Homeowners who want to install hardwood, but dealing with problems of limited budgets, can consider Cali Vinyl Pro LVP floor.
This is a floor that is designed to imitate the look of real wood without dealing with the maintenance fuss and the major weakness.
Hardwood is classic and beautiful, and yet it is super costly and it is quite sensitive. Hardwood is sensitive to water damage. It is also sensitive to scratches and daily abuse.
Being an organic material has its own perks, but then again, this is the reason why moisture is the nemesis of hardwood and any other organic materials.
About LVP Flooring
LVP or Luxury Vinyl Plank is a type of flooring the affordable version of hardwood. This floor can imitate all kinds of organic materials, such as stone and wood.
It uses high definition image that is printed and attached on the top surface so the plank has real visual and look.
Thanks to modern technology, the image is super real and authentic. That’s how you get hardwood floor without installing the real wood.
As the name suggest, LVP is constructed from vinyl and with different enhanced and strong layers. Not only it is affordable, but it also has better water resistance compared to hardwood.
After all, LVP isn’t organic, which is only reasonable why the plank won’t be able to absorb moisture or water.
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Cali LVP Brand
Once you’ve done your research, you will see that there are actually many brands, types, and variants of LVP.
One of them is Cali Bamboo which actually manufacturers various flooring types, such as laminate.
But if you are looking for especially designed LVP, then Cali Vinyl Pro LVP is the company’s line for that floor.
This line is a commercial-grade product promising luxury and beautiful floor offering gorgeous and realistic look. The floor is sturdy and durable. It is perfect for all kinds of home settings and themes.
You don’t find any issue installing it and you should be able to clean it without any drama or at least, that’s what the company claims about their products.
So, do they really live up to their claims?
Price and Cost
Homeowners need to keep in mind that flooring project is one of the biggest expenses in home improvement work. If you want to install new floor, you need to have the budgets.
Make sure that you are able to afford the project and set up boundaries for how much you are willing to spend.
In the average standard price, an LVP can cost you from $2.50 to $4.50 a square foot. This is the price for commercial-grade LVP type.
Naturally, the price depends on the brands, the retailers, the quality construction, and your area.
When compared to hardwood, the cost for standard LVP is way lower, considering that a hardwood can cost you at least $10 a square foot. When you choose exotic design or designer’s brands, expect to spend more than $15 a square foot.
What about Cali Vinyl Pro LVP?
Well, the plank is sold between $3 a square foot to $3.50, which makes it very affordable. The price range falls right in the middle of the price range, but again, it depends on the variants you choose and your retailer.
But is Cali products affordable? Definitely yes!
Easy and Convenient Installation
Another problem with flooring installation is the fact that you need to spend more for the installer service.
There are some floors that require professional service you mustn’t do it on your own unless you are ready to deal with messy finish and chaotic result.
Moreover, these floors need special tools, special expertise, and complicated equipment to attach the floor.
What about Cali Vinyl Pro LVP?
It’s a good thing that this flooring variant is DIY-friendly. Homeowners with limited budgets are free to install the floor on their own.
As long as they dedicate their time and be extremely careful throughout the process, the result can be flawless looking professional as if a professional does it!
Based on customers’ reviews, most homeowners love the click and lock mechanism, which makes the installation fast and easy. It is like a puzzle putting pieces together and make sure that each of them fits.
If you want to make sure that each plank is secured, you use a rubber mallet or a regular hammer. Tap the part carefully and gently, and the plank will be secured just nicely.
Another cool thing about this floor is the fact that Cali Bamboo has the instructions and tutorials at their official website.
Through the instructions, you should be able to see the step-by-step process completely. It starts from proper subfloor prepping to proper installation.
Besides the written texts, there are also pictures and guides so inexperienced homeowners like you thoroughly understand the process.
The installation process may not be complicated or confusing, but you need to invest and dedicate your time in the process. It is also important to be extra patient when doing it if not, the results would be messy.
But if it makes you better, there are tons of customers’ reviews and feedbacks stating that installing the floor is direct, easy, simple, and even fast.
Just make sure that you don’t rush things and you really understand the steps.
