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What Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVP)? Plain-English Guide

LVP stands for luxury vinyl plank. What it is made of, how it differs from sheet vinyl, laminate and hardwood, the types (SPC, WPC, glue-down), what to look for, and what it costs at 254 Floors in Waco and Liberty Hill, TX.

By 254 Floors • Published October 11, 2026

LVP in plain English

LVP stands for luxury vinyl plank. It is a vinyl floor made in long planks with a photographic wood look on top and a clear wear layer protecting it. Most LVP sold today has a rigid core and clicks together, floating over the subfloor without glue.

What it is made of

Wear layer: the clear top coat, measured in mil, that resists scratches.

Print layer: the wood or stone look.

Core: SPC (stone plastic composite, dense and rigid) or WPC (a foamed core, softer underfoot).

Backing: many planks have an attached pad for comfort and sound.

Types of LVP

SPC rigid core: waterproof, dent resistant, stable in heat. The most popular choice for Texas homes on slabs.

WPC: waterproof, softer and quieter, usually more expensive.

Glue-down vinyl plank: thin and low-profile, glued to the slab; common in rentals and commercial spaces.

Loose-lay: heavy planks that lie flat with grip backing.

LVP vs other floors

Hardwood: real wood, but scratches, dents and reacts to water. LVP gives the look with far less upkeep.

Laminate: a wood-fiber core that can swell if water gets into the seams. We focus on vinyl plank for that reason.

Sheet vinyl: cheaper rolls, but a less realistic look and harder to repair.

What to look for

Wear layer: 12 mil for budget rooms, 20 mil for most homes and pets, 22 to 28 mil for big dogs, busy homes and light commercial.

Core: rigid core (SPC) for most Texas homes.

Plank size: wide, long planks (like 9 by 60 inches) make rooms look bigger.

Running line vs closeout: a running line can be reordered later to add a room or replace planks.

Our LVP

5mm / 12 mil: $1.70 per sq ft.

Made in USA 5mm / 20 mil: $1.99 per sq ft for in-stock colors.

Made in USA 6.5mm / 22 mil wide plank: $2.79 per sq ft.

8mm / 28 mil wide plank: $3.49 per sq ft.

Installed by our own insured crews for $1.75 per sq ft, usually the same week. Both stores have samples of every plank: 2919 Mary Ave in Waco, (254) 332-2272, and 126 Holmes Rd Unit 24 in Liberty Hill, (512) 355-5120.

Frequently asked questions

What is luxury vinyl flooring?

Luxury vinyl flooring is a layered vinyl floor made to look like wood or stone: a printed design layer under a clear wear layer, on top of a core. In plank shapes it is called LVP (luxury vinyl plank); in tile shapes, LVT. Rigid core versions (SPC and WPC) are waterproof, click together and float over most slabs.

What does LVP stand for?

Luxury vinyl plank: vinyl flooring made in plank shapes with a realistic wood look, as opposed to sheet vinyl (rolls) or LVT (luxury vinyl tile, in tile shapes).

Is LVP waterproof?

Rigid core LVP (SPC and WPC) has a waterproof core, so spills, pet accidents and mopping will not swell the planks. Water can still get under a floor through gaps at the edges, so the room should not flood.

How long does LVP flooring last?

It depends mostly on the wear layer and the install. A thicker wear layer (20 to 28 mil) holds up much longer in busy homes than a thin 12 mil one, and a floor installed to manufacturer specs, floating freely, avoids most problems.

How much does LVP cost?

At 254 Floors, rigid core LVP runs $1.70 to $3.49 per square foot, or $3.45 to $5.24 installed by our own crews.

Next steps

Compare products online, request free samples, or visit our Waco and Liberty Hill showrooms for help choosing the right floor.

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8mm / 28 mil wide plank · Made in USA vinyl plank · Installation in Waco · Installation in Liberty Hill · Installed cost, Waco · Installed cost, Liberty Hill