When it comes to flooring, there are so many options available that it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
Vinyl flooring has long been a popular choice in moisture-prone areas due to its stain and water resistance. However, standard vinyl is thin and susceptible to cracking or peeling and often feels hard underfoot. Luxury vinyl flooring was created in response and is sold in planks (LVP) or tiles (LVT). This enhanced version of vinyl flooring provides more cushioning and a very realistic look to the material it emulates.
In this article, we’ll compare the major consideration factors for both flooring types, so that you can make an informed decision.
What is Standard Vinyl Flooring?
Standard vinyl flooring, also sometimes referred to as “sheet vinyl flooring” has been around for a long time. It offers a range of options from flexible sheets to square pieces that are glued down. The vinyl layer reveals an eye-catching design printed on top, which is further protected by a transparent shield.
Though this flooring type is very thin and not as aesthetically appealing as other flooring options, it is a popular type for those on a budget looking for a water resistant option for their bathroom or kitchen.
What is Luxury Vinyl?
Luxury vinyl flooring comes in two types, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and luxury vinyl planks (LVP). Both offer the look of natural surfaces, such as wood, stone or concrete. Constructed from several layers of plastic and padding, these flooring options not only have an attractive design but provide noise insulation, a comfortable surface to walk on, and optimal resilience. There are plenty of sizes & designs available so you can find what reflects your style.
Cost
Deciding between regular and luxury vinyl flooring depends on your budget, desired lifespan and installation preferences. When looking at the cost factor alone, standard vinyl has a lower cost per square foot and is therefore considered to be the better “bargain flooring” option, where luxury vinyl is known as the more prestigious material at a higher cost per square foot.
Standard Vinyl
When comparing standard vinyl to luxury vinyl, standard vinyl is the cheaper option of the two, with very affordable prices starting as low as $.50 per square foot before installation costs.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl flooring typically costs anywhere from $2 to $6 per square foot depending on the quality and whether you are purchasing planks or tiles. Luxury vinyl has a thicker core, a more natural look, and a floating or click-lock application that provides extra stability.
At the end of the day, it’s important to weigh your options carefully. Standard vinyl is a good budget-friendly choice for those who don’t mind compromising quality. However, luxury vinyl has a higher price tag due to its superior durability and performance qualities.
Appearance
Vinyl floors provide a wealth of color and style options, but if you’re looking to achieve the richness and beauty of real wood or stone flooring, luxury vinyl planks or luxury vinyl tiles are the way to go.
Standard Vinyl
Standard vinyl is a great option for those looking for a cheap flooring solution. It comes in different color palettes with lighter or darker shades as well as matte or gloss finishes.
Luxury Vinyl
If you’re looking for flooring that looks just like the real thing without the high end price tag, luxury vinyl is your go-to. Its thick core, textured weaves and intricate patterns add a different level of depth. These intricacies combine to create an incredibly accurate imitation of hardwood planks or stone or concrete tiles—more so than standard vinyl ever could.
It is important to understand that standard vinyl likely won’t be mistaken for the real deal. The simulated cracks and wood grains in the flat design simply do not look realistic. For many home and business owners the price tag of this flooring type makes it an attractive option to consider, but when it comes to appearance—the look of luxury vinyl flooring is unparalleled.
Durability
Standard vinyl flooring is a practical, yet fragile choice because it’s surface is susceptible to dents and scratches. Luxury vinyl is the sturdiest of all vinyl flooring – its extra thickness and rigidity make it incredibly durable. Standard Vinyl
Standard vinyl is a durable flooring choice that can last up to about 10 – 15 years with proper installation and maintenance. Unfortunately, once the damage becomes noticeable it can be hard to fix without needing an entire replacement or cover-up.
Standard Vinyl
Standard vinyl flooring is a practical, yet fragile choice because it’s surface is susceptible to dents and scratches. Luxury vinyl is the sturdiest of all vinyl flooring – its extra thickness and rigidity make it incredibly durable. Standard Vinyl
Standard vinyl is a durable flooring choice that can last up to about 10 – 15 years with proper installation and maintenance. Unfortunately, once the damage becomes noticeable it can be hard to fix without needing an entire replacement or cover-up.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl is also durable, but due to its thicker construction, it is more resistant. It can typically last upwards of 25 years when installed correctly and cared for properly. Even when a single plank or tile becomes damaged, you can easily replace the piece without taking apart the entire floor.
