Hi everyone! Joshua Given here, owner of Given Flooring in Seminole, Florida. For
years, Florida homeowners felt like they had to choose between a floor that looked
beautiful and a floor that could actually survive our climate. You either got classic tile
that handled the humidity but felt cold and hard, or you risked warping and damage with
natural wood. Fortunately, the game has completely changed thanks to a product called
Luxury Vinyl Plank, or LVP. Let’s talk about what Luxury Vinyl Plank is and why it has
become the perfect, no-compromise solution for nearly every room in a Florida home.
LVP is not your grandmother’s peel-and-stick vinyl; the term “luxury” is earned through
its construction. This is an engineered product built in multiple layers to provide
durability, stability, and stunning aesthetics. At the base, you often have a built-in
underlayment for sound and comfort. Next comes the core, which is the most crucial
part, often a Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) or Wood Plastic Composite (WPC). This
rigid, non-porous core is what makes the flooring fundamentally waterproof. Above that
is a high-definition image layer, which is how LVP achieves the incredibly realistic look
of hardwood or stone, complete with texture and grain. Finally, the surface is protected
by a thick, clear layer called the wear layer.
The reason this construction is a miracle worker in Florida comes down to our relentless
moisture. Unlike solid hardwood, which absorbs humidity and then swells, cups, or
buckles, LVP’s composite core is 100% waterproof from top to bottom. This
dimensional stability means that major temperature swings and constant high humidity
will not cause the planks to expand and contract drastically. Whether you’re dealing with
a leaky A/C unit, water tracked in from the pool, or just the high vapor transmission from
a concrete slab foundation, LVP stands firm. It effectively seals out moisture, protecting
your subfloor and eliminating the conditions where mold and mildew thrive.
Beyond the water resistance, LVP is perfectly suited for our daily living. Think about life
here in Seminole—we bring in sand, whether it’s from the beach, the park, or just the
gritty soil. Sand is highly abrasive, and it can scratch and dull traditional finishes over
time. This is where the wear layer comes into play. A high-quality LVP wear layer,
ideally 20 mil thick or more, is tough. It shrugs off the micro-abrasions from sand, resists
scuffs from shoes, and handles the impact of dropped dishes or toys far better than
softer materials. It gives you the authentic look of wood without the worry of having to
refinish or tiptoe around spills.
The low maintenance is another huge plus. LVP is a dream to clean; it only requires a
sweep and a damp mop. You do not need special conditioners, expensive cleaning kits,
or periodic refinishing. It’s also quieter and slightly softer underfoot than ceramic or
porcelain tile, adding a layer of comfort that homeowners truly appreciate. It provides all
the practical benefits of tile but with the warm, classic aesthetic of real wood. Simply

put, Luxury Vinyl Plank delivers on the promise of a beautiful floor that is genuinely built
for life in the Sunshine State, handling water, heat, and traffic with ease.
Until next time, this is Joshua Given reminding you that the foundation of a beautiful
home is a beautiful floor.