The specs that actually matter
LVP labels are full of numbers designed to sound impressive. Only a few change how the floor performs.
- Wear layer: the clear top layer, measured in mil. 12 mil is right for residential, 20 mil for high traffic. Below 8 mil is not worth it.
- Core type: rigid core (SPC or WPC) is waterproof and dimensionally stable. In a new build it handles the house settling better than a flexible core.
- AC rating: AC3 or AC4 is plenty for a home. AC5 is marketed as tougher but is usually just a price bump for a residential buyer who does not need it.
The big-box markup
Home Depot and Lowe’s flooring aisles look good and are convenient. The retail markup on flooring is one of the highest in the category.
A CoreTec-equivalent LVP that retails around $11.69 per sq ft can be purchased at dealer cost for about $3.09. On a 2,000 sq ft new build, that difference is over $17,000 in material alone, before installation.
How dealer-cost flooring works with us
Buying your cabinets through STL Cabinetry unlocks dealer-cost pricing on flooring, the same way it does on countertops. The flooring comes through us from our distributor at our cost, and we take no margin on it.
You still pick the exact product. We just get you the distributor price instead of the retail price. Compare the spec sheet side by side (wear layer, core, warranty) to confirm you are comparing the same plank, not a value line.
What is not in the flooring number
Material is only part of a flooring project. Get these itemized so the quote is real.
- Installation labor, typically $1.50 to $3.50 per sq ft for a floating LVP install.
- Underlayment, transition strips, and stair nosing, which are sometimes sold separately.
- Subfloor prep if the slab is not level, and removal of old flooring.
- Order about 10% over your measured square footage for cuts and waste; never buy exact.