----- Thickness
Commonly found in sheet form or in pieces, standard vinyl flooring is made from a thin layer of flexible, printed vinyl bonded to either a fiberglass or felt backing that usually measures between 10 to 15 thousandths of an inch. It offers water and stain resistance, but lacks cushion underfoot due to its slim profile.
Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), on the other hand, are semi-rigid with up to 8 layers giving them greater thickness than standard sheet vinyl (plus extra comfort).
----- Water Resistance
Standard vinyl in sheet form does make for super easy moisture cleanup since it’s one piece and there are no ridges or crevices the water can creep into. However the edges of standard sheet vinyl are known to curl, crack or give way over time.
Luxury vinyl planks and tiles typically offer greater water resistance than standard vinyl that comes in separate pieces, making luxury vinyl well suited for areas prone to spills or moisture build-up (such as bathrooms or kitchens). The thicker material and tighter seal also help protect against water damage from things like toddler spills or pet accidents.
----- Heat Resistance
Luxury vinyl flooring is generally more heat resistant than standard vinyl since it is a thicker and more durable material. It can withstand higher temperatures from the sun peeking through a window or glass door without warping or cracking. However, both types are not meant to withstand extreme heat, such as installation around a furnace or water heater.
----- Scratch Resistance
Standard vinyl is very soft on its surface and therefore more prone to scratches and tears. Luxury vinyl flooring is more resistant to scratches, dents and other damage, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking for long-term durability from your floors.
Installation
When it comes to installing flooring, two very different methods are common for standard and luxury tile. Professional installation with a full glue-down bond is the recommended way of laying down standard sheet vinyl while interlocking technology makes luxury plank or tile much simpler for DIYers.
Standard Vinyl
Standard vinyl comes in sheets or tiles and entails a complicated glue down process that can be a little awkward to handle, especially for a first timer.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl is sold in planks or tiles and can either be glued down, or, most offer a floating or click-lock installation. This technique creates an effortless DIY-friendly setup with no gluing or nailing required.
The size of each piece also varies between manufacturers – smaller pieces tend to be easier and faster to install while larger ones may require extra time & effort.
Before beginning any type of flooring installation it’s important to make sure all measurements are accurate so that there aren’t any issues afterwards due to incorrect sizing or placement of materials.
Additionally, all necessary tools should be acquired before beginning any installation process including hammers, nails/screws,measuring tape and rulers, and other required items depending on what type of flooring is being installed.
Both types of vinyl can also be installed with the help of a professional installer if desired.
Maintenance
When it comes to caring and cleaning for your floors, there is very little difference between standard vinyl and luxury vinyl. Both types of flooring are easy to maintain, and require only regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
On either type, mild soap or detergent with warm water is recommended. Neither type of vinyl should be waxed or buffed or cleaned with solutions that are not recommended by the manufacturer. Also avoid abrasive brushes or scrubbers as this could cause damage to the surface.
The Verdict: Which is Better?
Ultimately, the decision between standard vinyl and luxury vinyl comes down to personal preference and budget. If you need a durable and long-lasting floor that offers greater design options and can withstand heavy traffic, luxury vinyl is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget and longevity and resale value aren’t large factors, standard vinyl may be the right choice for you.
Floor It 41 Has A Great Selection of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl flooring isn’t just another upgrade…it’s become the new benchmark in home beauty & designer style. With a level of realism that is unparalleled, luxury vinyl flooring has taken the home decor and remodeling world by storm.
From classic hardwood to sleek ceramic or stone tiles — these durable floors are sure to bring your vision for any room in your house into reality.
If you are considering installing luxury vinyl flooring in your home or commercial business, contact Floor It 41 today. Our team of experienced flooring professionals can help you find the perfect plank or tile solution for your needs.
