for . You will find many that look just like it. I would go engineered, and pass on the heat.

    You will have warped boards, or cupping.....and a voided warranty.

    The ANSWER to a very cold climate is a basement, a quality engineered floor... Bonus ? Forever easier access to mechanicals of every variety


    KARASTAN CHEVREUAX BELOW


  • 4 years ago

    Its a new build In process now. and the heat system is hydronc. we have always had a basement here in the midwest. many homes are being built here in the last several years as slab on grade. We know we cannot have solid hardwood due to potential moisture. Recommendation is floating vinyl plank or engineered hardwood. I dont know all the techs of the infloor heating .My husband does. its very expensive and a luxury to have. The entire home will have this heating system. I am told by the flooring store that many vinyl planks and engineered wood works and is covered by warranty over this heating system. I am asking for suggestions on which floor looks best and performs best. I must not be using the correct terms to describe the heat system. This is not something we would just change!

  • 4 years ago

    Yes the home will have a standard hvac as well. And of course the radiant heating system is designed professionally and properly from the start.

  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    SHOULD be in bold from Johnson Bros.:

    "And you can never use most vinyl or wood flooring."

    You certainly can NOT use the look you are going for. It will not be warrantied ....

    Read all the fine print and don't listen to anybody in a flooring store. Have them put you in contact with the REP. for your selection. Then be prepared to hear the "no" word.

    I tried/asked about heat an LVP, high end, in a senior facility. on concrete slab. Rep said "do not do this" She's warm as toast, no radiant heat. Plenty of sub zero days here, btw.

    And you WILL want rugs, to define spaces, add decor, and yes.......warm look and feel.

    Also? Don't expect the salesman in a flooring store to understand the hydronic sytem.

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