Saturday, May 31, 2025
The Real Lifespan of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring in Colorado
In Colorado homes, flooring doesn’t just age from time — it breaks down from the environment. Moisture, high-altitude UV, snowmelt, mud, and dry air all take their toll. But luxury vinyl plank flooring handles these stressors better than most options. With professional installation and regular cleaning, it can last 20 years or more in Colorado homes.
This isn’t a number pulled from a box label. It reflects what we’ve seen firsthand at On Top Flooring in homes across Denver, Aurora, Fort Collins, and up into mountain towns like Evergreen.
Visual Breakdown: How LVP Compares in Colorado Homes
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of common flooring materials and how they hold up specifically in Colorado conditions:
Colorado Flooring Longevity Comparison
Flooring Type | Typical Lifespan in Colorado (Years) | Resists Water Damage | Handles Temperature Swings | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Luxury Vinyl Plank | 20 | Yes | Yes | Low |
Solid Hardwood | 15 | No | Moderately | High |
Laminate | 10 | Somewhat | Poorly | Moderate |
Tile | 25 | Yes | Well | Moderate |
Carpet | 7 | No | Poorly | High |
Tile has the edge in raw lifespan, but it’s colder, less forgiving, and harder to repair. Hardwood offers beauty, but Colorado’s dry air and temperature swings cause gapping and cracking over time. LVP is the only option here that balances durability, comfort, and water resistance with minimal maintenance.
What Impacts Floor Longevity in Colorado?
In Colorado, flooring faces specific local hazards that shorten its lifespan:
Moisture from snow and spring runoff: According to the National Resources Conservation Service, Colorado's snowpack in spring 2024 was near or above median in many northern basins. As that snow melts, it can increase moisture exposure in basements, entryways, and lower levels — especially in homes without waterproof flooring.
Magnesium chloride: Used to de-ice roads, this chemical can degrade carpet backing and hardwood finish. LVP’s protective wear layer resists chemical penetration.
UV exposure at elevation: High-altitude sunlight causes faster fading in unprotected wood or carpet. LVP is designed with UV resistance for sun-facing areas like entryways and kitchens.
Expansion and contraction: Colorado temperature swings — cold mornings, warm afternoons — cause many floors to expand and contract daily. LVP’s rigid core absorbs these changes without damage.
Installation Quality Makes a Difference
Even the best flooring will fail if installed poorly. The 20-year lifespan of luxury vinyl plank flooring assumes it’s installed professionally with:
A clean, level subfloor
Expansion spacing
Proper underlayment (if needed)
Secure edge sealing and transitions
At On Top Flooring, we’ve torn out plenty of LVP floors that failed early — not because of the product, but because someone rushed the install. Uneven subfloors. Gaps. No vapor barrier. Those shortcuts reduce LVP’s effective life to 5–8 years in some cases.
We don’t allow that. Our installations across Aurora, Castle Rock, and Littleton are planned for long-term durability. You shouldn’t be redoing your floors again in 5 years — and with us, you won’t.
How to Extend the Life of Your LVP
Once installed, maintaining luxury vinyl plank flooring is simple:
Sweep and mop regularly to avoid abrasive grit
Use felt pads under furniture legs
Avoid standing water — wipe up spills, especially near appliances
Protect high-traffic zones with mats by doors
Don’t use steam mops, which can compromise the wear layer
These tips align with guidance from The Vinyl Institute, which represents U.S. vinyl manufacturers and tracks product durability standards. LVP isn’t bulletproof, but when you follow the basics, it holds up better than nearly anything else.
Colorado Examples: Where LVP Has Held Strong
In Denver, one On Top Flooring client had us install LVP throughout a 1,900 sq. ft. rental property in 2021. Four years later, despite heavy tenant turnover and year-round use, the floor still looks new.
In Monument, another homeowner had carpet repeatedly fail in a walkout basement due to condensation. We replaced it with LVP in 2023. No warping, even after this spring’s heavy rainfall and high humidity.
In Fort Collins, a couple who frequently host outdoor gatherings opted for waterproof LVP throughout their main level. It’s now survived three summers of pool traffic, BBQ spills, and muddy boots — and still doesn’t show wear.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring isn’t a “temporary fix.” Installed correctly, it’s a 20-year surface that holds up to real life — especially in Colorado, where weather extremes challenge traditional materials.
At On Top Flooring, we don’t just recommend LVP. We’ve seen it last. We’ve installed it in homes, rentals, basements, and open-concept layouts where nothing else could do the job.
If you’re looking for flooring that won’t need replacement in five years, you’re already thinking in the right direction.
LVP Frequently Asked Questions
How long does luxury vinyl plank flooring last in Colorado?
Up to 20 years with professional installation and simple maintenance. On Top Flooring installs LVP designed to last in this exact climate.
Does Colorado weather shorten flooring lifespan?
Yes, especially with wood and laminate. LVP resists dry air, UV exposure, moisture, and chemical tracking from snow melt.
What shortens LVP’s lifespan?
Improper installation, subfloor issues, and misuse (like steam mops or standing water) can reduce lifespan significantly.
Is LVP good for mountain homes or rentals?
Yes. Its water resistance and temperature stability make it ideal for both. We’ve installed it in vacation homes and high-traffic rentals with long-term success.
Can LVP last longer than hardwood in Colorado?
In most cases, yes. While wood is beautiful, it’s more vulnerable to gaps, swelling, and damage without constant upkeep.
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