Vinyl flooring is best for laundry rooms, wet bathrooms, and mudrooms. If you are installing flooring in those rooms, you'll probably want to choose vinyl flooring simply based on moisture resistance. For dry areas, laminate flooring works well and has a generally better appearance.
LVT is made out of vinyl and feels like plastic. They handle stains and flame differently. Laminate flooring is highly stain-resistant and won't be damaged by limited flame exposure, like a hot ember tossed through a fireplace screen. Some LVT is susceptible to staining and will be damaged by limited flame exposure.
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.
While LVT is a little higher end than laminate, it looks more modern and is better able to stand the test of time…and water! Furthermore, when you replace damaged tile, laminate, or linoleum with LVT, you add to the resale value of your home.
LVT will never look “cheap” — it will make your life easier and enhance the look and comfort of your home.
LVT is the warmer and softer of the two, and with the addition of an underlay it can feel warmer still. As for laminate, the thicker it is the better insulated will be the floor. LVT's sound insulation properties in particular can also bring enhanced sound-proofing and better room acoustics.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring can last up to 20 years but, as with anything, depends upon the quality, proper installation, and degree of care.
Vinyl flooring, especially when installed with an underlayment, can minimize impact noise and provide a softer and more muted sound when walking or dropping items. Laminate flooring, without an underlayment, may produce a louder and hollower sound due to the nature of its construction.
Luxury vinyl tile and planks deliver everything homeowners want from their flooring. First, there's the durability and easy maintenance to consider—and it's waterproof. The ease of installation is important, too, along with the beauty and affordability.
LVT flooring is ideal for those on a budget. For those who want flooring that's easy to maintain, then LVP is slightly easier to maintain than LVT. Both types of flooring options are easy to install, durable and available in an array of designs.
Installing laminate flooring is extremely easy, with most laminate floors having a built-in click system which eliminates the need for adhesive or nails. LVT flooring, however, takes a lot more skill to fit as it does require an adhesive, so you may need a professional fitter.
Luxury vinyl planks (or tiles) are, in themselves, completely water-proof and cannot be damaged by exposure to moisture.
The very simple answer to the question of whether or not you need underlayment with luxury vinyl tile flooring is NO; there is typically no need. That being said, it's worthwhile to install an underlayment if the LVT suggests you can use one, for example, for additional insulation or soundproof properties.
Most vinyl floors, including luxury vinyl and luxury vinyl plank floors, are waterproof. Laminate flooring, however, contains softwood fibers.
On a regular basis, it is best to dry sweep LVT and always tend to spills as soon as possible. By keeping debris and dirt off the floor, you can prevent scratches or scuffs. When it comes time to do a little more thorough cleaning, the best method is mopping using a two-bucket system.
If you are looking for a low maintenance floor, then LVT is a great choice. It requires very little care and all you will need to do is sweep away dust and dirt on a regular basis and mop to remove any stubborn stains. It is an extremely hygienic floor so prefect for allergy sufferers too.
“Tile is the highest-rated flooring among the categories we test,” says Enrique de Paz, who leads flooring testing at Consumer Reports. “It doesn't wear out, scratch, or stain. Its color doesn't fade, it's waterproof, and it is surprisingly slip-resistant, even when wet.
Laminate is typically between 6mm and 12mm thick, whereas LVT ranges from 1.5mm to 5mm for luxury vinyl planks. Manufacturer warranties tend to be longer on LVT compared to laminate, due to higher levels of durability.
You can find laminate flooring at a cheaper cost than LVT, but the quality may not be as good. Both are easy for you to look after and maintain. LVT is suitable for any room in your home, even bathrooms. They are both strong and hardwearing but generally, LVT is more durable.
LVT is extremely versatile and practical. Its durability, robustness and waterproof properties mean that it can be installed easily into any room in your home. It can withstand the high footfall associated with busy areas like hallways and living spaces.
LVT costs $3 to $10 per square foot on average. Similar to LVP, these floors are thicker and more moisture-resistant than regular vinyl tiles. They're a durable, stain-proof alternative to natural tile in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens. LVT can mimic the look of stone, ceramic and marble tile.
Even the high-end residential market discovered LVP floors last year. It works in wet areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms as well as living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, and anywhere in the house except for stairs.
On average, you can expect the cost of luxury vinyl tile to range from $1 to $12 per square foot and $2 to $14 per square foot when installation is included. Various luxury vinyl tile installation providers will charge differently for their services, which is why it's recommended that you get multiple estimates.