Blog > Choosing between Vinyl and Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Choosing between Vinyl and Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Monday, January 27, 2025
When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your home, vinyl flooring has long been a popular option due to its affordability, durability, and ease of maintenance. However, with advancements in flooring technology, a premium alternative has emerged—Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF). While both are made from synthetic materials designed to mimic natural wood or stone, there are key differences in quality, construction, durability, and aesthetics.
If you're debating between standard vinyl flooring and luxury vinyl flooring here are a few tips to help you decide:
Composition & Construction
Vinyl Flooring
Traditional vinyl flooring is typically made from thin, flexible sheets or tiles composed of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) with a printed design layer. It usually consists of three to four layers, including a backing layer, core, printed design, and a protective wear layer.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF)
Luxury vinyl flooring (often called LVP – Luxury Vinyl Plank or LVT – Luxury Vinyl Tile) is a more advanced, high-performance version of standard vinyl. It features multiple layers, including:
- A rigid core (either WPC – Wood Plastic Composite or SPC – Stone Plastic Composite) for added durability
- A high-definition photographic layer for realistic wood or stone visuals
- A thicker wear layer for enhanced scratch resistance
- Some variations include an attached underlayment for comfort and noise reduction
Thickness & Durability
Vinyl Flooring
- Typically, 0.5mm to 2mm thick
- More prone to tears, dents, and warping over time
- Not as resistant to heavy furniture or foot traffic.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
- Generally, 4mm to 8mm thick, with high-end versions reaching up to 12mm
- More resistant to wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas
- Some varieties are waterproof, making them great for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements
Appearance and Design
Vinyl Flooring
- Available in sheets, tiles, or planks
- Printed designs can look artificial up close
- Limited texture and depth
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
- Comes in plank (LVP) or tile (LVT) formats, mimicking natural hardwood or stone
- Features embossed textures, offering a more realistic look and feel
- Some designs include registered embossing, aligning the texture with the grain of the wood or stone.
Water & Scratch Resistance
Vinyl Flooring
- Water-resistant but not 100% waterproof
- Can warp or bubble if exposed to excess moisture
- Less resistant to scratches, dents, and heavy furniture
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
- Many varieties are 100% waterproof, especially SPC and WPC core options
- Designed to withstand spills, pets, and high-traffic areas
- Thicker wear layer provides better scratch and dent resistance.
With all these factors being said, which should you choose? Ultimately the choice between vinyl and luxury vinyl comes down to your budget, needs, and long-term goals.
Choose Vinyl Flooring if:
- You need an affordable and quick-fix flooring solution
- You’re covering a low-traffic area
- You don’t mind replacing it sooner
Choose Luxury Vinyl Flooring if:
- You want a durable, high-end look similar to real wood or stone
- You need waterproof and scratch-resistant flooring for pets or kids
- You're planning a long-term investment in your home
For additional questions and assistance on deciding which vinyl flooring works best for you and your home contact Jason’s Carpet and Tile today at 954-231-4487.