How Much Vinyl Plank Flooring Do You Need?
Calculate luxury vinyl plank or tile quantity, underlayment, and transition strips by room size.
LVP vs LVT vs WPC/SPC
LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) mimics hardwood in plank format. LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) mimics stone/tile. Both are 100% waterproof, making them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. WPC (Wood Polymer Composite) and SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) are rigid-core variants — thicker, more durable, and more realistic underfoot. SPC handles temperature swings better and resists denting.
Why Vinyl Is the Fastest-Growing Flooring
Vinyl plank is now the #1 selling flooring category in the US, surpassing hardwood and laminate. Reasons: 100% waterproof (unlike laminate), easier DIY installation (click-lock, no glue), cheaper than hardwood ($2-7/sqft vs $4-14/sqft), and modern premium vinyl is nearly indistinguishable from real wood visually. Lifespan: 15-25 years for quality brands.
The wear layer thickness is the single most important spec for vinyl flooring longevity. 6-12 mil = light residential. 12-20 mil = standard residential. 20+ mil = heavy residential/light commercial. A 20-mil wear layer costs only $1-2/sqft more than 12-mil but lasts 50% longer.
