When it comes to sprucing up your home, choosing the right flooring is as important as picking the right paint colour and furniture. And it's not just about choosing a floor that looks good; it's about finding the one that'll survive your home's hustle and bustle, spills and thrills. 


Enter vinyl plank flooring- a versatile, strong, and stylish option that's become a favourite among Aussie homeowners.


And who better to guide you through the exciting world of vinyl plank flooring than Amber? With our commitment to quality and array of options, we're not shy in saying that we stand out as a leading supplier in the game!


Let's take a deep dive into the different types of vinyl plank flooring available to help you find the perfect match for your home. 

 

timber hybrid flooring in bedroom

 

Understanding Vinyl Plank Flooring 

Vinyl plank flooring consists of high-quality vinyl designed in long planks. Thanks to advanced printing technology, these planks beautifully mimic the look and texture of natural wood. 


Why should you consider vinyl planks over other common flooring types? 

  1. Durability: They withstand high foot traffic, scratches, and spills.
  2. Water resistance: Unlike traditional hardwood or laminate, vinyl planks can easily handle moisture, making them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries.
  3. Easy maintenance: Forget about special cleaners or treatments; a quick sweep or vacuum and an occasional mop are all it takes to keep this flooring looking new.
  4. Cost-effectiveness: Get the luxurious look of hardwood without the hefty price tag.
  5. Comfort: Softer and warmer underfoot than tiles or stone, they are more comfortable to stand and walk on, especially in the cooler months.
  6. Easy installation: Most planks have a click-lock design that allows for glueless, floating installation that's DIY-friendly if you're handy.
  7. Design versatility: The vast range of styles and colours available means you can achieve virtually any look, from classic to contemporary and beyon

 

Types of Vinyl Plank Flooring 

Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) 

Luxury Vinyl Planks combine the practical benefits of vinyl with the look and feel of natural timber.


As discussed in the previous section, vinyl planks boast a range of benefits. 


Here are some specific to LVPs.

  • Noise reduction: The materials used absorb sound, minimising noise from footsteps, dropped items, and chair movements. This feature is especially convenient in multi-level homes and apartments.
  • Extreme temperature resistance: LVPs won't warp or crack under varying harsh temperatures.
  • Allergen reduction: They minimise where dust and other allergens can build up.
  • Sustainability: Many options are made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable. 

 

All of LVP flooring’s outstanding qualities make it perfect for 

  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Laundries
  • Living rooms
  • Bedrooms


Waterproof Vinyl Flooring

Unlike traditional vinyl that may only be water-resistant, waterproof vinyl flooring completely resists water penetration for protection from water exposure, spills, and humidity. 


It comes in various forms, including planks, tiles, and sheets, for easy installation in any area of your home prone to water and moisture. 


Like waterproof Luxury Vinyl Planks, this flooring is hardy, easy to maintain, comfortable, and available in various designs. 

 

Commercial-Grade Vinyl Planks 

As the name suggests, commercial-grade vinyl planks meet the demanding needs of commercial environments. They typically have a thicker wear layer than standard residential vinyl flooring that's more resistant to scratches, dents, and stains. Most are also treated for slip resistance to enhance safety.


Like their residential counterparts, commercial-grade vinyl planks are water-resistant and easy to maintain, which is vital for commercial spaces experiencing extensive foot traffic. 


Such spaces can include

  • Retail stores
  • Offices
  • Restaurants and cafes
  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities
  • Schools


Style and Aesthetic Choices

The variety of colour options and texture patterns available means vinyl flooring can match any decor style, from traditional to modern, coastal to industrial.


When choosing a colour, remember that lighter colours help create a sense of space and openness that's fantastic in smaller rooms or areas with limited natural light. Medium tones offer warmth and an inviting feel, while darker colours make a statement and add depth to a space.


Vinyl texture options range from sleek and smooth to embossed and hand-scraped textures that add dimension and a tactile quality resembling the natural materials they replicate.


Let's take a closer look at the style and aesthetics of different types of vinyl flooring materials.

 

Wood-Look 

The detailed printing and texturing processes used in manufacturing these planks mean they closely mimic real wood's colour, grain, and texture. From classic oaks and maples to exotic teaks and mahoganies, the choices are plenty. 


The Tarkett LVP flooring available here at Amber uses printed Tru-Grain™ Technology to recreate the look of natural timber in seven unique styles and 12 gorgeous colours. 


These include the most popular vinyl plank flooring colours:

  • Grand Heritage Limewash, Taupe, and Classic
  • Oakland and Oakland Classic
  • Savannah and Savannah Brown
  • Spotted Gum and Spotted Gum Modern
  • Riviera
  • Blackbutt
  • Clean Oak

Stone-Look

Stone-look vinyl flooring has the appearance and texture of natural stone, such as slate, marble, and travertine.


