Luxury vinyl flooring has become one of the most popular choices for homeowners and commercial spaces alike—and it’s easy to see why. It delivers the look of hardwood or stone without the high price or demanding maintenance. Whether you're remodeling a single room or upgrading your entire home, here are 10 key things to know before buying luxury vinyl flooring, straight from the experts at Giant Floor. 1. Luxury Vinyl Comes in Two Styles: Planks and Tiles There are two main types of luxury vinyl flooring: Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) – Designed to replicate hardwood flooring with realistic grain and texture Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) – Mimics stone, marble, or ceramic tile with natural patterns and colors Both are durable, water-resistant, and ideal for high-traffic areas. Your choice depends on the look and feel you want to achieve.   2. Perfect for Moisture-Prone Spaces One of the biggest advantages of luxury vinyl is that it handles moisture like a pro. Whether it’s in a busy kitchen, a damp basement, or a bathroom with daily steam, luxury vinyl won’t warp or swell the way traditional hardwood might. Many products are even 100% waterproof. 3. Built to Withstand Heavy Traffic If you're searching for the best flooring for high-traffic areas, luxury vinyl is at the top of the list. Its tough wear layer resists scratches, dents, and stains, making it a smart pick for homes with pets, kids, or constant foot traffic. 4. Subfloor Prep Is Still Important Although luxury vinyl is flexible and can be installed over many subfloors—including concrete or old vinyl—it’s important the base is smooth and level. A poor subfloor can lead to visible imperfections or reduced longevity, so make sure to address any damage before installation. 5. Know Your Thickness and Wear Layer Luxury vinyl flooring varies in thickness. While a total thickness between 4mm–8mm is common, what really matters is the wear layer—the protective top surface. For busy areas, look for a wear layer of at least 20 mil to ensure long-lasting durability. 6. Easy to Install (But Best Left to Pros) Many luxury vinyl products feature click-lock or floating installation systems, making them relatively quick to install. However, for the best results—especially in larger or uneven areas—professional installation ensures a seamless fit and protects your warranty. 7. Sunlight Can Cause Fading While some luxury vinyl options include UV protection, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may cause fading over time. For rooms with lots of windows, consider installing blinds, curtains, or UV-blocking film to help preserve your floor’s vibrant appearance. 8. It’s Low Maintenance, But Not Invincible Luxury vinyl is easy to care for: Sweep or vacuum regularly Mop occasionally with a vinyl-safe cleaner Use rugs or pads under heavy furniture to prevent scratches Avoid dragging sharp objects across the surface and always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines. 9. Environmentally Safer Choices Are Available Luxury vinyl is made from PVC, but many manufacturers now offer low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) options, making it a safer choice for families and pets. Ask your Giant Floor representative about eco-friendly selections. 10. Why It Stands Out from the Competition Compared to traditional hardwood, tile, or laminate, luxury vinyl offers: Realistic visuals Lower price points Greater water resistance A softer, warmer feel underfoot While it may not carry the same long-term value boost as hardwood, it’s an unbeatable combination of style, performance, and affordability—especially in high-traffic areas. Explore Luxury Vinyl Options at Giant Floor Looking for the best flooring for high-traffic areas that doesn’t sacrifice style? Visit your nearest Giant Floor showroom or browse our luxury vinyl flooring collections to see options like Audrey Dawn, Anthracite, and more. We offer free consultations, expert guidance, and professional installation. Let us help you find the perfect flooring that fits your life—and your budget.

Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) continues to rise in popularity—and for good reason. It delivers the look of hardwood or tile at a fraction of the cost, with added durability and easy maintenance. But before you commit to vinyl for your home or business, there are a few important things to understand. Here are 10 key things to know before purchasing luxury vinyl flooring: 1. Not All Vinyl Is Created EqualThere’s a big difference between standard sheet vinyl and today’s luxury vinyl options. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are built with multiple layers, providing improved durability, realistic visuals, and superior comfort underfoot. 2. Core Construction MattersLook for vinyl flooring with a rigid core, such as stone-plastic composite (SPC) or wood-plastic composite (WPC). These cores offer better stability, water resistance, and resistance to denting—especially important in high-traffic areas. 3. It’s 100% Waterproof—But Installation Still CountsMost luxury vinyl products are waterproof, making them great for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. However, proper installation and subfloor prep are crucial to prevent moisture-related issues like mold or warping over time. 4. Styles Have Come a Long WayFrom rustic oak to modern marble, luxury vinyl now mimics hardwood and stone textures with remarkable realism. High-definition printing and textured surfaces give these floors an upscale look without the high price tag. 5. Thickness Impacts Comfort and DurabilityVinyl flooring comes in various thicknesses. Thicker products generally offer better sound absorption, greater comfort underfoot, and longer wear life. It’s worth investing in a product that fits your lifestyle and usage. 6. Wear Layers Make a DifferenceThe wear layer is a clear protective coating that resists scratches, scuffs, and stains. For busy households or commercial spaces, choose a product with at least a 12–20 mil wear layer for added protection. 7. Subfloor Prep Is EssentialEven with click-lock floating installation, the subfloor must be clean, dry, and level. Skipping proper prep can cause long-term performance issues and void your warranty. 8. It’s Pet- and Kid-FriendlyLuxury vinyl’s tough surface makes it ideal for homes with pets and kids. Many products also feature antimicrobial protection and slip-resistant finishes to enhance safety and cleanliness. 9. You Still Need to Acclimate the FlooringEven though vinyl is more stable than hardwood, it still needs to acclimate to your home’s environment before installation. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid buckling or gapping. 10. Professional Installation Pays OffWhile DIY installation is possible, professional installers ensure your floor is laid correctly, which can extend its lifespan and protect your warranty. At Giant Floor, our expert team helps make the process hassle-free. Ready to Explore Luxury Vinyl Flooring?Visit your nearest Giant Floor Outlet showroom to see our wide selection of luxury vinyl styles. Our knowledgeable flooring experts are here to guide you through every step—from selection to installation.

  In a bold move to redefine quality and control in the flooring industry, Giant Floor has officially launched its own line of luxury vinyl flooring — designed, developed, and manufactured exclusively by the company. This strategic expansion marks a major milestone for the NEPA-based flooring leader, widely known for serving Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and surrounding areas for over five decades. Spearheading this exciting venture is Roman Rubando, a driving force behind Giant Floor’s evolution. As both a forward-thinking leader and long-time flooring expert, Rubando’s vision is simple: “We’re not just selling flooring — we’re shaping what quality looks like in the modern home and commercial space.” Flooring That Works for Everyone — Especially DIYers Giant Floor’s new waterproof vinyl flooring is engineered for easy installation, high durability, and exceptional style. Built with busy families, pet owners, and property managers in mind, each product features: 100% waterproof core construction Scratch-resistant, pet-friendly flooring surfaces Simple click-lock installation system (ideal for DIY) Low-maintenance luxury finishes Whether you’re remodeling your home, outfitting a hotel, updating a rental unit, or refreshing a bar or restaurant, Giant Floor’s in-house designs deliver the durability and elegance today’s customers demand. Explore the Signature Product Lines Anthracite Dark, bold, and industrial-chic — Anthracite is the perfect Scranton luxury vinyl flooring choice for urban homes and commercial spaces. With deep gray tones and authentic wood grain texture, this plank adds sophistication and resilience to any environment. Audrey Dawn A customer favorite in Wilkes Barre pet friendly flooring categories, Audrey Dawn brings warm, coastal-inspired tones and natural textures to light-filled interiors. It’s ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and boutique hotels. Blanco Carrara Love the look of marble without the cost or maintenance? Blanco Carrara is your go-to NEPA waterproof vinyl flooring option. Designed to mimic natural stone, it’s elegant enough for restaurants and moisture-resistant enough for bathrooms. Built for DIY. Backed by Experts. While these floors are designed to be DIY-friendly, Giant Floor provides personalized, in-store guidance to help homeowners and contractors get it done right the first time. “We’ve built this collection so the average homeowner can install it themselves — and still get pro-grade performance,” Rubando adds. Each vinyl product includes a rigid core, high-performance wear layer, and is compatible with radiant heat and underlayment systems — making it perfect for Northeast PA’s seasonal shifts. Available Now in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre & Across NEPA All new luxury vinyl flooring lines are available exclusively at Giant Floor’s local showrooms in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Bartonsville. Customers can also browse the collections online at www.giantflooroutlet.com, or request a free in-store consultation with a flooring expert. About Roman Rubando & Giant Floor Roman Rubando, a respected name in Pennsylvania’s home improvement industry, is leading Giant Floor into a new era of innovation. Under his leadership, the company has not only expanded its product offerings, but also doubled down on its core values: quality, customer service, and affordability. Giant Floor has been a trusted local flooring provider for over 50 years, offering carpet, hardwood, tile, and now its own private-label waterproof vinyl flooring — all backed by local service and professional support.