The Benefits of Smart Drop Luxury Vinyl Flooring

The Benefits of Smart Drop Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring, often referred to as LVP or LVF, has become an increasingly popular flooring option for homes and businesses over the past decade. The main appeal of LVP is that it combines the look and feel of more expensive flooring materials like hardwood, tile, and stone with the durability and water-resistance of vinyl. One exciting development in luxury vinyl tiles and planks is the emergence of smart drop LVP products.

What is Smart Drop Flooring?

Smart drop LVP refers to luxury vinyl flooring that has a drop-lock or fold-down installation system. This means the planks or tiles interlock and literally "drop" into place without any glue or nails required. This makes DIY installation extremely quick and easy compared to traditional "glue-down" LVP or other types of flooring.

Here are some key benefits of smart drop luxury vinyl flooring:

• Easy "click-together" installation
• No glue or nails required
• Faster installation time
• Easy for DIYers to install
• Allows for floating floor installation
• Planks and tiles can be taken up and reinstalled

Ease of Installation

One of the biggest perks of smart drop LVP is how quick and easy it is to install. Traditional vinyl and hardwood floors require a lengthy prep process of laying glue or nail down underlayment before carefully installing each plank. Smart drop vinyl completely eliminates this step.

Each plank or tile simply clicks or drops into the next one thanks to a patented locking system on the edges. No nails, glue, or mess involved! Most smart drop vinyl floors can be DIY installed in just a few hours even for larger rooms.

No Permanent Commitment

Another advantage of smart drop flooring is that it allows for a floating floor installation. This means the planks click together but are not actually fixed to the subfloor below. The floor is seamless and stable thanks to the tight interlocking system.

However, this also means smart drop vinyl can be easily taken back up and reinstalled if desired. If you need access underneath for wiring or plumbing repairs, or ever want to replace the flooring, it can be disassembled and reused in another room or home. This offers more flexibility than permanently glued down floors.

Moisture Resistant Material

Vinyl is an inherently water-resistant material resistant to spills, pets accidents, and high humidity levels that can damage many flooring types. Smart drop vinyl planks are completely waterproof thanks to a durable wear layer on top and sealed backing below.

This makes smart drop LVP ideal for basements, laundry rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and other damp areas of a home. The waterproof structure prevents warping, delaminating, or growing mold like other floors when exposed to moisture.

Superior Durability

Luxury vinyl is designed to be an extremely durable flooring able to withstand decades of foot traffic and daily wear-and-tear. The vinyl surface is resistant to scratches, dents, stains, and fading over time.

Most smart drop LVP options have a thick 12 to 20 mil wear layer for maximum durability and longevity. This protective top layer allows the floors to better hide scratches and scuffs. Vinyl won't absorb liquid spills either which helps maintain its appearance.

Comfort and Noise Reduction

Unlike tile, laminate, or hardwood that can feel cold and echo underfoot, vinyl floors provide a quieter, more comfortable walking surface. The slight flexibility and cushioning effect help reduce foot fatigue when standing for long periods of time.

Smart drop vinyl also has excellent sound dampening properties. The floor absorbs noise and impact instead of amplifying it like many hard surface materials. This helps keep upstairs and downstairs rooms more peaceful.

Affordable Luxury Look

Top-quality LVP floors replicate the elegant look of hardwood, natural stone, ceramic tile, and concrete at a fraction of the cost. Budget-friendly smart drop vinyl comes in various stone, wood, and tile patterns with realistic colors, grains, grouts, and textures.

Since the decorative layer is just a photographic print film on vinyl, manufacturers can create almost any visual design imaginable. Smart drop LVP brings luxury aesthetics into any home or business at an affordable price point starting around $2 to $7 per square foot installed.

Choosing the Best Smart Drop Vinyl Flooring

When selecting a smart drop LVP product, here are some key factors to consider:

• Style - Browse the wide range of wood, tile, and stone designs to find your ideal look.
• Color - Opt for light, medium, or dark tones based on the room.
• Texture - Choices like textured wood grains or smooth stones.
• Plank width - Narrow 2-3 inch widths best for small spaces; 5+ inch widths for larger rooms.
• Wear layer - Look for 12+ mil wear layers for durability and stain resistance.
• attached pad - Some options have a pre-attached foam pad for added comfort and sound insulation.

Be sure to bring home LVP floor samples or order samples online to view colors and styles in your space before making a final decision. Always carefully read the manufacturer specifications too.

Top Smart Drop Vinyl Flooring Brands

Some of the top reviewed and most popular smart drop luxury vinyl plank brands include:

• LifeProof
• Pergo TimberCraft
• Shaw Floorte
• Karndean Korlok
• Cali Vinyl Pro
• NuCore
• USFloors Coretec
• Mohawk SolidTech
• Congoleum Triversa
• Gerflor Creation

Many big flooring brands like Shaw, Mohawk, Pergo, and LifeProof offer smart drop vinyl options. Smaller more affordable brands like Cali and NuCore are also readily available. Be sure to compare warranties from 5 years up to limited lifetime guarantees.

Maintaining Your Smart Drop Vinyl Floors

The right smart drop vinyl flooring will provide many years of beauty and enjoyment with just simple routine care. Here are some tips for keeping your floors looking like new:

• Sweep, dust mop, or vacuum regularly to remove grit that can scratch floors.
• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent possible stains.
• Use vinyl-safe cleaners only and avoid excessive water.
• Add floor mats at entrances to reduce tracked-in dirt.
• Use soft vinyl wheels and felt pads under furniture legs.
• Avoid exposing floors to direct sunlight which can cause fading.
• Consider adding area rugs in high traffic zones.

The easy maintenance of waterproof vinyl flooring is another benefit over carpeting or wood. With proper care, smart drop LVP will continue looking pristine and last for decades before needing to be replaced.

Time for An Upgrade

If your home or business needs new floors, smart drop luxury vinyl deserves strong consideration. The waterproof durability, vast design options, comfort underfoot, and easy DIY installation provide homeowners and businesses incredible value. And the technology keeps improving year after year.

For a beautiful, affordable flooring solution, be sure to check out the latest smart drop vinyl plank collections at flooring retailers near you or online. The stunning looks and simplified installation will floor you.

FAQs

What is the benefit of "floating" installation?

Floating installation allows the floor to be taken up and reinstalled in the future. It can simply be disassembled versus removing a permanently glued down floor.

Can smart drop vinyl be installed over existing floors?

In most cases yes, smart drop LVP can be installed over existing flooring like tile, vinyl, or concrete. The subfloor must be smooth and flat first.

How long does smart drop vinyl flooring last?

With proper care, smart drop LVP can last 20-25 years or longer before needing replacement. Quality vinyl wears well over time.

Is smart drop vinyl eco-friendly?

Although vinyl is a plastic material, many LVP floors today are made from recycled content. It's also inherently water-resistant requiring fewer chemicals.

Can I install smart drop LVP myself?

Yes! Smart drop vinyl is designed for DIY installation in just a few hours even for beginners thanks to the click locking system.