Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) offer many benefits that are not found in other types of flooring. Moreover, their affordable price makes them an excellent flooring material for pretty much any room in your home.
But just like any other thing in life, LVP flooring also has some downsides that we need to talk about before you decide on this material.
Let’s discuss the luxury vinyl plank pros and cons!
What Is Luxury Vinyl?
Luxury vinyl flooring is a material that has a resemblance to natural materials like hardwood, stone, or ceramic tiles.
Luxury vinyl flooring is made up of several layers, including a durable outer layer, a decorative layer, and a vinyl underside. Due to their numerous advantages, they are preferred for households with pets or children or areas with a lot of foot traffic.
Installing luxury vinyl plank flooring is a relatively easy project that DIYers and professional installers alike can manage. LVP is a floating floor, so it can be installed quickly with a strong adhesive or an interlocking system.
Here are some differences between luxury vinyl and regular vinyl.
| Standard Vinyl Flooring | Luxury Vinyl Flooring | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0.50 to $2 per sq. ft. | $2 to $7 per sq. ft. |
| Thickness | very thin | thicker, more rigid construction |
| Dimensions | 6- or 12- foot rolls; 6- to 18- inch square tiles | 4.5 by 48 inch planks; 12- to 18- inch square tiles |
| Installation Method | usually with full-glue-down bond | usually has click-lock edge joints or floating installation |
| Durability | prone to scratches | fairly scratch-resistant |
| Real Estate Value | seen as "bargain" flooring | it's considered better |
| Water Resistance | good waterproofing, especially vinyl sheets | good waterproofing |
| Seams | sheets have few seams | planks and tiles have many seams |
| Lifespan | lasts 10 to 15 years | lasts up to 25 years |
Luxury Vinyl Vs. Regular Vinyl Appearance
Both regular and luxury vinyl are designed to imitate the natural appearance of hardwood or natural stone. However, luxury vinyl has a more realistic gap between the sheets than regular vinyl.
Regular vinyl has a limited range of colors and styles compared to luxury vinyl. However, both options provide reasonable size choices.
Regular vinyl is available in either 6 or 12 feet wide rolls, and tiles that typically measure between 9 to 18 inches square. Luxury vinyl planks are 48 inches by 4 1/2 inches, and tiles measure 16 x 16 inches, with additional options available. Both types of vinyl are equally thick.
Luxury vinyl planks and tiles offer a wider variety of options than regular vinyl. Besides, they look more natural.
Luxury Vinyl Vs. Regular Vinyl Resistance
Luxury vinyl plank has more frequent gaps to resemble the look of hardwood boards, resulting in more seams that can allow water to get beneath them.
In comparison, regular vinyl has fewer and tighter seams, giving it higher water resistance.
Both types of vinyl flooring can handle normal heat, such as exposure to sunlight. However, if there’s extreme heat, such as from a fire or hot skillets, both LVP and regular vinyl will be severely damaged.
Regarding resistance, regular vinyl is better because it has fewer seams, which means less chance of water getting through compared to other materials.
Luxury Vinyl Vs. Regular Vinyl Maintenance
Luxury vinyl and regular vinyl require similar cleaning frequencies and methods. Both types should be swept or vacuumed daily, and any water spills should be cleaned up promptly according to the same basic guidelines.
You can mop the floors once a week using warm water mixed with soap. It’s important to avoid using hot water as it may cause damage. Additionally, do not use sealers or waxes on luxury vinyl or regular vinyl floors, as these can harm the sheet’s design layer.
So in terms of maintenance, both luxury vinyl and regular vinyl are easy to care for.
Luxury Vinyl Vs. Regular Vinyl Durability
Standard vinyl has a delicate surface, making it susceptible to denting, scratching, and tearing. Furthermore, if any portion of the vinyl sheet is damaged, you will likely have to replace the whole floor as it cannot be dismantled, and only one sheet of vinyl cannot be replaced.
Luxury vinyl is stronger and thicker than standard vinyl, which makes it more durable and resistant to common damages that floors often face. If luxury vinyl becomes dented, scratched, torn, or stained, it can be easily fixed since the damaged plank or tile can be disassembled and replaced.
Besides, regular vinyl’s life expectancy is 10 to 15 years (with proper maintenance and care), while luxury vinyl can last as long as 25 years.
Luxury vinyl is more damage-resistant and can be easily repaired or replaced when needed. It also lasts longer.
Luxury Vinyl Vs. Regular Vinyl Installation
Regular vinyl is installed using a strong, full glue-down bond to secure the sheets to the subfloor and prevent them from moving.
Installing luxury vinyl plank flooring is made simpler with a click-clock system where the edges of the planks easily interlock and float above the subfloor without requiring adhesive. Though, in some rare cases, using glue is recommended.
Luxury vinyl is easier and quicker to install than regular vinyl.
Luxury Vinyl Vs. Regular Vinyl Resale Value
Although regular vinyl is not entirely a poor flooring material, it is still commonly perceived as dated and has little to no return on investment. This means that it will not increase the resale value of your property and may even lead potential buyers to negotiate a lower price if the flooring appears old or damaged.
Although luxury vinyl may not have the same return on investment as solid hardwood or Italian porcelain tile, it is still superior to regular vinyl and many other flooring choices.
Therefore, in terms of resale value, luxury vinyl plank is much better than regular vinyl.
Conclusion
So, ready to decide?
If you’re unsure, we can offer our expert opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of luxury vinyl planks. We’ll also inform you if this material is the best option for you or if there is a more cost-effective alternative available.
At KHB Flooring, you’ll get the best solution for your particular needs. Our carpenters will tell you all the luxury vinyl pros and cons so you can decide for yourself whether or not this material will match your needs.
If you want to start, give us a call at (209) 487-9663 or request a quote for your project in Modesto, Turlock, Tracy, and more of Tri- and Central Valley!
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