Durability. Laminate and LVT/LVP flooring are both extremely durable, but they have their weaknesses. Laminate is prone to scratches and chipped corners over time, so vinyl is probably a better choice for your home if you have pets. LVT/LVP is scratch-resistant, but it's more vulnerable to denting and tearing.
So let's answer the above question. Luxury vinyl flooring comes with a strong top layer that resists staining and scratching, not to mention other abrasions as well. It is functional, durable, and attractive to look at. It is also easy on your budget and practically maintenance-free.
CERAMIC AND PORCELAIN TILE
Tile made from ceramic or porcelain is the most scratch-resistant flooring. Ceramic tile is made of fired clay, and it's a hard and durable substance. Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic, but they make it from a more cultivated clay and bake it at higher temperatures.
Vinyl is a soft material: One of its advantages is also its greatest weakness: its lightness. Heavy furniture can dent and mark vinyl floors, while sharp objects can pierce the upper layers. Discolouration: LVT flooring can suffer from sun damage if laid in conservatories or near south-facing doors/windows.
Being plastic, LVT works well when wood is not really an option, like where there are frequent water spills or where mopping is required daily, like in a medical clinic. If you have frequent spills on your floor or need serious mopping on a regular basis, LVT is better than laminate flooring.
Laminate is prone to scratches and chipped corners over time, so vinyl is probably a better choice for your home if you have pets. LVT/LVP is scratch-resistant, but it's more vulnerable to denting and tearing.
Con: LVP May Dent
Luxury vinyl flooring can dent and even scratch or scuff, especially from heavy appliances, furniture, or other weighty objects. Just because it's resistant to something doesn't mean it's impervious to it. However, do know that LVP resists scratches better than real hardwood.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles or Planks
At first glance, you might think of vinyl flooring as low-end, but manufacturers now produce high-end vinyl flooring tiles or planks that adapt to many uses in a luxury home. They produce the flooring in a huge array of colors and patterns, some of which mimic stone or wood finishes.
While luxury vinyl flooring has come a long way from its creation and has increased in durability and visual appeal, unfortunately vinyl may decrease your resale value in the long run. It's important to recognize that while you may spend less on vinyl vs. hardwood, the ROI may be less.
Most dog owners forgo hardwood flooring because it can be easily damaged by dogs' nails. If you're set on hardwood, consider a hard wood variety or engineered hardwood planks, which tend to hold up better. Laminate, vinyl, tile, and carpet have excellent scratch resistance to hold up to the click-clack of claws.
Vinyl is a favorite flooring option for kitchens and bathrooms and also makes great flooring for dogs that pee, as it's very resistant to liquids and easy to clean.
LVT will never look “cheap” — it will make your life easier and enhance the look and comfort of your home.
The best vinyl plank flooring for most people is the Shaw Primavera Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring. It's 100% waterproof and is scratch-, skid-, and mark-resistant, making it ideal for long-term use in high-traffic areas. Plus, it's available at a nice mid-range price and boasts easy click lock installation for the DIYer.
Will the luxury vinyl tile flooring trend last in 2022 and beyond? Yes and no. Luxury vinyl tiles will maintain popularity, but luxury vinyl planks will take off over the next decade while LVT stays consistent.
In general, you can rely on vinyl flooring to last anywhere between 10 and 25 years. A lot of it comes down to how well you look after the flooring, but there are some other factors.
If you purchase high quality, thick luxury vinyl flooring--whether plank or tile and have it installed correctly and maintain it well, you can expect a lifespan of 25 or 30 years.
Looks & Feels Like Real Wood
If you want the look and feel of real wood, but don't want the upkeep, luxury vinyl flooring is your best option. Luxury vinyl, especially engineered vinyl plank, looks so much like real wood that many guests to your home will inevitably mistake it for hardwood.
LVP vs. LVT. LVP comes in a plank shape and often offers the look of real hardwood with realistic scraping or embossing. LVT comes in the traditional tile squares, features more stone and concrete looks, includes surface texture for a lifelike look, and can even be installed with grout.
Luxury vinyl is made more durable by its thicker wear layer is higher quality vinyl. On the off chance a a plank does get damaged, it can be replaced rather than replacing the entire floor. Standard vinyl flooring is expected to last about 10 years with higher quality brands lasting as long as 15 years.
Wood floors are one of the best investments you can make. They're durable, versatile, and most buyers love them. According to real estate experts, the average ROI for installing hardwood floors is about 70% to 80%, and wood floors can boost the sales price of your home as much as 2.5%.
Manufacturing vinyl flooring requires the use of toxic chemicals, and after installation, vinyl floors have been known to emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Off-gassed VOCs can adversely affect health and an indoor environment, particularly without windows or ventilation, will lead to higher concentrations.
Not Impervious to Damage
Luxury vinyl flooring is much more durable than natural hardwood. Yet, while luxury vinyl is resistant against stains and scratches, it isn't immune to damage. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is not repairable and will need to be replaced to remove scratches, scuffs, dents, and dings.
Vinyl also has a longer lifespan and better overall durability than laminate. Although it can last twice as long as laminate, vinyl (especially luxury vinyl) may involve a larger investment upfront.