Key Questions to Ask When Ordering Wholesale Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) has exploded in popularity over the past decade thanks to its budget-friendly price and do-it-yourself installation. Yet even seasoned remodelers have lingering questions. Below you’ll find straightforward, fact-based answers to the ten queries we hear most often at AdvantageLumber.com.

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1. What is LVP flooring?

LVP is a rigid, click-together plank flooring that mimics the look of hardwood. Each plank is a multi-layer composite built around a core of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or an upgraded stone-plastic composite (SPC). Finished planks lock together without nails or glue, forming a “floating” floor over most flat sub-surfaces.

2. What does LVP stand for?

Luxury Vinyl Plank. “Luxury” signals a more durable wear layer with more realistic visuals than early sheet-vinyl products, while “Plank” refers to the rectangular board format that resembles wood flooring.

3. What is LVP flooring made of?

Typical anatomy (top-to-bottom):

Color repeat happens every 4-8 boards, so keen eyes may spot identical patterns—one reason many luxury builders still prefer authentic hardwood.

4. Is LVP flooring toxic?

Modern LVP must pass strict U.S. emissions standards (FloorScore®, CARB II) for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). That said, it is still a PVC product, which depends on petroleum-derived plasticizers and may off-gas more than natural materials. If you’re chemically sensitive, request third-party certification sheets before purchasing.

The Dangers of LVP: Fire Risks and Health Concerns

Beyond its aesthetic and imported shortcomings, LVP poses significant safety risks due to its PVC composition. PVC is a petroleum-based plastic that, when exposed to fire, releases toxic smoke and chemicals, increasing the dangers of a house fire. Here’s why this matters:

• Fire and Smoke Risks of PVC-Based LVP:
  • When PVC burns, it produces dense, toxic smoke containing hydrogen chloride gas and dioxins, both of which are highly dangerous to human health. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke inhalation is the leading cause of fire-related deaths, accounting for 50–80% of fatalities in residential fires. Adding PVC-based products like LVP flooring to your home increases the volume of toxic smoke in a fire, heightening the risk of incapacitation or death before flames even reach occupants.
  • The U.S. Fire Administration reports that approximately 3,500 civilian fire deaths occur annually in the U.S., with smoke inhalation being a primary factor. Studies from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) show that burning plastics, including PVC, release smoke that reduces visibility and contains carcinogens, making escape more difficult.
• Health Impacts of PVC Smoke:
  • Hydrogen chloride gas from burning PVC can cause severe respiratory irritation, leading to choking or unconsciousness. Dioxins, a byproduct of PVC combustion, are classified as persistent organic pollutants and are linked to long-term health issues, including cancer and immune system damage. Even low levels of exposure during a fire can have lasting effects.
  • In a study by the International Association of Fire Fighters, synthetic materials like PVC were identified as increasing the toxicity of fire environments, posing risks not only to homeowners but also to firefighters.
• Comparison to Hardwood:
  • Hardwood flooring, while not fireproof, burns more predictably and produces less toxic smoke than PVC. Wood chars slowly, creating a barrier that can slow fire spread, and its smoke primarily consists of carbon dioxide and water vapor, which are less immediately harmful than PVC’s chemical byproducts. Choosing hardwood over LVP reduces the health risks associated with a potential fire.
• Additional PVC Concerns:
  • Even without a fire, LVP can pose health risks. Off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from PVC flooring has been linked to indoor air quality issues, potentially causing respiratory irritation or headaches, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. While modern LVP products may meet VOC emissions standards, the long-term effects of living with synthetic materials are still under study.

5. How to clean LVP flooring?

1. Dust-mop or vacuum (hard-floor setting) daily to remove grit.
2. Damp-mop weekly with a pH-neutral vinyl cleaner.
3. Wipe spills promptly—standing water can seep through plank gaps.
4. Avoid abrasives like scrub pads and powdered cleansers.

6. Can you use a steam mop on LVP?

Most manufacturers prohibit steam mops. Heat and pressurized moisture can soften seams, compromise click joints, and void the warranty. Stick with a microfiber damp-mop instead.

