You want the most stunning floors possible for your home. The kind of flooring that will make your friends and family think you spent a small fortune on remodeling your home.
Only, you didn’t (spend a small fortune that is). So, how do you get that high-end look without the hefty price tag that comes along with them?
The latest trend that many homeowners are going with is luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. But there are so many options in LVP – how do you choose?
LifeProof, formally known as Allure, is an excellent choice in LVP. It has many features that will appeal to both your eyes and your wallet.
Ready to learn more about this great product?
Features
LifeProof Vinyl Plank flooring offers beautiful selections in several different widths of planks. Plus, they are deeply embossed to resemble natural wood grains like oak, hickory, and pine.
It features both traditional wood looks as well as more trendy and rustic looks.
They also have a 6 mil wear layer that is resistant to scratches, marks and skids. So, LifeProof LVP may be an option for homes with children or pets. Though, for those with an active home, looking for a 12 mil wear layer or higher would be my personal recommendation.
These planks also come with an attached underlayment, which means they are warm and comfortable to walk on. (And they are very quiet, unlike hard tiles).
Since LifeProof LVP is antimicrobial, it is also a smart choice for anyone who suffers from allergies. This LVP is specially treated to prevent the growth of odor and stain that can cause mold or mildew to grow on the surface or in the underlayment.
Plus, it is formaldehyde-free and phthalate-free. So, it is a safe product that is free of many of the harmful contaminants that some products contain.
Another great feature of these floors is that they have a rigid PVC core and are 100% waterproof.
If you are looking for flooring in a wet room, or an area prone to flooding, then LifeProof vinyl plank floors will give you the look of natural wood yet hold up much better under the elements.
But, these LVP planks can look great anywhere throughout your home. These planks come in gorgeous shades of gray like Rustic Wood or Lighthouse Oak, and beautiful brown hues like Heirloom Pine and Shadow Hickory.
Installation
One of the many benefits of LVP is that it is very easy to install. In fact, if you like DIY projects, this is one you can definitely do yourself.
You will just need a few simple tools like a tapping block and a soft-faced hammer.
LifeProof’s LVP is designed with floating or interlocking planks that you can install directly over your subfloor.
So, if you are replacing your tile, or other floors, you may not even have to remove them. Simply lay your floating LVP over the existing floor.
However, in some cases, you may need cushioning or a vapor barrier system. When in doubt, you can always ask an expert.
Note: Your existing subfloor should be solidly attached. LVP cannot be installed over another floating floor (in other words, do not attempt to install your LifeProof Vinyl Planks over laminate).
And once you have your planks installed, there is no acclimation time required. You can move all your furniture back in the room and begin enjoying them immediately.
Maintenance
LifeProof Luxury Vinyl is a high-quality vinyl plank flooring that is easy to maintain. It includes many features designed to help it last a long time even in high traffic areas.
It has a solid virgin vinyl layer and ceramic bead enhanced wear layer that makes it an extremely durable product that is resistant to scratches.
With ISOCORE technology, these luxury vinyl planks are difficult to damage. But if you do, simply replace the damaged plank with a new one.
LifeProof’s drop-and-lock end joints make it not only easy to install, but you can also easily switch out a plank if there is some major damage to it.
For routine cleaning, simply sweep the floors, use a dust mop or even a vacuum with a hard floor attachment.
Since it is 100% waterproof, you can also mop your LifeProof floors when you need a deeper cleaning. Just make sure to use a cleaning product approved for LVP on your floors when using a mop.
How to Purchase LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring
LifeProof luxury vinyl plank flooring, formally called Allure, is sold exclusively at Home Depot.
Priced per square foot, this flooring is generally sold by the case. The planks generally cost a little less than $3 per square foot and a case covers around 20 square feet.
You can order LifeProof flooring, as well as other popular flooring brands like the Floorte line made by Shaw, online or at your local Home Depot store. However, not all styles are available to ship to your home.
There is also an option to ship your order to your nearest Home Depot location for store pickup. There is no shipping fee for this service.
If you can’t decide which one to choose, you can request free samples to take home. You can also return the flooring for up to 90 days after purchase.
LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring comes with a lifetime residential warranty from the manufacturer.
The Verdict
LifeProof Vinyl Plank Flooring is a great option for anyone who loves the look of hardwood flooring but doesn’t want the headaches that come along with it.
It comes in a variety of beautiful wood grain looks. And with today’s technology, the resemblance to wood is so close that your guests may not even realize it’s not real wood.
This LVP is also good for your health. It protects against harmful allergens and is not overladen with harmful chemicals like some other vinyl flooring.
LifeProof is also easy to install and easy to maintain. And at a cost of less than $3 a square foot in most areas, it is also a budget-friendly product.
But you can’t just buy it just anywhere. LifeProof vinyl plank flooring is only available through Home Depot.
What is your favorite LifeProof vinyl plank flooring style?
Can this be laid directly over “sheet vinyl”? The sheet vinyl was peeling back by tub. That piece, about 12″ X 48″, has been removed. Contractor has used some kind of patch, possibly plaster, to feather it out. Doesn’t seem right.
Looking to install where pets are notorious for having accidents. Although it is waterproof, should we be concerned about pet urine getting between the interlocking planks?
I can not 100% tell you no, but I can tell you my daughter gets out of the shower and gets out soaking wet leaving the floor soaking wet and you there has been no damage so I do not believe that it has gotten between the planks. I believe it stays above on the surface as long as it has been installed according to directions.
How do you know water is not getting under the tile? I want to know if you can put a sealer on it. Can’t get an answer.
Ingrid,
No worries about pet urine. It, like water, will not penetrate the joints if it is installed correctly.
I am remodeling my kitchen. This floor does not have to acclimate from what I understand. Just bring up to room temp. We were going to use tile under the cabinets. Now we are going to install the Lifeproof Biscayne herringbone tile. Since this does not have to acclimate like a normal laminate and is waterproof I thought we could put the flooring in first under the cabinets. Will it be ok to put this under our new cabinets? I didn’t think this would be a problem talking with the salesperson at HD? Thanks
I’m using double vanity with granite top in bathroom. The vanity is on legs so you can see directly under vanity which means I need to do vinyl flooring under the cabinets to the wall. Am I going to have buckling problems? I’m reading do not put this flooring under cabinets. Well, a 72″ double vanity with granite top is pretty darn heavy and is a type of cabinet.
Cecilia,
You can place this under “legged ” cabinets the same as furniture without worry. The only reason they recommend not placing under cabinets is to prevent cabinet removal in the event of needing to replace any damaged planks.