Let's focus on what is vinyl plank flooring, the pros & cons, and explore some costs. If you’re renovating your home or researching new flooring options, there’s a good chance you’ve come across something called vinyl plank flooring. It’s stylish, durable, easy to install, and it’s become one of the most popular choices for Canadian homeowners. But what exactly is it? And how does it compare to other flooring types like laminate, tile, or hardwood / engineered hardwood?
In this friendly guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about vinyl plank flooring—from what it is and how it’s made to its pros, cons, and typical costs in Canada. Whether you're working on a DIY basement reno, planning a kitchen upgrade, or replacing floors in a rental unit, this article will help you make a smart, informed decision.
What Is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring is a type of luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) designed to look like hardwood planks and perfect for the Canadian home owner. It’s made from multiple synthetic layers, including a rigid or semi-rigid core, a printed design layer film, and a protective wear layer on top. Rigid core products are usually a click lock floating floor installation, ideal for many DIY projects.
There are different types of vinyl plank flooring, but the most common include:
-
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite): Softer, warmer, and more comfortable underfoot. Great for homes and light commercial use.
-
SPC (Stone Plastic Composite): More rigid, durable, and impact-resistant. Often used in homes on a budget, apartments or commercial spaces.
-
Flexible vinyl planks / Dryback vinyl planks: More affordable but are often not suitable for residential. These are thinner (2mm to 3mm) and are glued down.
How Is Vinyl Plank Flooring Made?
A typical vinyl plank is made up of several layers:
-
Wear Layer: A transparent, scratch-resistant coating that protects against daily wear
-
Printed Design Layer Film: A high-resolution image of wood, stone, or tile
-
Core Layer: This gives the plank structure. It may be rigid (SPC/WPC) or flexible (LVP, Dryback, Looselay)
-
Underlayment (optional): Some vinyl plank flooring comes with an attached foam (IXPE or EVA pad) or cork backing for sound and comfort. Clicklock floors are floating floors and underlayment is required (either pad attached to the plank, or rolled out below the planks)
The result? A flooring option that looks like hardwood, is waterproof, durable... it looks like real wood but is far more versatile, especially in areas with moisture or temperature fluctuations.
Where Can You Use Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring works in almost every room in the house:
-
Basements: Waterproof and mould-resistant
-
Kitchens: Easy to clean and resistant to spills
-
Bathrooms: Many options are 100% waterproof
-
Living rooms: Stylish and comfortable
-
Rental Units: Durable and cost-effective
-
Cottages & Cabins: Handles seasonal changes well
Pros of Vinyl Plank Flooring
Let’s take a look at the reasons why more and more Canadians are choosing vinyl plank flooring:
✅ 1. Waterproof or Highly Water-Resistant
Great for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and any area prone to spills or humidity.
✅ 2. Easy to Clean and Maintain
A broom and mop are all you need. No special treatments required.
✅ 3. DIY-Friendly Installation
Click-lock planks are easy to install without glue or nails. Great for DIYers.
✅ 4. Comfort Underfoot
WPC vinyl especially feels warm and soft compared to tile or hardwood.
✅ 5. Stylish Look
Available in a wide range of wood-look designs, including wide planks, hand-scraped textures, and trendy colours.
✅ 6. Cost-Effective
Less expensive than hardwood or tile but still looks high-end.
✅ 7. Durable and Scratch-Resistant
Especially good for homes with pets or kids.
✅ 8. Works Over Concrete or Existing Floors
Can be installed over many surfaces with minimal prep.
Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring
No flooring product is perfect. Here are a few things to consider:
⚠️ 1. Not Real Wood
While it looks like wood, vinyl plank flooring is still a synthetic material. Some purists may prefer natural hardwood.
⚠️ 2. Dents from Heavy Furniture
Especially with WPC or flexible vinyl, heavy objects can leave impressions if no furniture pads are used.
⚠️ 3. Can Fade in Direct Sunlight
UV exposure over time can affect the colour. Use window coverings or rugs where possible.
⚠️ 4. Environmental Impact
Vinyl is a plastic-based product, so it’s not the most eco-friendly option. However, many brands offer low-VOC or certified low-emission options.
Vinyl Plank Flooring vs Other Options
| Feature | Vinyl Plank Flooring | Laminate Flooring | Hardwood Flooring | Ceramic Tile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes (WPC/SPC) | Water-resistant | No | Yes |
| Comfort Underfoot | High (WPC) | Medium | Medium | Low |
| DIY Installation | Easy (Click-lock) | Easy | Moderate | Difficult (grout) |
| Cost | $$ | $ | $$$ | $$$ |
| Durability | High | Medium-High | High (with care) | Very High |
| Appearance | Wood-look options | Wood-look | Real wood | Stone/tile look |
How Much Does Vinyl Plank Flooring Cost in Canada?
Prices vary depending on the type, thickness, brand, and installation method. Here’s a rough guide:
-
Budget Flexible Vinyl Planks: $1.50 – $2.99 per sq. ft.
-
Mid-Range SPC or WPC Vinyl: $2.50 – $5.00 per sq. ft.
-
Premium WPC with Attached Pad: $4.00 – $10.00+ per sq. ft.
-
Installation (if not DIY): $2.00 – $5.00 per sq. ft.
Remember: thicker planks with better locking systems and underlayment usually cost more but offer better comfort and performance. Installation cost can vary widely, the size of the project, site conditions, stairs, baseboards, floor levelling plus other extras all factory in. Many projects are over $2 per sqft for just floor levelling. Nothing is more important to a successful installation than getting the sub floor prepped properly and a level subfloor. Invest in your subfloor, as the saying goes, pay now or pay later. A poor, unlevelled subfloor will cause future issues for your floor, and your warranty for the flooring will be void.
What to Look for When Buying Vinyl Plank Flooring
-
Wear Layer Thickness: 12–20 mils is ideal for residential use
-
Core Type: WPC is more comfortable; SPC is more rigid
-
Attached Underlayment: Adds sound reduction and comfort. Many Strata councils in apartments in Canada require strict sound rating (like 70STC / 70IIC or sometimes even higher rating)
-
Locking System: Valinge 5G or Uniclic are top-quality systems
-
Certifications: Look for GreenGuard Gold or FloorScore for indoor air quality
-
Warranty: A good residential warranty is 15–25 years
Is Vinyl Plank Flooring Right for You?
If you want something that’s waterproof, easy to install, stylish, and affordable—vinyl plank flooring is hard to beat. It’s one of the most flexible flooring solutions for Canadian homes in 2025.
Whether you’re upgrading your basement, creating a stylish rental suite, or just want floors that are beautiful and low-maintenance, vinyl plank flooring offers great value.
Final Thoughts
Vinyl plank flooring has earned its place as one of the most popular choices in Canada—and for good reason. It offers the perfect balance of form and function, allowing homeowners to enjoy beautiful floors without the stress of water damage or high maintenance.
If you're starting to explore options, your local flooring dealer is a great place to ask questions and see samples in person. Caledon Floors are carried by trusted dealers across Canada—find one near you if you'd like to explore these styles up close.
Find a Caledon Floors Dealer in Canada
