Reclaimed wood looks amazing, but honestly, it can have similar moisture issues if you're not careful. Had it in one of my rentals—tenants loved the look, but around sinks and dishwashers, water damage was a constant headache. If moisture's your main concern, maybe consider luxury vinyl plank? I know some folks cringe at "vinyl," but the newer stuff looks surprisingly authentic, feels decent underfoot, and handles spills like a champ. Just something to think about...
Luxury vinyl plank definitely has its advantages with moisture, but I've heard mixed things about durability over time, especially under heavy furniture or appliances. Does anyone have experience with how well it holds up under something like a fridge or stove long-term? I'm considering it for my kitchen renovation, but I'd hate to replace flooring again in just a few years...
I've used luxury vinyl plank (LVP) in several flips, and here's my two cents from experience:
- Moisture resistance is great—no arguments there, especially in kitchens or bathrooms.
- Durability under heavy appliances can vary quite a bit based on the brand and thickness you choose. I've noticed cheaper or thinner options can dent or warp slightly under the fridge or stove feet after a couple years.
- One trick I've found helpful is placing furniture pads or appliance mats under heavy items. It distributes the weight better and prevents those annoying dents or indentations.
- Also, a lot depends on how level your subfloor is. Even slight unevenness can amplify pressure points, causing more noticeable dents over time.
One flip I did about three years ago had mid-range LVP installed in the kitchen. Last summer, I stopped by to check on something unrelated, and the floor beneath the fridge was still holding up pretty well. Just a minor indentation visible only when the fridge was moved. But I've also seen cheaper LVP buckle slightly under heavy furniture in other projects.
Curious though, has anyone tried using a thicker cork or foam underlayment beneath LVP specifically to help with heavy appliances? Wondering if that might help prevent long-term indentations...
"Curious though, has anyone tried using a thicker cork or foam underlayment beneath LVP specifically to help with heavy appliances?"
I haven't personally tried cork, but I did use a thicker foam underlayment (about 3mm) in my kitchen reno last year. Honestly, it made a noticeable difference—especially under the fridge and stove. No visible dents yet, and it's been over a year. I'd still recommend furniture pads though; better safe than sorry, especially if your subfloor isn't perfectly level.
I went with cork (around 4mm, I think?) under my LVP last summer. It definitely softened things up underfoot, and so far the fridge hasn't left any noticeable marks. Still, furniture pads are probably smart... appliances are heavy, and floors aren't cheap to fix.
