Complete Guide to LVP Flooring in Farmington Hills
Why LVP has taken over Metro Detroit homes — and what to know before you buy
Quick Guide: LVP Selection
Why LVP Has Taken Over Farmington Hills
Five years ago, most of our installs were carpet and hardwood. Now? LVP is probably 50-60% of what we do. There's a reason for that — it solves problems that other flooring types can't.
What LVP Does Well
- Completely waterproof — not water-resistant, actually waterproof
- Looks like real wood and stone — printing technology has gotten crazy good
- Comfortable underfoot — way warmer than tile
- Scratch and dent resistant — pets, kids, dropped items, no problem
- Easy to maintain — sweep and damp mop, that's it
- Works with radiant heating if you want warm floors
The Honest Downsides
- Can't be refinished like hardwood — when it's worn out, you replace it
- Lower resale value than real wood — buyers who know the difference care
- Quality varies wildly — the cheap stuff from big box stores looks cheap fast
- Direct sunlight can fade some products over time
SPC vs WPC: Which Core Type?
This is where a lot of people get confused. LVP comes in two main flavors based on what's in the middle. The difference actually matters for Michigan homes.
SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) — Our Recommendation
SPC has a rigid, dense core made of limestone powder and PVC. Think of it as the heavy-duty option.
- More rigid and dent-resistant—high heels and furniture legs won't leave marks.
- Temperature stable, so it doesn't expand and contract much with Michigan's wild swings.
- Thinner profile works better when installing over existing floors.
- Best for high traffic areas, basements, and whole-house installs.
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) — The Comfort Option
WPC has a softer, foamier core. It feels cushier but comes with trade-offs.
- Softer, warmer feel underfoot
- Better sound absorption — quieter walking
- More comfortable for standing long periods
- Best for: bedrooms, home offices where comfort is priority
Our Take
For Farmington Hills homes, we lean toward SPC core. Here's why: Michigan goes from freezing to humid and back constantly. WPC can expand and contract with those swings, sometimes causing gaps or buckling. SPC just sits there and takes it. Plus it handles dents better.
Wear Layer: Don't Go Cheap Here
The wear layer is the clear coating on top that protects against scratches. This is where cheap LVP fails. We've seen 6 mil wear layers scratched through within a year in busy households.
Important Consideration
The price difference between 12 mil and 20 mil is usually only $1-2 per square foot. The durability difference is massive. We've replaced too many floors where homeowners went cheap on wear layer and regretted it within 2-3 years.
| Wear Layer | Who It's For | Best Use | Our Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 mil | Budget buyers | Light traffic, rentals | Not recommended for most homes |
| 12 mil | Most homeowners | Regular residential use | Minimum for decent durability |
| 20 mil | Busy families | Kids, pets, high traffic | What we recommend for most Farmington Hills homes |
| 28+ mil | Commercial spaces | Businesses, heavy abuse | Overkill for most homes, but bulletproof |
Wear layer thickness directly impacts scratch resistance and longevity. This is not where you save money.
Professional Installation Process
While LVP is marketed as DIY-friendly, professional installation ensures the best results. Subfloor preparation is critical.
Our Installation Process
- Subfloor inspection to check for moisture, levelness, damage
- Subfloor prep—leveling, cleaning, and repairs as needed
- Acclimation period so LVP adjusts to room temperature
- Underlayment with appropriate moisture barrier
- Precision cutting around obstacles
- Proper expansion gaps for seasonal movement
- Transition strips and professional finishing details
- Final quality check before we call it done
Professional Installation Benefits
- Proper subfloor preparation
- Accurate cutting and fitting
- Correct expansion gaps
- Warranty protection
- Same-day completion
DIY Installation Risks
- Uneven floors cause gaps and buckling
- Improper expansion gaps cause warping
- Mistakes waste expensive materials
- Manufacturer warranty may be voided
LVP vs Other Flooring Options
How does LVP compare to other flooring types for Farmington Hills homes?
| Feature | LVP | Hardwood | Carpet | Tile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Comfort | Good | Fair | Excellent | Poor |
| Durability | Excellent | Good | Fair | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Easy | Moderate | High | Easy |
| Resale Value | Good | Excellent | Fair | Good |
| Michigan Basement | Ideal | Not Recommended | With Care | Good |
Get Your Free In-Home Estimate
Ready to move forward? We provide free in-home consultations throughout Farmington Hills and Metro Detroit. You'll receive accurate measurements, see product samples in your actual lighting, and get transparent pricing — no pressure, no obligation.
Summary: Key Points
- Waterproof means Michigan-proof—basements, kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, LVP handles them all
- Go with SPC core. It handles Michigan temperature swings way better than WPC.
- Don't skimp on wear layer—12 mil minimum, 20 mil for busy households
- LVP works everywhere. We install it whole-house all the time now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LVP good for Farmington Hills basements?
It's actually ideal for basements. Completely waterproof, doesn't care about the moisture that comes up through concrete, and looks great. We put LVP in basements constantly. Just go with SPC core for maximum stability.
How durable is LVP really?
Depends entirely on the quality. Budget LVP with 6 mil wear layer will scratch through quickly with normal family use. Quality LVP with 20 mil wear layer can look great for 15-20 years. You get what you pay for with this stuff.
Can LVP be installed over existing flooring?
Usually yes — over tile, concrete, old vinyl, even some hardwood. The existing floor needs to be level and in decent shape. We check this during the free estimate and let you know if there are any prep needs.
Does LVP feel cold like tile?
No, that's one of its selling points. LVP feels noticeably warmer than tile or stone because vinyl has some natural insulation. If you want even warmer, it works great with radiant floor heating.
Will LVP fade in sunlight?
Quality products have UV-resistant coatings, but prolonged direct sun (we're talking years of south-facing windows) can cause some fading. Window treatments or UV film help if you have a room that gets hammered with sun all day.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. Every flooring project is unique—results depend on subfloor condition, humidity, home age, and other factors. Always consult a professional before starting your project. Cost estimates are approximate; contact us for accurate pricing.