Is your home ready for new flooring? If so, and if you're looking for a flooring option that's as versatile as it is durable, you'll want to check out vinyl plank flooring. Specifically, vinyl plank flooring is very similar in appearance to traditional laminate — but it's made out of durable and water-resistant (and sometimes even waterproof) vinyl. Like laminate flooring, vinyl planks are designed to simply "click" into place for easy installation, requiring no glue or other complication measures.

As you begin shopping for vinyl plank flooring, there are a few questions you'll want to ask so you can end up with the vinyl plank product and flooring contractor that best suits your needs.

How Thick of a Plank Should Be Installed?

Generally, vinyl plank flooring measures anywhere from 2-8 millimeters thick. However, this can vary based on whether an underlayment or padding is built into each plank, as well as other factors. The ideal thickness for your living space will ultimately depend on the amount of foot traffic the flooring will see, as well as the condition of your subfloor. An experienced vinyl plank flooring contractor will be able to make a recommendation on thickness based on these and other factors.

What Design Options Do You Carry?

Vinyl plank flooring is available in a wide range of styles, from wood-look patterns to natural stone and abstract designs. Take some time to consider what type of design would look best in your space and make sure to choose a flooring contractor that offers a large selection of the style you prefer.

What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer?

Any reputable flooring company should include a warranty on your new vinyl plank floors. However, warranties and what they include can vary greatly. Some manufacturers, for example, include a lifetime warranty--but that warranty may be void if the floors were not properly installed. This is why it's so important to find a flooring contractor that has plenty of experience with vinyl plank flooring. Ideally, your installation contractor will also offer a guarantee on their labor for added peace of mind.

What Kind of Preparation Will the Subfloor Need?

If your home's subfloor is in poor condition, you can't expect vinyl plank flooring (or any type of flooring) to last very long. Make sure that your contractor will come out to your home to assess your subfloor and that they're qualified to make any necessary repairs to it before installation. From there, you can ensure that you get the most wear out of your new flooring!

For more information, reach out to a local flooring contractor.