We know that the really inexpensive vinyl plank can be very tempting but we also know from experience that it usually comes with problems. It chips and breaks while installing it sometimes, the tiny click lock tongue and groove breaks as well. There are times when you will run across great prices on discontinued good quality flooring, just research the brand and specifications if you aren't familiar with it.
Or just contact us because we know where to find great deals on great products!
What you want to look for is the thickness of the overall product, the thickness of the wear layer, and the rigidity of the flooring.
The overall product thickness relates to the rigidity, if the flooring doesn't stay flat when you pick it up from the middle, it is going to be a difficult install and the small tongue and grooves will be prone to breakage during install.
The wear layer thickness is important because if it's too thin it will not only be prone to damage during the install, it will be easier to damage throughout the life of the floor.
It is understandable that everyone wants to save money, but you also do not want to end up with a problem floor. So make sure you choose a flooring that will hold up because if you have to replace it prematurely there go your savings.
We recommend at least 5mm overall thickness.
For the wear layer a minimum of 12 mil is recommended, 20 mil or so is ideal.
Slab or subfloor flatness is extremely important for all flooring, but even more critical with vinyl plank. If your installer doesn't get the flatness within the tolerance specified by the manufacturer you are very likely to have issues with separation and breakage. You average person usually can't make this happen, you need a flooring specialist.
There are pros and cons with pretty much everything and Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring is no exception. One issue is that it is made of chemicals and things like PVC plastic, so it's not biodegradable. Click Lock flooring is also time consuming to repair, usually you have to remove from the wall all the way back to the damaged planks, then reinstall from there back to the wall. If you just replace one plank you would have to glue it in place which wouldn't allow it to expand and contract. You might get lucky but there is a good chance that the lack of expansion room will cause issues.