LVP Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank is the most popular flooring choice in Central PA homes right now, and the reasons are not hard to understand. It is 100% waterproof, holds up to scratches and heavy use, looks like real hardwood, and costs a fraction of what solid hardwood runs. At Carpet Barn, we carry a full in-stock selection of LVP at our New Cumberland showroom and have been helping homeowners find the right product since 1974.
You may have heard LVP called click flooring, waterproof flooring, floating floor, Pergo, or even laminate. These terms get used loosely, and customers often come in asking for one thing when they mean another. Our staff will help you sort through the terminology and get you to the right product without confusion.
What Is LVP Flooring?
LVP stands for luxury vinyl plank. It is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product built to replicate the look and texture of hardwood while outperforming it in several key areas. Each plank stacks four main layers: a backing layer for stability, a waterproof core, a printed design layer, and a clear wear layer on top for scratch and scuff protection.
Unlike real hardwood, LVP does not absorb moisture, does not warp in humid conditions, and does not crack when something heavy drops on it. It installs as a floating floor using a click-lock edge system, which means it can often go directly over existing flooring without full demo. That cuts installation time and saves money on labor.
LVP vs. LVT: What Is the Difference?
LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) comes in plank format and replicates the look of hardwood. LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) comes in square or rectangular tile format and replicates stone or ceramic. Both are 100% waterproof. Both install the same way. Both are available at Carpet Barn. The choice comes down to the look you want for the room.
LVP Specs Explained
Shopping for LVP means running into a lot of technical terms. Here is what they mean in plain language so you can make a confident decision:
Wear Layer Thickness
The wear layer is the clear protective coating on top of each plank. It determines how well the floor holds up to scratches, scuffs, and daily wear.
We carry LVP in 12 mil and 20 mil wear layers. A 12 mil layer works well in bedrooms and lower-traffic areas. A 20 mil layer is the better choice for kitchens, hallways, and rooms with pets or heavy foot traffic.
Core Construction
WPC (Wood Polymer Composite)
A wood-based core that offers a warmer, softer feel underfoot. Better sound absorption and a slight give that makes it more comfortable to stand on for long stretches. A good fit for living areas and bedrooms.
SPC (Stone Polymer Composite)
A denser, harder core made with limestone composite. More rigid and better at handling temperature swings. A stronger choice for basements, spaces over radiant heat, and areas prone to moisture or fluctuating conditions.
Wear Ratings
LVP products carry an AC (Abrasion Class) rating from AC1 to AC5. Most residential installs call for AC3 or AC4. We also carry AC5-rated products for light commercial applications and high-traffic residential spaces like entryways and mudrooms.
Warranties
Most LVP products we carry come with manufacturer warranties ranging from 10 to 25 years. Warranty length varies by product line and wear layer thickness. Ask our team which products carry the coverage that fits your needs.
Why So Many Central PA Homeowners Are Choosing LVP
LVP has replaced carpet and hardwood as the go-to flooring choice for new installs and remodels across Central PA. These are the reasons we hear most often in our showroom:
100% Waterproof
LVP does not absorb moisture. Spills, pet accidents, and high humidity will not damage the planks. This makes it a strong choice for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms where other flooring types can fail.
Scratch & Scuff Resistant
The wear layer protects against everyday scratches from pets, furniture, and foot traffic. A 20 mil wear layer can take significant daily use without showing wear for years.
Realistic Wood-Grain Look
Modern LVP uses high-definition printing and embossed surface textures to replicate the grain patterns and color variation of real wood. Most people cannot tell the difference at a glance.
Floats Over Existing Floors
LVP uses a click-lock floating install method. In many cases it can go directly over existing tile or vinyl without full demolition. This keeps installation costs down and project timelines shorter.
Comfortable Underfoot
WPC-core LVP has a slight cushion that makes it warmer and more comfortable than tile or stone. Some products also include an attached underlayment for additional sound dampening.
