When it comes time to replace your current floor, you have many flooring options out there to choose from. One option that is quickly gaining popularity is vinyl plank flooring. Luxury vinyl plank flooring gives you a look and feel of hardwood but without all the hassle that goes along with it.

This makes luxury vinyl plank flooring one very popular choice when you’re making the final decision on your next flooring project. Today, we are going to take a closer look at some top manufacturers who produce this type of product so that when the time comes for you to make that final decision, you will know who to go with.

What is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is a synthetic material that looks and feels like real flooring without the cost. Vinyl flooring comes in many forms, including luxury vinyl plank, sheet vinyl, and luxury vinyl tile. They are created by layering a specialized PVC plastic on top of a fiberboard backing to give the product strength.

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Pros of Vinyl Floors

Stain Resistant

Almost every brand, style, and texture of luxury vinyl plank is stain proof, and those that aren’t are heavily resistant to staining.

DIY Installation

In most cases, vinyl plank flooring is easy to install. Large rectangular planks can usually be laid down in a matter of hours with a very small learning curve.

ffordable Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

One of the biggest pros of luxury vinyl plank floors is that they offer an affordable alternative to real hardwood and laminate. The overall price of LVP flooring has come down in recent years for many reasons. There is style and type for every budget. It’s priced between $2 and $7 per square foot, making it cheap compared to hardwood, carpet, and decent tile.

Residential and Commercial Use

Luxury vinyl plank can be used for both residential and commercial applications. They are durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic in office buildings, educational facilities, retail stores, hotels, airports, or anywhere requiring a high cleanliness level.

Cleaning Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl flooring is easy to maintain. You don’t need anyone to teach you how to clean vinyl floors. A quick mop or vacuum removes most surface dirt. For tougher stains, use a mixture of hot water and vinegar to soak the area for up to 15 minutes before wiping it off with a clean cloth. The flooring can be refinished if too much scuffing occurs over time.

Styles and Finishes

Due to the wide variety of installation methods, vinyl plank flooring comes in a variety of styles and finishes. While less expensive options in other flooring materials mean lower quality, vinyl flooring isn’t the case.

Cons of Vinyl Plank Floor

Volatile Organic Compounds and Off-Gassing

Since the plank flooring is synthetic, it emits a scent that some people can detect as volatile organic compounds or VOCs. These can be hazardous to health, although they typically begin to dissipate within the first 24 hours of installation. It’s good to keep windows open during and after installation, but not directly in front of air conditioners or fans that might trap the odors.

No Added Home Value

Unlike hardwood flooring or wall to wall carpeting, vinyl flooring doesn’t typically add to resale value. However, it offers excellent durability and resilience that increases useful life by decades. This makes it an important consideration if you’re planning to live in your home for many years after installation.

Not Easily Repaired

If you drop a perishable item such as an egg, wine bottle or bread crumbs on your vinyl flooring and try to wipe them up quickly, they may leave a noticeable stain. You can’t simply refinish the flooring with wood floor wax as you would for hardwood floors.

Professional installers can successfully repair vinyl floors, but the damage may already be permanent because, unlike hardwood floors, vinyl floors are not made with real wood.

What to Look for in a Quality Vinyl Plank Floor

Not all luxury vinyl flooring is created equal. Vinyl planks and tiles vary between $1 and $8 per sq ft. Here are some of the factors that explain the variation. You should look for these features when choosing the best vinyl plank flooring.

Rigid Core

Lesser grades of vinyl floors may come with a fragile core made from polystyrene foam, which breaks apart as you walk on it and can damage your subfloor. Luxury vinyl planks should have a rigid core made from PVC. The most common core is wood plastic composite, while the newest type is stone plastic composite.

Thickness

Rigid core vinyl planks average 5mm thick, while vinyl tiles range from 11 to 13 mm. Thicker is better because thicker planks and tiles can withstand more wear and tear before showing signs of damage.

Price and Warranty

Prices can range from $1 to $7 per square foot, depending on the type of material and manufacturer. Luxury vinyl tiles typically cost more than luxury vinyl planks. A good quality product should come with at least 20 years for residential use and 10 years for commercial use.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Brands

1. Mannington

This is one of the oldest major vinyl flooring manufacturers founded in 1915. Mannington offers luxury vinyl in two product lines. These include Mannington luxury sheet vinyl and Adura luxury tile and plank flooring.

