When it comes to flooring options, many people are attracted to the natural look of wood or wood plank flooring for its beauty and texture. But if you’re looking for flooring in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and basements, where the chances for water damage are increased, wood flooring my not be your be choice.

Fortunately, waterproof luxury vinyl flooring can provide the best of both worlds. It provides resistance to water damage and comes in a variety of styles and colors that mimic the look of wood, stone and decorative patterns.

While it’s available in a wide variety of colors, textures and styles, the most common type is vinyl planks that look like wood. The best luxury vinyl flooring also looks and feels remarkably similar to wood, with a grooved texture on the surface that reflects light and leaves the impression of real wood under your feet.

It also has the same ease of installation as laminate flooring, usually with interlocking pieces that can be laid in place by professional installers or experienced do-it-yourself homeowners.

Here are some things to consider when shopping for waterproof luxury vinyl flooring.

The first question to answer is one about style: What’s going to look best in your home?

Fortunately, the materials and looks available in luxury vinyl floors are almost endless. From a clean, modern, contemporary floor to the rustic warm look of barn wood, and everything in between, vinyl flooring can complement your unique sense of style.

It’s a good idea to see samples of the floor in your home so you can see how it will look in your actual lighting and how it will coordinate with your paint, furniture, window coverings and overall decor.

Just like with wood planks, the direction you lay the floor can make a big difference to the feel of the room. Whether you run it against the longest wall, the shortest wall or diagonally, you should be cognizant of how the direction of the flooring will change the feel of your space.

Vinyl flooring comes in a wide range of materials, too.

One of the biggest differences between brands and types of vinyl is the thickness of the flooring. Thicker vinyl will feel stiffer, more substantial and more like natural wood when you step on it. A thicker vinyl plank can also help hide imperfections in the subfloor, too.

Typically, the vinyl floor layer is covered by a protective layer that is designed to keep it from showing wear. This clear coat applied to the top – often called a “wear layer” – is available in different thicknesses that offer more or less protection.

The more foot traffic your floor receives, the more important it is for you to choose an appropriately thick and durable wear layer to protect your flooring investment for years to come.

Every vinyl flooring material has its own specific installation requirements. You should know these up front for several reasons.

One, it can affect the overall cost of your flooring project. If you choose flooring that requires expensive underlayment and specialized techniques for installation, it’s going to take more time and money to install.

Some flooring materials come with the underlayment attached, while others require it to be laid separately. Some use adhesive strips to bond planks together at the edges. Some have interlocking edges very similar to laminate wood flooring.

In addition, if your flooring is not installed exactly how the manufacturer recommends, it could void your warranty. For the longest life and best peace of mind, always follow the flooring manufacturer’s installation method precisely – including preparation of the subfloor, if needed.

That brings you to one last consideration: the warranty protection.

Find out what kind of warranty your flooring company offers, both on the materials and the labor if there are any issues that require repair or replacement in the future.

A warranty is only as good as the company that promises it, so it’s a good idea to pick both an installer and a flooring material from a well-known company that has a long track record of happy customers.

In general, higher priced, higher quality flooring will come with longer warranties, but that’s not the only thing to consider. Find out the specifics of what the warranty covers, too. The thoroughness of a warranty matters as much – if not more than – the length.

With careful shopping, you can find waterproof luxury vinyl flooring that is as beautiful as it is durable for years of enjoyment in your home.

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