Product Type Luxury Vinyl

Ideal for high-traffic areas, luxury vinyl flooring combines
practicality with long-lasting beauty.

Luxury Vinyl 101

Luxury vinyl tile and plank (LVT/LVP) are among the hottest trends today. They mimic the look and feel of real ceramic, stone, or wood, but are waterproof and resistant to scratches, odors, and scuffs. Whether you’re looking for a classic look with extra durability or trendy, modern styles in an easy-to-install format, luxury vinyl may be the solution for you!

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Luxury Vinyl Plank & Tile

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) are innovative flooring solutions, replicating the look of natural materials while offering durability, easy maintenance, and affordability.

Embossed LVT mimics intricate patterns such as wood, marble, slate, or travertine.

Advantages

WATER RESISTANCE

Can handle spills and moisture, making it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms.

EASY MAINTENANCE

Simple to clean and maintain, requiring regular sweeping and occasional mopping.

COMFORT

Has a softer and warmer feel underfoot compared to hard surfaces like tile or laminate.

INSTALLATION TIME

Quicker to install compared to traditional unfinished wood.

DIY-FRIENDLY INSTALLATION

Often comes with click-and-lock or adhesive options, making it easier for home installations.

Considerations

COST

More affordable than natural materials, but it can be pricier than other flooring options.

SUSCEPTIBLE TO SHARP OBJECTS

While durable, sharp objects can still potentially puncture or damage the surface.

NOT ECO-FRIENDLY

Some variations may not be as eco-friendly as other flooring options.

LIMITED REPAIR OPTIONS

If damage does occur, repairs can be challenging and replacement may be necessary.

NOT AS VALUE-ADDING

May not add as much home resale value as authentic hardwood or natural stone.

OFF-GASSING

Some LVT/LVP products may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) initially, but this is decreasing with newer products.

Construction

Vinyl Composition Tile

Versatile and durable, Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT) offers a myriad of practical applications in both residential and commercial spaces. Ideal for high-traffic areas, its resilience makes it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and retail environments. With an extensive range of colors and patterns, VCT tile provides a customizable solution for stylish and functional flooring.

Advantages

AFFORDABILITY

Cost-effective compared to many other flooring options, making VCT budget-friendly for both homes and offices.

DURABILITY

Known for durability and resistance to wear and tear, VCT is suitable for high-traffic areas and can withstand heavy foot traffic without showing significant damage.

DESIGN VERSATILITY

Comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, providing flexibility in design, making it easy to match with various interior styles and ideal for custom designs.

INSTALLATION EASE

Can be glued down to the subfloor which makes it a feasible DIY project for those with some experience.

WATER RESISTANCE

Resistant to water, making it a suitable option for areas prone to spills or moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Considerations

SUSCEPTIBLE TO SCRATCHES AND DENTS

Can be susceptible to scratches and dents, especially in high-traffic areas with heavy furniture or sharp objects.

LIMITED COMFORT

Does not provide the same level of comfort underfoot as some other flooring options, such as carpet or hardwood.

NOT IDEAL FOR UNEVEN SUBFLOORS

VCT requires a smooth and even subfloor for proper installation–uneven surfaces may result in an uneven appearance and can affect longevity.

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION FOR LARGE AREAS

While DIY installation is possible for smaller areas, professional installation is recommended for larger spaces.

SUSCEPTIBLE TO FADING

Over time, exposure to sunlight can cause some VCT colors to fade.

Care & Maintenance

VCT is a porous material and dirt and grime may become permanently embedded in the exposed tile if all of the wax is allowed to wear away. Damage can be irreversible- protect your VCT!

Use mats in heavy traffic areas or under office chairs to protect your VCT floor.

Glue-Down Vinyl

The glue-down installation involves the use of an adhesive to adhere your dry-back luxury vinyl flooring to its base using an adhesive. This method creates dimensional stability that ensures the flooring maintains its natural characteristics.

Advantages

DURABILITY

Known for its durability, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.

STABILITY

With proper installation, glue-down vinyl flooring creates a stable and firm surface that resists movement and shifting.

WATER RESISTANCE

Many glue-down vinyl products are water-resistant, making them suitable for use in areas prone to moisture.

DESIGN OPTIONS

Comes in a variety of designs, colors, and patterns, allowing for customization to match different interior styles.

EASY MAINTENANCE

Vinyl flooring is generally easy to clean and maintain, only requiring simple sweeping and occasional damp mopping.

AFFORDABILITY

Compared to some other flooring options, glue-down vinyl is often more budget-friendly.

Considerations

INSTALLATION COMPLEXITY

Glue-down vinyl can be more complex and time-consuming than other vinyl flooring, requiring careful adhesive application.

DIFFICULT REMOVAL

Once glued down, removal can be challenging and may damage the subfloor during removal.

VOC EMISSIONS

Some adhesives used to install glue-down vinyl flooring may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to indoor air pollution.

TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY

Extreme temperature fluctuations can impact the adhesive bond, potentially leading to issues such as lifting or warping.

SUBFLOOR PREPARATION

The subfloor must be smooth and free of imperfections for a successful installation.

INSTALLATION

Install by professionals recommended.