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Mannington is unique in offering a sheet vinyl product described as luxury vinyl. The luxury vinyl products are either tile or plank products for all other manufacturers. The Adura brand comprises both tile and plank offerings. Most of the tiles mimic natural stone, and the tiles are typically 18×18 inches square or 12×24 inches in size.

Some products are meant for glue-down applications, while others use a click-lock connection. If you’re looking for near authenticity in vinyl wood flooring, go for the plank collection, which features variable widths, realistic colors, and surface textures.

2. Shaw

Shaw is the only other company that offers a product that resembles luxury vinyl flooring. The Shaw Contract Flooring brand offers an array of sheet products and luxurious vinyl planks you can find. While they’re a little more expensive, you’ll get a high quality, the durable plank that exceeds your expectations.

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Shaw also tends to back its products with generous warranties, demonstrating the company’s faith in what it sells. There are LVP types to choose from Shaw floors. These include the DuraTru collection, the least expensive, and ranging from 5 mil to 7 mil in thickness.

For thicker flooring, choose the Floorte style, which is a mid-range of their collection, offering you a dozen of styles to choose from. Most residential applications come from this collection. For commercial use or higher-end products, choose Floorte pro.

The prices will rise in Floorte pro but with up to 30 mil thickness and a solid plank using SPC. The thicker mil also comes with longer warranties, including commercial use. One advantage of choosing vinyl plank flooring from Shaw is that most of the company’s products are fully waterproof instead of just being water-resistant. Shaw is one of the largest and most famous vinyl plank flooring brands.

3. Armstrong Vinyl Plank Flooring

Armstrong Vinyl Plank Flooring is another manufacturing brand that has been around for decades. Armstrong’s vinyl plank flooring comes in both floating and glue-down installation methods and a variety of styles, including contemporary, traditional, rustic, and classic designs.

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Most of Armstrong’s luxury types of vinyl are plank products that mimic wood grains. With the company’s lifetime warranty covering residential use, you can’t go wrong with this brand. The average prices are between $5 and $7 per square foot.

4. Forbo Flooring Systems

Forbo is a Swiss-based company that makes a point of being as environmentally friendly as possible by using green energy, minimizing transport, and cutting down on waste. Their Allura residential line offers a vast array of around 100 different styles to choose from and not fewer than eight installation methods.

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The company also offers specialist flooring such as acoustic flooring that helps reduce noise, durable, low-maintenance homogeneous flooring, and versatile and varied heterogeneous options, opening up plenty of creative possibilities.

This is a great option to consider, especially if you’re interested in installing ecological, high-quality flooring in residential or commercial settings.

5. Mohawk Flooring

Mohawk Flooring is a renowned name in the flooring industry. They offer a huge variety of stylish and versatile options that are easy to install and affordable, with customers hailing from nearly every walk of life.

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Mohawk offers luxury vinyl flooring and laminate, resilient sheet, and hardwood. Mohawk has been around for over 100 years, and they are the largest flooring manufacturer in the entire nation, processing 100 million square feet of products per month.

Mohawk floors are easy to clean and care for, making them a popular option for people with young children and pets in their homes. Some Mohawk products also include a special pet-friendly warranty, so if it gets damaged by your furry companions, you’ll be covered, contrary to Mohawk’s competitors.

On the downside, Mowhak comes with a shorter warranty than other brands, so if you’re looking for a long warranty brand, then this isn’t the right option. With their plenty of experience, Mohawk is a reputable company that comes at the most reasonable price possible.

6. NuCore Flooring

The luxury vinyl flooring from this brand is highly durable and resilient to every foot traffic and resists scuffs. The planks are not only durable, but they’re also waterproof, making it the only brand offering 100% waterproof across the entire line.

All their models are wood grain finishes to emulate a real hardwood floor. The brand also features an innovative design with a cork underlayment that is hypoallergenic. This underlay also provides a softer floor when walking, absorbs more sound, and is warm for colder climates.