If you are overwhelmed by the process, then you should hire a professional installer. It may cost you extra, but you will rest assured knowing that the final finish would be perfect and flawless.
After all, there are always benefits and downsides from each method.
Durability and Quality Construction
When compared to real hardwood, Cali Vinyl Pro LVP is better and more durable. For a starter, it is completely and 100% waterproof.
This feature enables homeowners to install the plank in all areas of the house, including those with high level of moisture and humidity.
Hardwoods can’t be installed in basements, kitchens, laundry rooms, or bathrooms. But the floor from Cali can and they stand the beating quite perfectly.
Moreover, it is the floor with impressive resistant quality for humidity and temperature’s changes.
The floor contract and expand only slightly, so feel free to install the floor in any room or any house without having to worry about the climate.
Third, the floor is impressive finish layer that is resistant to scratch.
Will it be able to deal with rowdy kids, active peats, and heavy foot traffic?
You can bet it will! Unlike hardwood or bamboo, the floor is solid and tough against scratches, so you won’t have to worry that the floor won’t hold up.
Be advised, though, that the floor still has its flaws. It may dent by heavy objects, such as heavy furniture.
That’s why it is advisable that you use furniture coaster (or pad) so minimum damage can be expected. It is also a good idea to rotate or rearrange the furniture regularly so you won’t create permanent damage.
The floor is sensitive to discoloration too. It will definitely fade when exposed too long to direct sunlight, making the appearance unattractive anymore.
The best thing to do is to using rugs to cover the floor, but go with the ones without latex, vinyl, or rubber backings they leave stains.
Combine rugs and window treatments (such as window film, curtains, blinds, etc) to make your floor last and to avoid fading too soon.
In the end, the floor is proven to be durable. It isn’t only a claim stated by the company, but also proven by the positive reviews from the customers. Many even state that the quality of the floor is far better than they have expected.
That’s why the company provides warranties, depending on the type or variant.
In general, there is 50-year for residential warranty, protecting you from manufacturing defect but it won’t cover the damages because of daily use.
Cali Vinyl Pro LVP Styles, Designs, and Colors
You want to choose a floor that matches your home decor and style.
No need to worry, Cali Vinyl Pro LVP has different colors and styles to imitate the newest trend or appearance of hardwood flooring.
Expect to find light shades (like Gray Ash) and darker hues (like Shadowed Oak and Walnut Creek).
You may even confuse of which one to choose from their many collections.
If you don’t really know which one to pick, you should be able to order flooring samples do it from the official website. Samples may cost you 25 cents.
But the company often holds special events where they give out free samples and even free shipping!
Cali Vinyl Pro LVP Maintenance and Care
Cali Vinyl Pro LVP is the perfect option for busy homeowners who don’t have much time doing the cleaning let alone dealing with complicated or difficult process.
Well, it is a good thing that this brand promotes easy maintenance and cleaning. Use a broom, hard floor vacuum, or dust mop to remove dirt, dust, dander, debris, or pet hair.
Even when you are doing a deep cleaning, you only need to use damp mop with mild cleaner. Wet mop is still okay. It is even possible to use a steam mop to maintain the shine and remove the stain just don’t do it every day.
The company recommends using Bona Stone Tile and Laminate for the best result. But if the cleaners are non-abrasive and they don’t have harsh chemicals, then you are good to go.
Don’t use cleaners containing acid materials, detergents, or bleach. Stay away from wax based or ammonia based cleaners.
The only downside is that you can’t really refinish the floor. Once it is damaged, then you will have to remove it and replace it.
But proper care and clean will ensure that your floor would hold up many years.
Read Also: Luxury Vinyl Vs Standard Vinyl Flooring, Which one is Better For You?
Final Conclusion Cali Vinyl Pro LVP
The floor does have their own perks and benefits, such as good price, easy maintenance and cleaning, and also long years of durability.
The installation may discourage you, but as long as you read the instructions and prepare everything thoroughly, you should be able to do it. This is a project requiring patience and time.
If you don’t hurry it and you are willing to go with the flow, the result won’t disappoint. The floor does have its downsides, but the benefits exceed the flaws.
If you want a floor that looks beautiful without the high expense, then this Cali Vinyl Pro LVP would be the right one.
