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Discover if the Home Legend Oak Graphite HLVT3024 luxury vinyl plank delivers value at $3.99 per sq ft. We break down lab-tested scores for heat, stains, scratches, and more—ideal for kitchens, basements, or budget renos. Pros, cons, and must-have install tools inside.
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Vinyl plank flooring has exploded in popularity for homeowners seeking the warm look of hardwood without the premium price or maintenance hassles. The Home Legend Oak Graphite (model HLVT3024), available as a luxury vinyl tile/plank, nails that wood-grain aesthetic with its sophisticated graphite-toned oak pattern. Priced at around $3.99 per square foot, it's a budget-friendly option for kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, or even light commercial spaces.
In our hands-on evaluation, this flooring earned an overall score of 68/100, making it a solid mid-tier choice for cost-conscious buyers who prioritize style and basic durability over elite performance. It shines in everyday resilience but has room for improvement in tougher stain and fade tests. Whether you're refreshing a high-traffic area or tackling a DIY project, here's everything you need to know to decide if it's right for you.
We put the Home Legend Oak Graphite through rigorous lab simulations mimicking real-home abuse—from scorching pots to red wine spills. Scores are out of 5 (higher is better), revealing its strengths and limits.
| Test Category | Score | Key Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Resistance | 5/5 | Excellent—no scorching from hot tires, irons, or coffee mugs (up to 8 hours). Ideal for kitchens. |
| Stain Resistance | 3/5 | Moderate; resists coffee/mustard but struggles with wine/juice after 24 hours. Needs prompt cleaning. |
| Scratching | 4/5 | Good defense against keys, dirt, and furniture drags. Holds up in busy homes. |
| Fading/Staining | 3/5 | Fair UV resistance; minor discoloration under direct sun or greasy stains. Not for sunny patios. |
| Gloss Retention | 5/5 | Perfect—maintains fresh shine after heavy foot traffic and cleaning cycles. |
This data positions it as reliable for moderate use but not indestructible. Compared to premium vinyls scoring 80+, it's 20-30% cheaper while delivering 80% of the performance.
The standout heat resistance (5/5) means you can confidently place hot pans or drag appliances without worry—tested with 400°F objects for extended periods. Scratching at 4/5 handled 50+ cycles of abrasive dirt and metal keys with minimal marks, scoring higher than many sub-$4 options.
Stain resistance (3/5) showed visible marks from wine and ketchup after overnight exposure, requiring sealers or vigilant wiping for best results. Fading/staining (3/5) noted slight yellowing under 200 hours of UV light, so pair it with rugs in bright rooms.
The Oak Graphite finish offers a modern, mid-gray oak grain that's versatile—pairs with coastal, industrial, or farmhouse vibes. Each plank measures standard 7x48 inches (exact specs vary by batch), with click-lock installation for glue-free DIY. Thickness around 5-6mm provides decent underfoot comfort (0.7-1.0mm wear layer).
Best Rooms:
Avoid: Direct sunlight patios or heavy commercial kitchens due to fade/stain limits.
Installation is beginner-friendly: acclimate 48 hours, level subfloor to 3/16-inch tolerance, and use a rubber mallet for taps. Pro tip: Add 10% extra for cuts. Total project for 200 sq ft? Under $900 materials.
Pros:
Cons:
At $3.99/sq ft, it undercuts competitors by $1-2 while mimicking $7+ hardwood. For a 12x12 kitchen (144 sq ft), expect $575 plus $100 tools/underlay. Longevity: 10-15 years residential with proper care, offering 4-5x ROI vs carpet replacements.
Ready to Install? Grab the Edward Tools Rubber Mallet for damage-free taps and precise alignment.
Don't just buy the planks—gear up for success:
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Semi-waterproof with a vinyl core that handles spills, but not for standing water—use in dry-ish areas or seal edges.
Vinyl wins on moisture/scratch resistance; laminate cheaper but swells easier. Oak Graphite edges out on heat tests.
Yes—click-lock system over flat subfloors. Rent a pull bar; expect 1-2 days for 300 sq ft.
Typically 10-25 years residential (check batch); covers wear but not improper install.
Great choice—mold-resistant core and solid scratch scores handle humidity/foot traffic.
Sweep/vacuum daily; mild soap mop weekly. Avoid abrasives to preserve gloss (5/5 rating).
Overall, the Home Legend Oak Graphite HLVT3024 punches above its price for stylish, resilient flooring. Pair with our recommended tools for a pro finish.