The interlocking floating design with this cork underlay allows you to lay more flooring without the need for transition molding. You’ll also get a lifetime warranty on residential installs with this brand. Maintenance is also simple, with regular sweeping and mopping.

Made to withstand pets, children, and high traffic areas, NuCore is the perfect choice if you’re looking for the look and performance of your floors.

7. Karndean

This is a relative newcomer in the world of luxury vinyl flooring, originating as a small business in 1973. Although it’s a small manufacturer, Karndean specializes in nothing but luxury vinyl flooring and is highly regarded in the industry. It offers wood-inspired plank styles and stone inspired styles, making it one of the most diverse companies despite its small size.

Its unique flooring products mimic other materials such as metals, fabrics, cork, and bamboo. It comes with a pro-rated lifetime warranty. However, some models require professional installation for the full warranty to take effect. So, make sure you read all of the fine print before purchasing.

8. COREtec Plus

COREtec Plus is another manufacturer that only manufactures luxury vinyl flooring. It prides itself on using eco-friendly materials without sacrificing performance and design. Featuring an innovative core construction, COREtec Plus’ products are water resistant and offer more than 10 times the hardness of other brands for easier maintenance. Like Karndean, it’s recommended to have your COREtec installed professionally.

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It offers White Glove services, including installers, for an additional charge. Using this service will also give you a full warranty on installations, and you can use the floors as soon as the job is complete. The major lines of COREtec include original, pro, stone, wood, and one plus. Each of these lines has its models of LVP.

9. Proximity Mills

Proximity mills have manufactured high-end luxury vinyl flooring in the U.S. for over 30 years. The company’s London Towne Collection is finished in an old English style and is one of the most elegant products on the market today (and it doesn’t look like vinyl). It comes in 12 patterns, six colors, and four textures, which are part of the FSC certification. The company also manufactures two luxury vinyl planks under the brand name Aireloom and has a new line of luxury vinyl tile called Proximity Tile Collection.

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Proximity Mills floors boast advanced toughness and durability, and all flooring from the company comes with a lifetime warranty for residential use. However, its commercial warranty are not as good as those offered by other companies.

Proximity mills also pride themselves on exceptional customer satisfaction. And on the downside, they don’t allow anybody to sell their products, making it a little difficult to get hold of proximity mills flooring.

10. Cali

Cali flooring is a good choice if you’re concerned about investing in green products. It’s manufactured using 100% renewable energy, and the material used to make this vinyl tile comes from post-consumer and post-industrial waste, reclaimed wood and scrap tires.

The company was born of an idea that came to the founders after a surfing trip in Hawaii, and their original products were engineered bamboo flooring. Among the lines produced by Cali is Mute step flooring, which incorporates a cork underlay to help reduce noise while increasing comfort.

The next is Vinyl Pro Classic, designed for ease of installation, vinyl plus, including cork underlay and Longboards which are vinyl planks sold in a larger format.

11. Flooret

If you want to keep things simple but have a luxury vinyl tile, as a result, look no further than Flooret. This company offers luxury vinyl tiles by the square foot with either a wood or stone pattern on top. The product is meant to be kept in place without adhesives and floated over existing flooring, including wood, concrete and ceramic tile.

It has a single line of vinyl flooring, divided into the base and the signature versions. The difference is the wear layer, with base offering 20 mils and signature providing a whopping 40 mil, making it indestructible.

These types are UV protected and feature ceramic bead technology to enhance toughness and durability. All Flooret products include a lifetime warranty. It also offers affordable pricing, thanks to its simplicity and the direct to customer business.

12. Lifeproof Vinyl Flooring

Nail-down and glue-down installations are available. It comes in various widths and designs, including wood plank effect vinyl flooring, authentic-looking tile styles and luxury vinyl planks that look like stone. The classic square printed pattern is also for those who want something plain and simple.

Lifeproof flooring also boasts a 20 mil wear layer and a waterproof rigid core, contributing to its durability. If you’re looking for flooring that won’t break the bank, then this is the right choice.

13. Raskin

This is a company specializing in attractive modern flooring solutions that are also quick and easy to install. Both loose lay and glue down options are available. The company offers several flooring options, including premium waterproof, commercial and loose lay.