Colour choices can include

  • Light, soft greys to deep charcoals.
  • Warm, earthy beiges and tans.
  • Neutral, timeless white and creams.
  • Light browns to rich chocolates.
  • Bold and sophisticated black. 

Tile-Look 

Tile-look vinyl flooring can resemble ceramic, porcelain, and even mosaic tiles. 


As well as the classic range of tile colours, like white, creams, greys, browns, and black, some more creative choices are available. 


Bright colours add vibrancy to a room, while multi-coloured or patterned vinyl introduces a dynamic and artistic element that'll turn your floor into a focal point.


Tile-look vinyl textures include

  • Smooth
  • Glossy
  • Matte
  • Embossed or textured

Durability of Luxury Vinyl Flooring

The luxury vinyl flooring we supply is constructed from five distinct layers for optimal durability- not to mention comfort and noise reduction!

  1. Ultimate PUR (Polyurethane-reinforced) layer: This hard-wearing top layer protects against scratches and dents.
  2. High-definition printed layer: Tru-Grain™ Technology achieves a realistic natural wood appearance.
  3. Rigid Composite Core (RCC): The core of the plank provides strength and the feel of solid wood underfoot.
  4. I4F Click Technology®: This design simply requires dropping, locking, and clicking the planks into place.
  5. Acoustic backing layer: Soundblock™ Technology significantly reduces noise transmission by 19 decibels.

 

oak timber hybrid flooring in living room

 

Cleaning and Maintenance 

To keep your vinyl flooring spick and span, give it a sweep with a soft broom or vacuum with a hard floor attachment every day. And be sure to wipe up spills immediately!


Then, once or twice a week, mop with a mild cleaner designed for vinyl flooring. Steer clear of abrasive cleaners and bleach, as these can damage the floor's surface. 


As excessive water can seep through the edges of vinyl planks and cause damage, avoid using lots of water when mopping.


To keep your luxury vinyl flooring looking its best for as long as possible, follow these maintenance tips:

  • Use protective pads under furniture and avoid dragging furniture across the floor.
  • Keep your pets’ nails trimmed to prevent floor scratches.
  • Use doormats at entrances and rugs in high-traffic areas to minimise dirt and debris.
  • Protect from fading caused by prolonged exposure to direct sunlight by investing in curtains, blinds, shades, shutters, or UV-protective window films.

 

Installation Insights 

We've put together a list of pros and cons for professional vinyl flooring installation vs DIY to help you decide if you're up for the challenge or need to call in Amber's flooring experts!

 

Professional Installation

Pros

Expertise: Professionals have the experience and skills to do the job right the first time.
Efficiency: They can complete the installation faster with the right tools and techniques.
Warranty: Some warranties require professional installation to remain valid.

 

Cons

Cost: Labour costs can be high.
Scheduling: You may have to adjust to the installer's schedule.


DIY

Pros

Cost savings: Significantly reduce costs by not paying for professional labour.
Flexible timing: Schedule the project according to your timetable.

 

Cons

Skill level required: The process might be challenging if you're not handy.
Time consumption: DIY projects often take longer than expected, especially without professional tools and knowledge.
Potential for mistakes: Errors can occur, leading to wasted materials and possibly needing professional help to correct issues.

 

dark oak timber hybrid flooring in living room

 

 

FAQs About Types of Vinyl Plank Flooring

  • Which Type of Vinyl Plank Flooring Is Best?

    For high-traffic commercial spaces, commercial-grade vinyl planks are ideal. 


    In homes, including rooms and areas prone to moisture, you can't go wrong with stylish Luxury Vinyl Planks like those from Amber that are water, stain, and dent-proof. 


    Consider the space's requirements, your style preferences, and your budget to make the best choice.

  • What Is the Difference Between Vinyl Planks and Luxury Vinyl Planks?

    Vinyl planks are a basic, budget-friendly flooring option that provides good durability and a variety of design choices. 


    On the other hand, Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) offer enhanced features such as a thicker wear layer for improved noise reduction and resistance to wear and tear,plus more realistic natural material textures and designs. 


    Another difference between the two is that vinyl planks can require an underlay on the subfloor before installation, while LVPs often come with a pre-attached foam backing to help cover subfloor imperfections so you can lay them directly onto your existing floor. 

  • Are There Different Grades of Vinyl Plank Flooring?

    Vinyl plank flooring is categorised by durability, thickness, wear layer, and quality. There are also residential and commercial grades to suit varying traffic levels and usage needs.

Discover the Perfect Vinyl Flooring With Amber

Durability meets designer flair with Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring from Amber.


If you're ready to step into the LVP world to find your home or commercial space's flooring solution, browse our stunning, high-quality LVP flooring range online. Then, visit a showroom near you to see the range in person. You can also book a free design consultation for professional advice from one of our in-store flooring experts. 


Alternatively, contact our team for more information by filling out this online form.