Question 1

The LVP near the entry constantly gets hit with salt and grit — how do we prevent long-term edge damage?

Accepted Answer

Luxury vinyl plank edges are vulnerable to salt and grit damage, but proper protection and maintenance can prevent long-term deterioration. The key is creating barriers and establishing cleaning routines that remove corrosive materials before they can penetrate seams or wear down the wear layer.

Entry mats are your first line of defense - place both exterior and interior mats to capture salt and debris before it reaches your LVP. Use a coarse outdoor mat for initial scraping and an absorbent in

Question 2

How do we prevent furniture dents on vinyl plank?

Accepted Answer

Furniture dents on vinyl plank flooring are preventable with the right protective measures and proper installation techniques. While vinyl plank is more resilient than hardwood, heavy furniture can still create permanent indentations, especially on softer vinyl products.

Furniture pads are your first line of defense. Use felt pads under all furniture legs, choosing pads that are slightly larger than the furniture foot. For heavy items like pianos, refrigerators, or sectional sofas, upgrade to f

Question 3

Is it true that laminate cannot be refinished? What happens when it gets scratched?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's absolutely true - laminate flooring cannot be refinished like hardwood. Laminate has a protective wear layer on top of a photographic image, so sanding would destroy the floor's appearance entirely.

When laminate gets scratched, your repair options depend on the severity of the damage. Minor surface scratches can often be addressed with laminate repair kits that include color-matched putty or markers - these work well for small scratches and scuffs that don't go through the wear layer

Question 4

My old subfloor has some soft spots - should I repair or replace it before installing new floors?

Accepted Answer

You absolutely need to address those soft spots before installing any new flooring. Soft spots indicate moisture damage, rot, or structural weakness that will only get worse and could cause your new floors to fail prematurely.

Identifying the extent of damage is the first step. Soft spots in subfloor are typically caused by water damage from leaks, poor ventilation, or moisture infiltration. A licensed contractor should inspect the affected areas to determine if the damage is surface-level or e

Question 5

My dog has scratched up my hardwood - will luxury vinyl plank (LVP) hold up better with large dogs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, luxury vinyl plank will definitely hold up much better with large dogs than traditional hardwood flooring. LVP is specifically engineered to resist scratches, dents, and moisture damage that pets commonly cause.

Scratch and Dent Resistance: LVP has a protective wear layer (typically 12-20 mil for residential) that's much more resistant to pet claws than hardwood's surface finish. Even large dogs running and playing won't easily scratch quality LVP. The rigid core construction also resists

Question 6

What flooring shows the least dust, pet hair, and dirt between cleanings?

Accepted Answer

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and sheet vinyl show the least dust, pet hair, and dirt between cleanings due to their completely smooth, non-porous surfaces that don't trap particles like textured or grouted floors do.

Smooth vinyl flooring is the clear winner for hiding everyday mess. The seamless surface means dust and pet hair sit on top rather than settling into grooves or texture, making them less visible until your next cleaning. Unlike laminate with its beveled edges or tile with grout lines,

Question 7

My floors have deep scratches and dents - will refinishing fix them all?

Accepted Answer

Refinishing can fix most scratches and many dents, but not all damage. The key factor is whether the damage goes through the wood or just affects the finish layer.

Surface scratches that only go through the polyurethane finish will completely disappear during refinishing. These are the white or light-colored marks you see that don't catch your fingernail when you run it across them. Deeper scratches that go into the wood itself will be significantly reduced but may still be faintly visible afte

Question 8

My stairs creak under the carpet. Will replacing the carpet fix the noise?

Accepted Answer

Replacing the carpet alone will not fix creaking stairs - the noise is coming from the stair structure underneath, not the carpet itself. The carpet is actually helping to muffle the creaks that would be even more noticeable on bare wood.

Stair creaks are typically caused by loose connections between the stair treads (the horizontal part you step on) and the risers (vertical back part), or between the treads and the stringers (side supports). Over time, the nails or screws holding these compone

Question 9

We have small kids and a messy household - what floor is easiest to clean?

Accepted Answer

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or waterproof laminate are your best friends with small kids - they're 100% waterproof, scratch-resistant, and can handle spills, muddy shoes, and toy drops without permanent damage.

Luxury vinyl plank tops the list for busy families because it's completely waterproof, not just water-resistant. Juice spills, potty training accidents, and tracked-in snow won't penetrate the surface or seep into seams. Modern LVP looks incredibly realistic - many guests can't tell the dif

Maintenance & Care