What Is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)?
Luxury vinyl plank is a multi-layer engineered flooring that realistically mimics real hardwood while being 100% waterproof, scratch-resistant, and significantly more affordable. It's the fastest-growing flooring category in North America — and for good reason.
Anatomy of a Vinyl Plank
UV Coating (Top)
Invisible ceramic or urethane coating that protects against scratches, scuffs, and UV fading. Premium products have multiple UV-cured coats.
Wear Layer
Clear vinyl layer measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). This is the single most important spec — it determines how long the floor lasts. 12mil = basic, 20mil = standard, 22–28mil = premium/commercial.
Print Layer
High-definition photographic layer that creates the wood-look appearance. Modern printing uses EIR (Embossed-In-Register) technology to align texture with the printed grain — so the grooves you feel match the wood pattern you see.
Rigid Core
SPC (stone-polymer) or WPC (wood-polymer) core that provides structure and click-lock connection. This is what makes modern vinyl “rigid core” — completely different from the thin, flexible sheet vinyl of the past.
Attached Underpad (IXPE/EVA)
Pre-attached backing that provides sound absorption, thermal insulation, and moisture barrier. Most premium vinyl in 2026 comes with IXPE underpad pre-attached — no separate underlayment needed.
SPC vs WPC: Which Core Is Better?
The core material is the biggest decision when choosing vinyl plank. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) | WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) |
|---|---|---|
| Core material | Limestone powder + PVC | Wood flour + PVC |
| Density | Very high (~2,000 kg/m³) | Medium (~1,400 kg/m³) |
| Dent resistance | Excellent — resists heavy furniture | Good — can dent under extreme weight |
| Comfort underfoot | Firm (improved with IXPE underpad) | Softer and warmer |
| Sound absorption | Moderate (needs underpad) | Better natural sound dampening |
| Thickness range | 4mm–6.5mm | 5.5mm–8mm |
| Temperature stability | Excellent — minimal expansion | Good — slightly more expansion |
| Price range (BBS) | $2.19–$3.59/sqft | $2.79–$3.59/sqft |
| Best for | Basements, kitchens, high-traffic | Bedrooms, living rooms, condos |
📌 Our Recommendation
SPC is the dominant choice in 2026 — about 85% of the vinyl flooring we sell at BBS is SPC. Its superior dent resistance and temperature stability make it the safer all-around pick for most Canadian homes. WPC is still a great choice if underfoot comfort is your top priority (bedrooms, playrooms).
Wear Layers Explained: The Most Important Spec
The wear layer is the clear protective layer on top of the printed design. It's measured in mils (1 mil = 0.001 inch or ~0.025mm). This single spec determines how long your vinyl floor will look new.
Suitable for low-traffic rooms like bedrooms and guest rooms. Expected lifespan: 10–15 years. Adequate for rental properties and budget renovations.
The sweet spot for most homes. Handles kitchens, living rooms, and moderate pet traffic. Expected lifespan: 20–25 years. Our most popular category.
Maximum durability for busy households, large dogs, commercial spaces. Expected lifespan: 25–30+ years. Virtually scratch-proof for residential use.
How to Choose the Right Vinyl: 6 Key Factors
1. Wear Layer Thickness
Minimum 20mil for main living areas. Don't go below 12mil anywhere. If you have large dogs, go 22mil+.
2. Overall Plank Thickness
Thicker planks (5.5mm+) feel more substantial underfoot and hide minor subfloor imperfections better. Budget options at 4mm work fine on perfectly flat concrete.
3. Attached Underpad
Look for vinyl with pre-attached IXPE underpad — it provides sound dampening, thermal comfort, and moisture barrier in one. Saves $0.50–$0.75/sqft on separate underlayment.
4. Plank Dimensions
Wider, longer planks (7" × 48" or larger) create a more realistic wood look with fewer seams. Standard 6" × 36" planks are economical but look more repetitive.
5. Print Variation
Check how many unique print patterns are in each box. Premium products have 8–12 unique patterns; budget products repeat every 3–4 planks, creating a noticeable “repeat” effect.
6. Click-Lock Quality
Premium brands use Valinge or Unilin click systems that lock tighter and resist gaps. This matters more in high-traffic areas and rooms with temperature swings.
