The only difference between the two is the form. Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) can be cut in either plank (LVP) to mimic hardwood or into groutable squares for stone and tile looks, called luxury vinyl tile.
Luxury vinyl is a much different type of flooring, though luxury vinyl flooring is made of the same PVC vinyl as standard vinyl flooring. Luxury vinyl is sold in multi-ply planks or tiles with wear layers that range from 2 to 8 mm in thickness (roughly 8/100 to 3/10 of an inch thick).
While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.
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.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) vs.
Hardwood costs a bit more than LVT, but maintenance costs are similar. LVT and hardwood flooring are equally durable, stable and suitable for many commercial environments. LVT and hardwood can be used together effectively, but LVT should be used over hardwood in areas prone to moisture.
Its durability and water resistance makes it a great material to increase value in rental properties, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. However, we don't always choose luxury vinyl for our properties. While the material is durable and stands up to water well, it's softer than hardwood and tile.
LVP flooring is waterproof, less expensive, and faster and easier to install than wood or 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.
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.
Vinyl plank flooring has a few potential downsides. Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile.
The excellent scratch resistance you'll find in LVP flooring comes from a protective wear layer that also protects against stains, scuffs, dents, and other forms of daily wear. It's the perfect option for busy rooms, especially with pets and children in the home.
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.
Known for its exceptional durability and longevity, luxury vinyl is protected by a well-designed, scruff-and-scratch-resistant “wear layer.” This surface layer is so hardwearing, in fact, that the underlying design layer will never fade or wear away underfoot (a common misconception).
The main difference between laminate and vinyl flooring is the materials they're made of. Vinyl is 100% synthetic, while laminate uses a fiberboard core constructed of wood byproducts. Thus, laminate flooring is not waterproof, while vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof.
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.
The short answer is no. No underlay is required for a vinyl floor is you are installing your new floor on a smooth surface. Similar to laminate flooring, the most modern vinyl floors are laid using a click technique, giving a new form to the term; 'a floating floor'.
Since the kitchen is a high-traffic area, you need a durable flooring material that can withstand wear and tear. Consider materials like ceramic or porcelain tile, natural stone, or hardwood floors that are strong enough to handle foot traffic and heavy furniture.
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.
Hardwood Flooring
what's better than hardwood flooring? It's beautiful, it's durable, and it never goes out of style. Not to mention all of your friends, family, and neighbors aspire to have it, so you'll have your entire network envying your home's flooring design.
These floors can resist scratches, scuffs, stains, and even a certain amount of gouging in their durability. However, extreme heat can damage the luxury vinyl plank. Some of the culprits through which heat damage can occur include hot pans, curling irons, dropped cigarettes, and more.
Some LVT even has a texture that resembles real wood. High-quality LVT goes one step further to ensure your final installation looks exceptionally realistic: It's manufactured with a variety of patterns, so not every vinyl plank is going to look identical.
Will the sheet vinyl flooring trend last in 2022 and beyond? For sure, you're going to see sheet vinyl making a big come-back in the years to come. It's durable, easy to install, and versatile enough to come in tons of styles, patterns, and colors.
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.
LVPs come in a variety of colors, ranging from dark to light shades that can complement any home décor. The most popular colors are gray, beige, and brown, with variations that include pattern and texture.
Yes, there are luxury vinyl plank (LVP) options available in the market that are designed to mimic the look and feel of real wood. These LVPs are made with a textured surface that closely resembles the grain and texture of wood, and they come in a variety of wood-like colors and finishes.