Frequently Asked Questions

Luxury vinyl plank is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product engineered to look like real hardwood or stone. Every product we carry is 100% waterproof, scratch-resistant, and GreenGuard Gold certified — safe for the whole family. LVP is one of the most popular flooring choices today because it combines beautiful visuals with real-world durability at a fraction of the cost of hardwood.

SPC (Stone Polymer Composite) has a dense, stone-filled core — ideal for high-traffic areas, basements, and temperature-variable environments. It's extremely dent and indent resistant and doesn't flex underfoot. WPC (Wood Polymer Composite) has a lighter, wood-filled core with an attached foam pad, giving it a slightly softer, quieter feel — better for bedrooms and upper floors where comfort matters more. Both are 100% waterproof.

The mil rating measures the thickness of the protective clear layer on top of the plank. Thicker = more protection. 12 mil is solid for light residential use with no pets. 20 mil is commercial-grade — our recommendation for households with pets, kids, or active families. 22 mil and 28 mil (our SHIELD4MAX™ and Premium lines) provide industry-leading scratch, stain, and bacteria resistance for the most demanding environments.

Yes — every product we carry is 100% waterproof. The planks themselves will not swell, peel, or buckle from water exposure. However, standing water left on seams for extended periods can work its way to the subfloor. Proper installation with sealed seams is always recommended for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other wet areas.

Absolutely. Our 20 mil+ wear layer lines (AR, AA, PRW, PA) are specifically recommended for households with pets and children. The scratch-resistant wear layer handles claws, furniture drag, and toys. Our GreenGuard Gold and FloorScore certified products are free of harmful VOCs — safe for kids and pets from day one.

Multiply your room's length by its width to get square footage, then add 10% for waste and cuts (15% for diagonal installs or complex layouts). Divide that total by the square footage per box shown on the product card. Use the Coverage Calculator on our homepage for a quick estimate, or call Rivers at 803-760-9919 — he'll figure it out with you in under two minutes.

We keep pricing off the website because our rates move with market conditions and volume. Call or text Rivers at 803-760-9919, or email rivers@fennelldiscountflooring.com for a current quote. Most customers are pleasantly surprised. Contractor and bulk pricing is available for orders of 10+ boxes.

Yes. We work with contractors, builders, remodelers, and property managers across the Midlands. Bulk pricing is available on orders of 10+ boxes, and we have an open trade account program for regular buyers. Visit our Contractors page or call Rivers directly to get set up — no lengthy application process.

Yes — free samples are available in-store at our Irmo showroom. Stop by during business hours (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat by appointment 9–11am) to see and feel the products side-by-side in natural light. Seeing the planks in hand is the best way to choose the right color and finish for your space.

Flexible financing is coming soon. We're finalizing a 0% APR program to make larger flooring projects easier to budget. Enter your email on our homepage to be notified the moment it launches. In the meantime, we accept cash, check, and all major credit cards.

In most cases, yes — one of the biggest advantages of LVP is its ability to float over existing hard surfaces without demo. The subfloor must be flat (within 3/16" over 10 feet), clean, and structurally sound. If height transitions to adjacent rooms are a concern, a reducer trim handles it cleanly. We can advise based on your specific subfloor situation.

It depends on the product. Some premium lines come with an attached sound-reducing pad built in — no separate underlayment needed for those. Our SPC rigid core lines can benefit from a thin underlayment for noise reduction on upper floors or over concrete, though it's not always required. We can recommend the right setup based on your subfloor type.

Yes, with the right trim. We carry Full Step Stair Treads — an all-in-one stair tread made from actual rigid vinyl planks that matches the flooring exactly. Available for the GV, SU, PM, PA, AR, AA, CC, SC, and PRW lines. Call for current availability and pricing.

We carry the most common transitions: T-Molding (between equal-height surfaces), Reducer (for flooring height differences), Stair Nose, Full Step Stair Tread, and Quarter Round/Shoe Molding. All trims are compatible with our product lineup — call Rivers for current pricing and availability.

LVP is one of the more DIY-friendly flooring options available. Most of our products use a click-lock system that doesn't require glue or nails. Basic tools — a saw, pull bar, and tapping block — are all you need. That said, proper subfloor preparation (flat, clean, dry) is the most important factor in a successful install. We recommend watching a few manufacturer installation videos before you start, and calling Rivers with any questions.

Warranty coverage varies by product line. Our Select USA (SU) and Premium PA lines carry a Residential Lifetime Limited Warranty and a 15-Year Commercial Warranty. Mid-range and Pro lines carry strong multi-year residential warranties. Ask us for the specific warranty card for any product you're considering — we'll send it right over.

Currently we are pickup-only from our warehouse at 7620 N Woodrow St B, Irmo, SC 29063. We'll schedule a pickup window that works for you — most customers pick up within 24–48 hours of placing their order. Delivery options may be added in the future.

Our Irmo warehouse serves contractors and homeowners across the Midlands of South Carolina — Irmo, Columbia, Lexington, Chapin, Ballentine, Harbison, Lake Murray, and surrounding communities. Contractors have made the trip from as far as Charleston and Greenville for our pricing.

Call or text 803-760-9919, or email rivers@fennelldiscountflooring.com. Rivers handles all orders personally — no call centers, no hold music. Showroom hours: Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Saturday by appointment 9–11am.