LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) are two different types of luxury vinyl flooring. LVT is vinyl flooring designed in a tile shape, whereas LVP is vinyl flooring designed in planks to resemble traditional hardwood floor planks.
Durability: Assess the level of foot traffic and potential wear and tear your flooring will endure. LVP is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, while LVT excels in areas prone to moisture and spills.
Like any type of flooring, luxury vinyl flooring can suffer from damage if not properly protected, especially from heavy furniture. Indentations, scratches, and tears can mar its surface, reducing its longevity and visual appeal.
LVP is often easier to install than LVT, especially if opting for a glue-free, click-and-lock design. This system allows for the individual planks to be clicked into place, with no need for adhesive or nails. It's often a faster, less messy installation project than LVT.
While marble, natural stone, bamboo, ceramic tile and luxury vinyl have been trending in recent years, hardwood is still the dominant choice of flooring for high-end homes.
Con: Hard to Remove
Once the flooring is down, it will be difficult to remove should you change your mind later on. This is because the adhesive glue that affixes the planks to the subfloor is not easy to remove. Still, should it become necessary, removal is possible without professional help.
Some manufacturers provide a click and lock structure, while others offer a glue in place method. How you install your luxury vinyl plank determines how quickly you can move your furniture back into place. If it's glued down, most manufacturers will suggest waiting 48 hours to allow the glue to dry thoroughly.
Material Matters: Opt for natural fiber rugs like wool, cotton, or polypropylene. These materials are less likely to react with the vinyl and cause damage. Avoid Rubber Backing: Rugs with rubber or latex backing can cause discoloration on vinyl flooring due to a chemical reaction.
While LVT flooring is best known for its water resistance, which most users point to as its most redeeming quality, its photographic layer can easily scratch. Once scratched, LVT flooring cannot be buffed out the way that a hardwood floor sanding and refinishing can do. Damaged flooring pieces will require replacement.
Healthier flooring options include solid wood, natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, tile and stone. A key feature of all of these is that they are easily cleaned of dust and dirt.
High Return on Investment (ROI) for the Cost of Installation: Because LVT is both durable and attractive, it offers a high return on investment. The cost savings on installation, combined with the benefits of enhanced durability and low maintenance, make LVT a financially sound choice that can boost home value.
In sum, the thicker the LVP, the more benefits it delivers in terms of comfort, durability, acoustic properties, and installation quality, making it a superior choice for both residential and commercial applications.
If you're laying the LVP over an existing cushion-backed vinyl floor or a below-grade tile floor, you won't need to use an underlayment. However, you'll want to use one in every other application, including covering existing hardwood floors, uncushioned vinyl flooring, and concrete floors.
Since most furniture will not go under just one plank, it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances' weight due to its strong durability.
Luxury vinyl flooring is somewhat soft when compared to hardwood, but it still comes with exceptional durability. However, you do need to be mindful of the damage that heavy furniture can create. Luxury vinyl can easily dent when too much pressure is put on it.
For some homeowners, the choice between luxury vinyl and genuine hardwood comes down to a variety of factors including budget, lifestyle, and personal taste. High-end homes may still opt for the timeless appeal of real hardwood in main living areas, while using LVP or LVT in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
The average cost to install 1,000 square feet of vinyl flooring is between $2,000 and $7,000 for standard vinyl planks and between $3,000 and $10,000 for luxury vinyl planks. Adding in labor costs brings the total to between $5,000 and $20,000.
Both flooring options are scratch-resistant and can handle heavy foot traffic. However, hybrid vinyl has a clear edge. The rigid core layer makes it highly durable and can withstand wear and tear, dents and scratches. Especially if you have pets or children, hybrid vinyl is a great option.
Although it is unlikely to grow on vinyl planks, mold can grow on the surfaces below your flooring and create a potentially unhealthy environment. You may notice musty odors in water-damaged areas, a strong indicator of a mold infestation.
You need to fit plywood on the subfloor first before you lay a luxury vinyl floor over wooden floorboards. Our guide on replacing your subfloor provides some helpful tips on this.
In conclusion, with proper selection, installation, and care, your LVP or LVT flooring can serve you well for 10 to 25 years. To maximise this potential, opt for a thicker wear layer of 0.5mm or 0.7mm, prefer an SPC core, ensure the flooring is click-fitted, and follow the recommended maintenance practices.