All these are characterized by high levels of quality and attractive artistic designs. If you’re looking for a well-known flooring option that can make a real impact, then this is the real choice.

FAQs on Top Manufacturers of Luxury Vinyl Flooring

What thickness of vinyl plank flooring is best?

The thicker the plank, the sturdier it is. So the rule of thumb is to use 4mm to 6mm thickness in heavily used areas of the house and 4mm and below for areas like the bedroom.

Final Thought on Top Manufacturers of Luxury Vinyl Flooring

As you can see, vinyl flooring is easy and simple to install. And the best vinyl plank flooring will give you years of trouble-free use, easy to maintain, and suits the style and decor of your home.

 

The post 13 Top Manufacturers of Luxury Vinyl [LV] Flooring appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

Birds are a great addition to any yard, but how do you get them to come? You can’t just put out a birdbath and expect birds to flock. They need more than that; they need food, water, and shelter. To attract the most birds into your garden, it’s important to make sure all of their needs are met. 

All it takes is one little bird bath fountain in your backyard or front yard. The sound of running water will attract many songbirds, including blue jays, woodpeckers, and sparrows. If you’re looking for something more traditional, like a stone basin with plants around it, we have those too! There are dozens of designs available so you can find the perfect one for your home.

Types of Bird Bath Fountains

Hanging Bird Bath Fountains

A hanging bird bath fountain is a great way to add motion and sound to your outdoor space. The sound of falling water refreshes and captivates. It can even contribute to the overall ambience of your yard or garden.

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These bathroom fountains for birds are made from durable steel and other metals, making them long-lasting, low-maintenance additions to your garden. You can also use it as a bird feeder if you prefer.

Pedestal Bathroom Fountain for Birds

Built with you in mind, pedestal bird bath fountains add a touch of class to your yard while giving birds the perfect place to get clean and take a drink. Like other bathroom fountains for birds, this type is made from durable materials such as resin and metal.

This classic pedestal-style bath is popular with bird lovers. It can withstand all types of weather to attract birds year-round. The shallow bowl is also ideal for smaller birds.

Water Wiggler Bathroom Fountain for Birds

As the name suggests, this bathroom fountain also wiggles to attract birds. It moves water through an internal tube system that gets birds’ attention with movement and sound. The cup is ideal for tiny songbirds such as finches, flycatchers, wrens, thrushes, and more.

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Birding experts also recommend the water wiggler to catch the attention of more bird species with moving water. You might also attract migrating birds like warblers that don’t visit bird feeders.

Ground Bird Bath Fountain

This fountain is a ground-mounted bathtub fountain with a very shallow dish. Its design allows water to change directions many times before it eventually falls into the shallow dish. The single tube emits a gentle bubbling noise that makes it readily available for birds in search of water.

It lessens the need for frequent cleaning because dirt and debris do not settle as quickly as they would on a static model. Ground dwelling birds like sparrows and juncos will appreciate the easy access to water. It holds four cups of water in the shallow basin.

Tree Stump Bird Bath Foundation

This fountain provides water for various types of birds in an instant. It is built around a tree stump foundation which offers the user several options in addition to holding water. You can place plants in the water or on top, you can feed the bird’s fruit that will attract them to your yard, and they can even rest inside it when weary.

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The three-leg design prevents it from being knocked over by other birds or neighborhood kids. If you adore cardinals, then this is the right choice. The natural look will blend well in your backyard.

It’s made of durable resin to last for years. You can also use it as an indoor decorative piece. The realistic-looking tree stump is topped off by a bird’s nest, with faux green succulents growing on the wood.

Glass Koi Bath Fountain

Koi fish baths are remarkable pieces that add an aquatic feel to your home. The inclusion of glass makes it look like you’re gazing into the waters of a river or pond. It has a calming vibe and can add to the serenity in any room.  This glass bowl is bright and light, with a sturdy metal base included. The frame folds up easily to store it in your garden shade.

Sunflower Bird Bath Fountain

If you want a smaller fountain, this one is a great choice. It’s a hollowed-out sunflower complete with a birdbath and foliage around the base. The colors are bright and cheerful, and it gives an old-world feel to your garden or porch setting.

