EVP is short for ‘engineered vinyl plank.’ This flooring is the perfect combination of the natural beauty of wood and stone floors while being a cheaper alternative.
EVP flooring has a design layer that can be textured to mimic the appearance of almost any type of flooring.
They have high resistance to scratches and moisture. But just like any other type of flooring, knowing the pros and cons of EVP flooring is very beneficial and enables you to determine if it’s the right flooring for you and your household.
Read: Is vinyl flooring good or bad
Pros of EVP Flooring
Table of Contents
Easy Installation
Installing EVP flooring isn’t very difficult as long as you follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines. Most floors like laminate need to be left to acclimate to the room’s conditions in which it’s to be installed.
This isn’t the case with EVP floorboards; they don’t need acclimation and can be installed immediately after purchase. EVP planks also usually feature the tongue-and-groove locking mechanism; this makes installation a whole lot easier.
An Affordable Alternative
EVP planks are a super affordable flooring option compared to solid wood. EVP planks are marketed at an average of five dollars per square meter.
The flooring is also very durable, meaning you won’t be needing to make any replacement anytime soon after installing, so you get to save additional cost savings in the long run.
You also do not have to spend a whole lot on installation costs, compared to installing solid hardwood or engineered hardwood, because click-and-lock EVP planks installation is so simple it can be undertaken as a DIY project.
Durable
EVP flooring is very durable, thanks to its wood or stone-infused core that’s stronger than natural hardwood.
EVP floors can withstand years of use without developing any structural issues. It also has a scratch-resistant plastic topcoat which gives the flooring additional longevity.
Moisture Resistant
Most high-end engineered vinyl floorboards are up to 100% waterproof. They do not allow moisture to seep into the subfloor, thereby preventing structural damage.
Versatile
EVP flooring can be installed over any type of subfloor, with an even surface. It can be installed over tile, concrete, or plywood. It also has a decorative layer that can be finished to mimic the appearance of any type of wood or stone flooring.
Aside from the look, the texture can also be mimicked too. This is done using a method called EIR; it embosses the texture of real wood or stone surfaces onto the design layer of the EVP floorboards, thereby enhancing the authenticity of the EVP flooring.
Requires Minimal Maintenance
Keeping your EVP surfaces clean and sparkling barely requires any maintenance other than occasional cleaning.
It doesn’t require refinishing, as there’s barely any need for that; it has a transparent wear layer that helps to hide scuff marks and scratches. To clean your EVP floor, simply sweep it with a broom or dust mop before going in with a wet mop to remove stuck dirt.
Soundproof
EVP floorboards have a dense, rigid core made of wood or limestone composite, giving the flooring immense soundproofing qualities. This enables the EVP floor to trap sound as you walk on them.
Cons Of EVP Flooring
Not Eco-Friendly
If you are mindful of your daily activities impact on the environment, you may not want EVP flooring; it is not environmentally friendly due to its high PVC content- an environmental pollutant.
This affects the value of EVP as it is not an eco-friendly flooring option, unlike solid hardwood and bamboo.
Vulnerable to Fading From UV Rays
Although most types of EVP flooring carry a UV-protective wear layer, it can still become discolored when exposed to too much sunlight.
This is why it is not advisable to install rigid-core flooring in sunrooms or any other spaces that receive a lot of sunlight.
Cannot be Refinished
Damaged EVP planks cannot be refinished by sanding, staining, and sealing and would need to be completely replaced.
Poses Potential Health Risk
Installing cheap EVP flooring puts you and your family’s health at risk as these tend to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This can be avoided by ensuring you purchase high-quality EVP floorboards with low-VOC emissions.
Read: How to remove vinyl flooring from the floor
Conclusion
This article discusses EVP flooring pros and cons; this should act as a guide for your flooring decision. Remember, no type of flooring is free of downsides; you just need to opt for one that suits you most.