Low Maintenance
LVP does not need waxing, sealing, or specialty cleaners. A regular sweep and occasional damp mop keeps it looking good for years. There is nothing complicated about maintaining it.
LVP Brands We Carry
We stock LVP and LVT from manufacturers with a track record for quality construction, realistic visuals, and strong warranty programs:
COREtec by Shaw
The flagship LVP line in our showroom and widely regarded as the gold standard in luxury vinyl plank. COREtec pioneered the WPC core construction and offers a broad range of wood and tile looks. Available in multiple wear layer thicknesses.
Johnson Hardwood
A strong LVT option with realistic stone and tile visuals. Good warranty coverage and a range of commercial-grade wear layer options for heavier-use applications.
Revotec
A reliable mid-range LVP with solid WPC construction and a competitive price point. One of our most popular in-stock options for budget-conscious projects.
Congoleum Airstep
Known for its cushioned backing, which adds comfort underfoot and helps reduce noise between floors. A popular choice for upper-floor installs and multi-story homes.
Southwind
An affordable option across a range of styles and constructions. A practical choice for rental properties, secondary spaces, and projects where cost per square foot is the primary driver.
IFC / Conestoga
Regionally distributed brands with solid mid-range LVP construction. Both are available in-stock at our New Cumberland showroom for quick turnaround projects.
Looking for a specific brand or product line not listed here? Call us at 717-938-1609 and we will check availability or place a special order through our manufacturer network.
Where LVP Works Best
LVP is one of the most versatile flooring options on the market. It works in rooms where other flooring types struggle. Here is where it performs best:
Kitchens
Handles spills, grease, and heavy foot traffic without complaint. Easy to clean. Available in styles that look sharp alongside cabinets and countertops.
Bathrooms
100% waterproof. No concerns about moisture seeping through seams. A better long-term choice than tile grout that cracks or wood that swells.
Basements
SPC-core LVP handles the moisture and temperature swings common in below-grade spaces better than most flooring options. Goes directly over concrete.
Living Areas
WPC-core LVP is warm and comfortable underfoot in living rooms and family rooms. Available in wide-plank formats that suit open floor plans well.
Bedrooms
A practical alternative to carpet in bedrooms where allergy sufferers prefer hard flooring. Easier to clean than carpet and more moisture-tolerant.
Whole Home Installs
One of the few flooring types that can run consistently through an entire home, including wet areas, without needing a different product in each room.
In-Stock LVP at Our New Cumberland Showroom
We keep a broad selection of LVP in stock at our New Cumberland showroom. You can walk in, see real samples in natural light, and feel the difference between a 12 mil and a 20 mil wear layer before you commit. Many of our most popular COREtec, Revotec, and IFC styles are available for quick turnaround without waiting on a special order.
For styles or specifications beyond our in-stock selection, we can order through our manufacturer network. Special orders typically arrive within two to three weeks depending on the product.
Professional LVP Installation Available
Every LVP product we carry can be professionally installed by our team. Our installers handle subfloor assessment, click-lock floating installs, glue-down LVT, and all the finishing details including vinyl base, quarter round, shoe molding, and metal transitions, all of which we keep in stock. Every installation comes with a 1-year workmanship warranty and a free estimate.
LVP Flooring Available Throughout Central PA
Our New Cumberland showroom serves homeowners across Central PA. We sell and install LVP in Camp Hill, Lemoyne, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, Enola, Shiremanstown, Lower Allen Township, Wormleysburg, Steelton, Lewisberry, York Haven, and Dillsburg. Give us a call if you are not sure whether we cover your area.
Come See Our LVP Selection in Person
Seeing LVP in person makes a difference. Stop by our showroom at 505 Park Rd., New Cumberland, PA 17070. Compare styles in person, feel the difference between wear layers, and get an honest recommendation from our team. Free estimates are always available, in-home or at the showroom.
Feel free to give us a call at 717-938-1609 We are happy to answer any Luxury Vinyl Plank or flooring questions and set up a free estimate!
