f you’re planning a remodeling project in your home, you’ve probably searched endlessly for the right flooring to upgrade your space. With so many options on the market today, it can be challenging to find the material that meets your budget and aesthetic preferences. Luxury vinyl flooring can be ideal if you’re looking for something relatively easy to maintain, durable and more affordable than other flooring styles.
Luxury vinyl flooring contains two categories — luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). As with any flooring material, there are unique pros and cons to LVT and LVP flooring. How do they compare in cost, versatility and maintenance?
In this guide, we’ll help you understand the basics of LVT and LVP flooring and why they’re popular choices among professionals and homeowners.
LVT is a vinyl material designed to mimic the look of ceramic tiles, marble or natural stone flooring. It features a multiple-layer construction, including:
These layers are individually stacked, rotated and fused together using the hot press method during installation for a stronger locking system. LVT is versatile enough to be used in many spaces, including bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms.
It can suit many interior styles, from traditional and classic looks to modern and contemporary design. LVT flooring uses authentic photographic film design to create an authentic, vibrant look.
LVP is composed of four layers that create the appearance of natural hardwood floors, including:
LVP flooring features rectangular planks that come in various colors, styles and designs. The individual planks are generally smaller than the materials used in LVT. LVP material consists of a click-lock system to improve moisture resistance and plank accessibility during repairs. This type of flooring can provide a realistic, classic wood appearance with a bit more flexibility and comfort.
Vinyl flooring has so much to offer, but how do you know whether LVP or LVT is better for your home? We’ve compiled the top things you need to know about LVT and LVP flooring for your project’s specific needs.
The installation methods for LVT and LVP can vary. Some techniques require an adhesive to secure the vinyl to the subfloor. However, LVP and LVT flooring are typically installed using the floating click-and-lock technique.
This is a simple and easy approach to adding vinyl flooring to your home, as it requires no glue, nails, grout or spacers. The tiles or planks snap together like puzzle pieces. This method may be done over some types of existing flooring. Because the pieces click together, repairing damaged sections is much easier — you won’t have to rip up your entire floor to fix a minor issue, unlike large vinyl sheets.
As with any type of flooring, the price will vary depending on the size of your space and the colors, designs and styles you choose. Other factors can influence the cost of luxury vinyl flooring, including the brands and products used and the project’s complexity.
Generally, both LVT and LVP flooring are more cost-effective than authentic hardwood and tile materials. You can expect to find both flooring options within a similar price range. Additionally, the easy installation and repair processes can contribute to lower labor costs. They both fall in a similar price range as far as initial investment and long-term value.
Both LVT and LVP flooring comprise multiple layers of durable construction. LVP tends to be thicker and more rigid than other types of vinyl, providing exceptional durability and resistance against wear and tear.
Because the planks used in LVP are generally narrower than those used in LVT flooring, they may be less prone to damage. Alternatively, LVT flooring is generally softer and more comfortable than hard tile or stone, which is easier on kids and pets.
Despite being softer, LVT is incredibly scratch-resistant. When it comes to durability, consider your space when deciding between LVP and LVT. Are you remodeling a guest room with little to no foot traffic or a living room the whole family uses daily?
A major benefit of luxury vinyl flooring is the extensive possibilities for creating your ideal space. You can choose from a wide range of styles, patterns and colors in LVT and LVP flooring. If you’re interested in a hardwood look, LVP floors can help you achieve your desired aesthetic with various finishes and wood grain patterns.
LVP’s thicker construction also provides a more realistic hardwood feel. If you prefer the look of stone or tile, LVT flooring can easily suit almost any decor style or theme in your home.
Certain spaces in your home, such as the kitchen, basement or bathroom, are more prone to moisture than others. LVT and LVP flooring both offer high levels of water resistance when you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Their multilayer construction keeps moisture from seeping in, preventing spills and sitting water from majorly damaging your floors.
However, LVP’s thicker underlayment makes it particularly ideal for high-moisture areas. Unlike some natural materials that tend to absorb liquids more easily, luxury vinyl flooring maintains a strong barrier against stains and water. Some types of LVP flooring have a textured top layer for added slip resistance.
LVT and LVP flooring have easy cleaning and care routines. You can keep your luxury vinyl floors looking beautiful with regular sweeping and mopping with a mild cleaner.
Thanks to the top protective layers, your floors will be resistant to stains and scratches. To prolong the life span of your luxury vinyl floors, you can use rugs and mats in high-traffic areas, including kitchens, entrances and hallways. Rugs add various colors and styles to the space while providing extra damage and slip resistance.
Luxury vinyl flooring is a popular choice among homeowners for many reasons:
We hope this guide helped you learn the differences and similarities between LVT and LVP. Luxury vinyl flooring has so much to offer, but it’s essential to make an informed decision.
If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, reach out to TC Floors & Design for your next flooring project. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and address any concerns about flooring in your home. You can view our wide range of luxury vinyl flooring options through our in-home shopping solutions.
We’ll send a professional directly to your home so you can take your time looking at samples and envisioning your new space. When you’re ready, we’ll make installation a breeze. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn more about our services.