The pedestal birdbath can be used as a beautiful home accent, but it’s also functional. The water falls out of the bowl and into the pool below, which can be used to your pet’s or children’s delight. This is a great way to keep them cool in the summer months.

Mosaic Bird Bath Fountain

How beautiful and unique! This one is made from a mosaic of brightly colored tiles and has a little bird on top that sends water into the bowl below. You can set this in your front yard or backyard, and it will give off a strong sense of style and class. It’s perfect for pet owners who want to keep their animals cool during the warm months.

This handcrafted mosaic piece will also sparkle in direct sunlight and beautify the shade. It doesn’t come with a stand, so the seller recommends the dish on an inverted terra-cotta pot.

Stone Bird Bath Fountain

Here we have a very natural and rustic birdbath fountain. It’s made from mainly stone and is perfect for people who want to keep nature close by but still give their outdoor space a touch of class. It has an upper portion with a little opening that the water pours out of. You can either sit this on dry land or fill it up with water and let the birds drink from it.

This is another natural birdbath fountain that is gorgeous. It uses a large enough bowl to place plants inside of it if you wish to do so. This also has an inverted top portion, so it creates a nice gentle sound when the water starts to flow.

Ceramic Bird Bath Fountain

This is the perfect fountain for anyone who wants a little piece of art in their outdoor space. This has a small base and inverted top but with intricate designs that give it such an uplifting feeling when you look at it. Setup is quick and easy, you screw the bowl onto the pedestal stand.

Concrete Bird Bath Fountain

This is what I ended up getting for my backyard. It has a unique design, with the bowl perched atop the pedestal stand. However, there are no bells and whistles when it comes to this fountain. You can also create your unique design by painting it whatever color you like.

Cast Iron Bird Bath Fountain

This birdbath fountain has a classic look to it. But what makes this stand out from the rest is the little pump that pumps water up and runs down throughout the tiers of this fountain. It adds to its charm and loveliness. If you like an artistic touch to your backyard, then this is just for you.

Solar Bird Bath with Lights

If you want to go green and add some style, then this is the fountain for you. All you have to do is leave it out in the sun and watch your fountain light up your backyard. The solar power powers the pump, so there are no messy wires running all over the place. Just make sure that this birdbath faces south to receive direct sunlight to turn on at night.

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Solar Water Fountain with LED Lights

This is the most colorful of the three fountains. You have a simple fountain with some solar panels in front by day. But by night, watch lights light up within the solar panels and reflect off the water for an enchanting glow. Since the lights are solar-powered, you don’t have to worry about hauling extension cords around or even changing batteries.

The three different shine modes allow these lights to turn on at dusk and off at dawn. Just make sure that this fountain is facing south to get enough sunlight to charge during the day.

Plastic Bird Bath and Feeder Fountain

This is the cheapest and simplest of bird bath fountains. It has a little basin for birds to drink from, along with a feeding ring above it, so you can also feed them as they drink. The entire fountain is made out of plastic, so no need to worry about rust or metal pieces that might fall apart.

They included a plastic water tray that holds water, so remove it, and you have a bird feeder. The base is crafted of durable Eastern red cedar wood.

FAQs on Bird Bath Fountains and Why You Need Them

What is the importance of bird bath fountain?

Birds need bird baths in the winter, just as they need the rest of the year. In the very cold months, water can be very hard to find, and they do appreciate a bird bath with accessible water in it. If your backyard has a heated bird bath, then you can expect some activity all year, even in the winter. They give you an opportunity to interact with different bird species and identify baby birds as well. 

How often should you change the water in the bird bath?

You should change the water every two to four days then clean up the bird bath. Remember, taking care of birds coming to your yard involves providing them with clean water in the fountains.

Final Thought on Bird Bath Fountains

Birds need a full and clean bird bath. So if you build it, they will come. Make sure you clean your bird bath with a garden hose every couple of days. If you see dead bugs floating in it or algae starting to form, that’s a clear indication that it’s time to clean. You can also learn different ways to attract birds to your compound such as putting our hummingbird feeders

 

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