Vinyl plank flooring costs: Materials: $2–$8 per square foot (up to $15 for premium brands) Installation: $1.50–$3.00 per square foot Total cost (installed): $3.50–$11 per square foot If you’re installing vinyl flooring in high-traffic areas, look for brands with a thick wear layer (at least 12 mils) and waterproof coatings for better durability. Click-lock LVP is best for DIY installs, while glue-down vinyl is more secure but requires professional installation.

A reasonable price for vinyl plank flooring depends on the type: Standard Vinyl Plank (SVP): $2–$5 per square foot Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): $4–$10 per square foot Rigid Core or Waterproof Vinyl: $10–$14 per square foot Budget-friendly brands like TrafficMaster or Mohawk offer SVP for as low as $2 per sq. ft., while high-end brands like Shaw or COREtec sell LVP for $8–$10 per sq. ft. If durability and water resistance matter, spending extra on rigid core vinyl can be a smart investment.

While vinyl plank flooring is affordable and easy to maintain, it does have some drawbacks: Prone to scratches and dents: Heavy furniture or pet claws can damage vinyl, especially low-end options. Not as valuable as hardwood: Vinyl doesn’t increase home resale value like solid hardwood or engineered wood. Difficult to repair: Unlike hardwood, you can’t sand and refinish vinyl—damaged planks must be replaced. Environmental concerns: Made from PVC, vinyl isn’t biodegradable and can release VOC emissions (though low-VOC options exist). If durability is a priority, opt for LVP