7. How long does LVP flooring last?

Expect 10–20 years in a typical household—shorter with thinner wear layers, longer (up to 30) with commercial-grade 20-mil wear layers and proper care. Compare this to solid hardwood flooring, which can be refinished multiple times and often lasts 50-plus years.

8. Is LVP flooring waterproof?

Planks themselves are impervious to water, but the floating-floor system isn’t a sealed bathtub. Water can seep between joints and reach the subfloor. For kitchens, baths, or basements, follow manufacturer guidelines for seam sealer, perimeter caulking, and moisture-barrier underlayment.

9. How thick is LVP flooring?

Overall thickness ranges 3 mm to 8 mm (≈ 1/8- to 5/16-inch). More important than total thickness is the wear-layer thickness:

10. How do you repair LVP flooring?

For isolated damage:

1. Warm the plank gently with a heat gun to soften the click lock.
2. Remove the damaged board by disengaging its edges or cutting and pulling out the center.
3. Snap-in a matching replacement plank.
4. If damage is widespread—deep scratches, UV fade—it’s often simpler (and cheaper) to replace the entire floor.

Final Thoughts

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Want more information on Wholesale Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring? Feel free to contact us.

There are a lot of benefits to using vinyl plank flooring in your home, but with so many brands offering a range of selections, it can be challenging to know what to look for. Learning more about vinyl plank flooring brands, their offerings and which ones to seriously consider can help you narrow your options while shopping.

Types of Brands

There are a decent number of brands selling vinyl plank flooring, and several have been around for decades. Some of the more popular brands include Mohawk, Armstrong, NuCore, Tarkett, Pergo, Shaw and COREtec.

Quality of LVP

Many people love having luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring in their homes. While its beauty is obviously a draw, its durability is also a massive perk. Some brands of LVP are waterproof, while others are water resistant, so it’s important to choose the option that is right for you. That's especially true if it's being installed in a high moisture area, like a laundry room, kitchen or bathroom.

LVP is also typically easy to keep clean, so make sure you’re cleaning it according to the instructions for your specific type. Typically, the vendor you buy it from will give you cleaning instructions with your purchase or, at the very least, give you tips if you ask. Follow the directions carefully, and you should have no problem keeping the flooring clean for years to come.

Another major benefit of LVP is the realistic details. When you choose a high-quality option, like Stonecreek SPC click flooring, it will look like genuine wood, making it an impressive replacement for hardwood.

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Shop for Stonecreek SPC Click Flooring Today

Highlighting Brands at WC Supply

FIRMFIT and Stonecreek are two brands you’ll want to check out if you’re looking for LVP at WC Supply. There are several options in varying shades, giving you the chance to choose the one that’s perfect for your home. At WC Supply, we offer a free kitchen design so that you can get an idea of what will look best before making the purchase.

Stonecreek also offers gorgeous polar white cabinets that can look fabulous in a variety of rooms, including the kitchen. Their vibrant style can easily brighten a room.

Learn More About Our Free Kitchen Design Service

Choosing a Vinyl Plank Flooring Brand

There are several ways to choose a vinyl plank flooring brand that meets your preferences and specifications. For starters, look at various brands' reputations and reviews. If a brand has a background filled with poor reviews, customer complaints, and negative client experiences, you may want to consider another option.

You’ll also want to look into the selection of vinyl plank flooring and its cost, then decide if the cost aligns with the quality of the products. The more features and benefits vinyl plank flooring has, the pricier it’s likely to be, but it’s important to look at it as an investment in your home. You don't want exceptionally cheap flooring that's going to scratch, dent and wear down with the slightest bit of use.

Make sure to also check out where you can get the products of the brand you want. Some brands are exclusives, which means they’re available only in certain places. See if you can get the products shipped to you or to the person installing your flooring or if you can get them in-store.

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Making Your Final Selection

Ultimately, what’s most important is choosing a vinyl plank flooring brand that will look the best in your home and meet your specific needs for years to come. Considering the cost involved, take the time you need to make your selection and choose a type of flooring that you’ll love for years because it's durable and complements your unique style.

Are you interested in learning more about Peel & Stick Vinyl Flooring? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!