Originally posted by @Aaron Taylor:
@Gary L Wallman @James Hamling What kind of vinyl plank do you two recommend? I've used the lifeproof stuff from Home Depot but find that it scratches pretty easy and really only goes together once...if you have to take it apart for damage or water, it doesn't reassemble very well. Thanks
I have been testing and utilizing LVP since it first came on market (yeah I know, I'm old) and for a million bucks i couldn't possibly recall all the brands, types and styles over the years, and with that I am not brand specific as LVP is still a rapidly developing product constantly coming out with something better and better. I have learned a few material rules that I stick with;
- Must be waterproof. It used to be special but not anymore, eliminate water potential and eliminate need to take it back up.
- ONLY solid vinyl product, no overlay on wood or paper pulp or other BS.
- Must have a glue down and floating option in the line. This is an observation i found that when it's a decent mil material built well, there is always a glue down or floating option and most of the junk types are just 1. No science behind this, just an observation I noticed.
- Must have wear guarantee. You mentioned it scuffing, that should not be possible, ever. When I check out a new material I havn't worked with before I open a box, right there in the store, pull out a plank, and drag the butt end of my knife across it, I go for it, I shouldn't be able to do a thing to the panel. (should be noted I spend a ridiculous amount at the HD every year and am known by 1st name basis so I may have some extra liberties, beware results may vary).
I have also learned to never listen to what my flooring contractors say, there is way to much pushing of one brand vs another. I do listen to my contacts at pro desk but I have known and been working with them 10 odd years or so. I suggest finding some good contact at the lumber yard that you can trust, won't bs and has depth of experience, they can share what's worked and hasn't with others.
That said I am confused by your experience with the lifeproof brand, I was urged to try some out a while ago and I gave it a thorough testing which it came out excellent, I had none of the experiences your saying. The line I used had a diamond coating that had 0% chance of scuffing, and came with lifetime warranty for any failure at all, including it was waterproof. Maybe you were doing some discounted type? See, that's the risk of being cheap, it ends up costing a whole lot more in the long run, not worth it for the $1 or $2 sqft "saved". There is a reason it's not called Real Estate CHEAPING, and is called INVESTING. Thats how I approach material selection, best smartest INVESTMENT.