Installation

There are two glue-down methods:
- HARD SET—Similar to a broadloom carpet adhesive, a hard set adhesive secures the vinyl flooring firmly in place. This is especially useful for the healthcare or retail industries that experience heavy rolling traffic, such as wheelchairs and gurneys or shopping carts and dollies. Hard set adhesive allows your glue-down flooring to absorb a heavy point load, which means furniture and fixtures are far less likely to leave noticeable marks.
- PRESSURE SENSITIVE—Pressure sensitive adhesive allows for an easy installation process, making it especially suited for the retail and hospitality industries or those that continually change their brand and look.

Rigid Vinyl Plank

Rigid Vinyl offers the best of both worlds—the comfort and waterproof performance of vinyl with the rigidity and easy installation of laminate. It’s constructed by attaching luxury vinyl to rigid plank, using a high-quality composite core that provides more rigidity and stability over an imperfect subfloor. This creates an incredibly dent-resistant and waterproof product. The vinyl layer provides authentic hardwood looks and textures, while the wear layer increases strength and protects against scuffs and scratches. Rigid Vinyl is ideal for any room—even bathrooms, kitchens, and mudrooms.

Advantages

DURABILITY

Highly durable and resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.

WATER RESISTANCE

Unlike some flooring options, rigid vinyl is water-resistant, making it a good choice for areas prone to moisture.

EASY MAINTENANCE

Cleaning is simple and typically only requires regular sweeping and occasional mopping.

VERSATILITY IN DESIGN

It comes in various designs, colors, and patterns, allowing for flexibility in achieving the desired aesthetic for your space.

COMFORT UNDERFOOT

Some options have built-in underlayment, providing a comfortable and quieter surface.

DIY-FRIENDLY

Many rigid vinyl products feature click-and-lock installation systems, making them ideal for DIY-ers and reducing installation costs.

Considerations

INITIAL COST

While it can be more affordable than some premium flooring options, rigid vinyl may have a higher initial cost than traditional vinyl or other budget-friendly alternatives.

TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY

Rigid vinyl can expand or contract with temperature fluctuations, so it’s important to acclimate the flooring to the room’s temperature before installation.

NOT BIODEGRADABLE

Rigid vinyl is a synthetic material and is not biodegradable, which may be a concern for environmentally conscious consumers.

DIFFICULT TO REPAIR

While it’s durable, if a plank is damaged it may be challenging to repair and often the entire plank will need replaced.

VOC EMISSIONS

Some rigid vinyl products may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially right after installation–choose low-VOC or VOC-free options for better indoor air quality.

Construction

Shop Luxury Vinyl at Any of Our Three South Dakota Showrooms

Thornton Flooring has been helping South Dakota families choose the right floor since 1975. See our full carpet selection in person at our flagship Sioux Falls-area showroom in Tea, our North Sioux City showroom on Derby Lane, or our Rapid City showroom and design center on Knollwood Drive. Every location offers free in-home measurements, professional installation by our own crews, and financing with approved credit.

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Next Steps

Learn what to expect before, during and after your professional flooring is installed and what steps to take to keep your flooring looking brand new for years to come. All this and more from your experts at Thornton Flooring.

INSTALLATION

CARE & MAINTENANCE

Design Consultations

Call today to schedule a time for one of our flooring experts to visit your home and provide professional measurements & estimates for your next project, entirely free of charge. There’s no obligation to purchase from us after your appointment. We’re simply here to make sure you get the right solution for your needs at the right price.

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Product Type Luxury Vinyl

Luxury Vinyl 101

Luxury Vinyl Plank & Tile

WATER RESISTANCE

EASY MAINTENANCE

COMFORT

INSTALLATION TIME

DIY-FRIENDLY INSTALLATION

COST

SUSCEPTIBLE TO SHARP OBJECTS

NOT ECO-FRIENDLY

LIMITED REPAIR OPTIONS

NOT AS VALUE-ADDING

OFF-GASSING

Vinyl Composition Tile

AFFORDABILITY

DURABILITY

DESIGN VERSATILITY

INSTALLATION EASE

WATER RESISTANCE

SUSCEPTIBLE TO SCRATCHES AND DENTS

LIMITED COMFORT

NOT IDEAL FOR UNEVEN SUBFLOORS

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION FOR LARGE AREAS

SUSCEPTIBLE TO FADING

Glue-Down Vinyl

DURABILITY

STABILITY

WATER RESISTANCE

DESIGN OPTIONS

EASY MAINTENANCE

AFFORDABILITY

INSTALLATION COMPLEXITY

DIFFICULT REMOVAL

VOC EMISSIONS

TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY

SUBFLOOR PREPARATION

INSTALLATION

Rigid Vinyl Plank

DURABILITY

WATER RESISTANCE

EASY MAINTENANCE

VERSATILITY IN DESIGN

COMFORT UNDERFOOT

DIY-FRIENDLY

INITIAL COST

TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY

NOT BIODEGRADABLE

DIFFICULT TO REPAIR

VOC EMISSIONS

Shop Luxury Vinyl at Any of Our Three South Dakota Showrooms

Next Steps

Design Consultations

Reach Out

Financing

Appointment

Thornton Flooring

Sioux Falls, SD

Thornton Flooring

North Sioux City, SD

Thornton Flooring

Rapid City, SD