I’ve renovated what feels like one million rooms at this point, and one decision that never gets easier is….should we replace the flooring?
If you’ve followed along through our many renovations, from The Monarch Revival to our current Monarch Colonial, you already know I’ve tried a lot of things. But when it comes to flooring, one choice I’ve come back to time and time again is Lifeproof Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP).
Let’s just say: this isn’t my first LVP rodeo. I’ve installed it in workshops, kitchens, and basements, and adore the result every time. So today on the blog, I’m diving into why I love this flooring, how it’s held up in different rooms, and the things I’d consider before committing.
Why Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl has come a LONG way – this is not your mother’s vinyl floors! Vinyl flooring is made to look like wood floors. It is installed in planks, has grain, dimension, and depth. While it is much softer than wood floors, it is significantly more durable.
Three Main Reasons To Choose Vinyl Flooring:
- Durability
- Price
- Ease of installation
Another obvious reason is that you may want the look of hardwood floors without breaking the bank.
Why Not Choose Wood Floors?
I think most people can agree that hardwood floors are considered the “gold standard” when it comes to beauty and resale value. I have wood floors throughout my home and truly love them—they bring a warmth and character that’s hard to beat.
But here’s the reality: hardwood floors require a lot of care and attention.
They aren’t always the best fit for every room, especially high-traffic or high-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, or basements. Spills need to be cleaned up right away to avoid warping. You have to be mindful about dragging furniture, walking in with wet shoes, or letting the dog zoom through the house at full speed. Even strong sunlight can cause fading or discoloration over time.
If you want them to stay looking beautiful, hardwood floors need regular maintenance—refinishing every few years, special cleaning products, and plenty of care.
That’s where LifeProof vinyl floors come in.
Still curious about hardwood floors? Check out my post explaining Hardwood vs. Engineered Hardwood here!
All About Lifeproof Luxury Vinyl Flooring
I love this brand! LifeProof Vinyl Flooring has been such a reliable choice for us—it’s held up beautifully through renovations, busy family life, and everything in between. It takes a lot of trust to install vinyl in a garage as well as a home gym, and I’m here to tell you that these floors have held up SO well.
Why I Keep Coming Back to Lifeproof Vinyl Flooring
- It’s 100% waterproof
- It contains ScratchProtect to make it scuff and scratch resistant
- Can be installed over most existing surfaces, including tile, wood, concrete, and vinyl
- The drop-and-lock installation system makes it fast and easy to install
- The planks are beautiful! They have stunning colors for every design type.
- You can purchase easily from The Home Depot
Where I’ve Used Lifeproof LVP (And Why I Loved It There)
The Garage Workshop – The Monarch Revival
One of the first places I tested out Lifeproof LVP was my garage workshop in The Monarch Revival. It’s where I stored tools, cut trim pieces, and did DIY projects with Craig. So this floor saw it all.
I was so impressed with how the LVP held up to heavy wear, paint spills, and sawdust, and still looked brand new. Hardwood wouldn’t have survived here, so LVP was 100% the right call. To read more about the Monarch Revival Workshop, check out my post: Mallory’s Workshop | The Final Reveal
The Basement Kitchenette – Monarch Colonial
When we started renovating the basement in the Monarch Colonial, I knew I wanted something that flowed with the hardwood throughout the rest of the house, but was still practical for a basement.
I come back to this same color again and again. It’s warm, inviting, and makes the entire kitchenette feel finished and cozy. Plus, the waterproof element is a must for basements.
How To Install Lifeproof Vinyl Flooring
One of the things I love most about Lifeproof vinyl floors is how approachable the installation process is, especially if you’re like us and have tackled a lot of DIY home projects.
In most situations, you don’t need to remove your existing flooring. Lifeproof planks can be installed right over your current surface as long as it’s level, dry, and clean. That means no demo, no dust, and no dumpster in the driveway. It’s a huge time (and sanity) saver.
Each plank has a pre-attached underlayment, which gives you a little cushioning underfoot and helps reduce sound—no need to buy or lay anything extra. And because these planks click together, there’s no glue, no nails, and no waiting around for things to dry.
Another win? There’s no acclimation period. Unlike wood floors, which need time to adjust to the temperature and humidity of your space, Lifeproof vinyl is ready to go straight out of the box. You don’t have to worry about shrinking or expanding with seasonal changes, so it’s a great option for busy households and varying climates.
We’ve installed it ourselves in several homes and found the process totally doable with basic tools and a little patience. If you’re comfortable with a tape measure, utility knife, and rubber mallet, you’re probably good to go. And if not? This is still a very budget-friendly option to have professionally installed.
No Power Tools Required!
The planks tap into place with a light tap from a mallet. They almost fit together like puzzle pieces! When you reach the end of your room and need to make a cut, you measure the plank to where it needs to be trimmed and score it with a blade. From there, you pick up the plank and snap it with your hands for the perfect cut – no power tools required!
Tools for Installing Lifeproof Vinyl Planks:
Final Thoughts: Is Lifeproof LVP Worth It?
Absolutely. I love the mix of beauty, practicality, and ease of installation. If you’re considering a remodel in your home and don’t want to deal with the price tag or maintenance of hardwood, Lifeproof LVP is an amazing option.
Want to shop the exact color I used? Find it here!
Have you tried LVP before? Or are you considering it for an upcoming project? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to check out my recent posts:
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