When it comes to the cost effectiveness of luxury vinyl tile and plank flooring, these are two of the most affordable options on the market. They are both less expensive than natural stone, ceramic tile, and hardwood flooring, yet they offer similar benefits and aesthetic appeal. Both of these flooring types are durable, versatile and a great choice for homeowners on a budget.
What is LVT Luxury Vinyl Tile?
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is a type of vinyl flooring that is designed to mimic the look of natural stone or ceramic tile. It is made of multiple layers that provide durability, resilience and sound reduction. The top layer is a clear wear layer that protects the flooring from scratches, stains, and scuffs. The design layer is printed with a high-definition image of stone or tile, and the core layer is made of flexible pvc (polyvinyl chloride – a type of plastic) that provides stability and sound reduction.
LVT is available in both grouted and non-grouted formats. Grouted LVT is designed to mimic the look of traditional ceramic or stone tile flooring, with realistic grout lines between each tile. The grout lines are typically embossed into the surface of the tile, creating a textured and realistic appearance. Non-grouted LVT, on the other hand, is designed to mimic the look of smooth, seamless stone or tile flooring.
LVT comes in a variety of sizes, including large format tiles. It is also available in different installation methods, including glue-down, peel & stick, and click-lock systems that float freely over the floor. LVT is a great choice for homeowners who want the look of natural stone or tile without the higher cost.
What is LVP Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) is luxury vinyl flooring that is designed to mimic the look of hardwood flooring. Like hardwood planks it is also available in a variety of sizes, including wide plank and long plank styles. It is also available in different installation methods, including glue-down, peel & stick, & floating click-lock systems. Vinyl plank flooring is a great choice for homeowners who want the look of hardwood flooring at a lower cost.
LVT and vinyl plank flooring have come a long way in terms of design and technology. They now offer high-definition printing techniques that create a realistic look and texture, making it difficult to distinguish between real and fake materials. This means that you can enjoy the aesthetic appeal of natural stone, ceramic tile, or hardwood flooring without the higher cost.
The cost effectiveness of luxury vinyl tile & plank is in lower costs for materials as well as installation. Both of these flooring types are designed for easy installation, which means that you can save money on professional installation costs. In fact, many homeowners choose to install LVT and vinyl plank flooring themselves, which can save even more money.
Luxury Vinyl Durability & Lifespan
Luxury vinyl tile & plank will last 10 to 25 years or more depending on the thickness, the product quality, the amount of traffic & amount of cleaning. More costly materials like stone or hardwood can last 25 to 100 years, though hardwood usually needs to be refinished every 10-20 years, and stone needs to be sealed every few years.
The average cost for refinishing hardwood can be about the same as the cost of materials for luxury vinyl tile or plank, though each situation varies. Luxury vinyl with a thick wear layer could possibly outlast a hardwood floor that needs sanding & refinishing after 15 years. So when comparing to the amount of time before hardwood needs refinishing, it’s possible for LVT to last longer.
Luxury vinyl is also more water resistant than hardwood, making it more suitable for moisture prone areas like bathrooms or basements where humidity can warp wood & create gaps. As mentioned, stone tile needs to be resealed every few years to protect it from moisture & dirt. Luxury vinyl requires no such maintenance.
While both LVT and vinyl plank flooring are durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and scuffs, regular sweeping, vacuuming or dry mopping to remove dirt & debris will help extend the lifespan & keep the floor looking new. Also, luxury vinyl tile & plank can be susceptible to indentation from heavy furniture or appliances, so using felt furniture pads is recommended.
In conclusion, LVT and vinyl plank flooring are cost-effective flooring options that offer similar benefits to more expensive flooring materials. Both are durable, easy to maintain, and offer aesthetic appeal that mimics natural stone, ceramic tile, or hardwood flooring. With luxury vinyl tile & plank flooring you can enjoy a beautiful and functional floor at a relatively affordable price. One of the brands of luxury vinyl flooring we recommend is COREtec, a brand of Luxury Vinyl from Shaw Floors.