Vinyl Brands at BBS Flooring — Compared
We carry 233 vinyl products across 6 brands. Here's how they stack up:
| Brand | Products | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAF Flooring | 69 | $2.49–$3.59 | Widest selection, premium collections, SPC + herringbone options |
| Woden Flooring | 49 | $2.29–$3.19 | Mid-range value, consistent quality, good colour range |
| Triforest Flooring | 44 | $2.29–$3.19 | Strong mid-range, thick planks, commercial-grade options |
| Simba Flooring | 42 | $2.29–$3.59 | Budget-friendly, clearance deals, herringbone available |
| Falcon Flooring | 19 | $2.19–$2.59 | Best budget option, reliable basics for rentals and basements |
| Lee Flooring | 10 | $2.29 | Value-focused, consistent single price point |
Prices current as of April 2026. Browse all 233 vinyl products →
Total Cost Breakdown: Vinyl Flooring in the GTA
Here's what a complete vinyl flooring project costs at BBS Flooring, broken down by room size:
| Room Size | Material (Budget) | Material (Mid) | Material (Premium) | Installation | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Room (150 sqft) | $329 | $413 | $539 | $300 | $629–$839 |
| Bedroom (200 sqft) | $438 | $550 | $718 | $400 | $838–$1,118 |
| Living Room (350 sqft) | $767 | $963 | $1,257 | $700 | $1,467–$1,957 |
| Main Floor (500 sqft) | $1,095 | $1,375 | $1,795 | $1,000 | $2,095–$2,795 |
| Whole Home (1,000 sqft) | $2,190 | $2,750 | $3,590 | $2,000 | $4,190–$5,590 |
💡 Budget Tip
Material costs above include 5% waste factor. Installation at $2.00/sqft is all-inclusive labour — no hidden fees for furniture moving, transitions, or basic prep. Old carpet removal adds $1.00/sqft; old hardwood/laminate removal adds $1.25–$1.50/sqft.
Best Rooms for Vinyl Flooring
🏠 Basement ★★★★★
The #1 choice. 100% waterproof, handles temperature swings, installs over concrete. SPC with IXPE underpad is the gold standard for Ontario basements.
🍳 Kitchen ★★★★★
Waterproof + scratch-resistant = ideal for kitchens. Handles dropped pots, spills, and heavy foot traffic. Easier on legs than tile during long cooking sessions.
🛁 Bathroom ★★★★★
Vinyl replaces cold tile with a warmer, more comfortable surface — and it's still fully waterproof. Perfect for half-baths and powder rooms; main bathrooms should use caulked edges.
🛋️ Living Room ★★★★
Great for families with kids and pets. Pick a 20mil+ wear layer and wider planks for a high-end look. Some purists prefer real hardwood here — that's personal preference.
🏢 Condo ★★★★
Vinyl with attached IXPE underpad often meets condo sound requirements (STC/IIC ratings). Check your condo board's flooring rules — some require minimum thicknesses or sound test reports.
🏠 Laundry Room ★★★★★
100% waterproof means zero stress about washer leaks or drips. Budget SPC works perfectly here — no need for premium wear layers in a utility space.
Installation: What to Expect
Vinyl is one of the fastest and easiest flooring types to install. Here's the typical process with BBS Flooring:
Free In-Home Measurement
We measure every room, assess your subfloor, and provide a no-obligation quote within 24 hours.
Material Selection
Choose your vinyl at our Markham showroom (233 options to see and touch) or from our online catalog.
Subfloor Preparation
Old flooring removal (if needed), levelling compounds for dips/bumps, and moisture testing on concrete.
Click-Lock Installation
Planks click together without glue. A 500 sqft room typically takes 1 day. We handle furniture moving, transitions, and trim.
Final Walkthrough
We inspect every seam, clean up all debris, move furniture back, and review the finished project with you.
⏱ Timeline
From measurement to finished installation typically takes 5–10 business days, depending on material availability. Same-week installation is often available for in-stock products. No acclimatization period needed for vinyl (unlike hardwood, which requires 48–72 hours).
Vinyl vs Hardwood vs Laminate
Not sure which flooring type is right for you? Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | Vinyl (LVP) | Engineered Hardwood | Laminate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | ✅ 100% | ❌ Water-resistant | ⚠️ Some models |
| Refinishable | ❌ No | ✅ 1–3 times | ❌ No |
| Scratch resistance | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
| Basement safe | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ With moisture test | ❌ Not recommended |
| Lifespan | 20–30 years | 25–50 years | 15–25 years |
| Material cost (BBS) | $2.19–$3.59 | $2.49–$9.29 | $1.49–$2.99 |
| Installation cost | $2.00/sqft | $2.25–$4.25/sqft | $2.00/sqft |
| Resale value impact | Good | Excellent | Neutral |
Want a detailed comparison? Read our Hardwood vs Vinyl vs Laminate Comparison Guide →
Ready to See Vinyl In Person?
Visit our Markham showroom to touch and compare all 233 vinyl options. Or book a free measurement and we'll bring samples to your home.
BBS Flooring · 6061 Highway 7, Unit B, Markham · (647) 428-1111