Standard vinyl flooring is probably one of the most popular picks for places with a lot of moisture or where stains are frequent issues, like bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Luxury vinyl plank is now becoming a replacement or successor to standard vinyl plank due to the major differences between the two flooring types.
For years, everyone chose standard vinyl flooring for a cheaper waterproof solution and gave it no second thought. People and preferences change – and now there are better things on the market!
Nowadays, people are starting to find luxury vinyl flooring as an obvious choice that competes with standard vinyl flooring! The luxury vinyl plank option comes in rigid vinyl planks or tiles you can install using click-lock interlocking edges you also find in hardwood or laminate flooring.
Are you looking to give a new face to your floor? You may have to choose between standard vinyl and luxury vinyl flooring. We’re going to explain the differences between each other and which one is better for you. Check it out down below!
What are the differences between standard sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl flooring?
You will find standard vinyl flooring comes in flexible sheets, square tiles, or plank-shaped sheets. It consists of a layer of vinyl bonded to a second thin layer of either felt or fiberglass. The vinyl layer on top reveals a chosen design printed on it. All standard vinyl flooring features a transparent protective layer, which helps make it more durable. This type of flooring is as thin as it is flexible.
In contrast, luxury vinyl plank flooring and luxury vinyl tile are much different products. There are some similarities, though. For example, they feature similar vinyl core constructions. The differences are too many to mention here (we’ll talk about them below), but the main ones include coming in tiles or thick planks that are 2 to 8 mm thick. Luxury vinyl is much more rigid because of that alone and thicker flooring tends to be more rigid and stable in nature.
At the same time, more parts come into play when manufacturers make luxury vinyl flooring. Each tile or plank features at least six layers of material, including:
- A Clear Coat Layer to express an extra shine or additional protective properties
- A Protective Wear Layer
- A Printed Design Layer
- A Core Layer of SPC or WPC Construction
- A Balancing Layer
- An Optional Foam Backing Layer
We recommend sticking with SPC or Stone Polymer Core constructions for luxury vinyl flooring options. A WPC option is a wood composite option that is created for a softer feel underfoot but it’s also less dent and damage resistant in our experience. Luxury Vinyl SPC contains ground minerals like limestone with strong plasticizers to create a very solid and more durable floor in our experience. After being in the flooring industry for 47 years we have found that durability isn’t everything for every customer. The floor needs to look good too!
Appearance
Standard Vinyl
Manufacturers usually look to imitate ceramic or stone tiles when they make standard vinyl flooring or tiles. Recently there is a trend of standard vinyl imitating a wood-look like the picture shown above. The possible visual variety is still growing for standard vinyl with many design patterns and colors for you to choose from. Unfortunately, these designs are not very convincing because of how obvious the simulated cracks are with repeating patterns. They don’t look that bad, though!
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl plank is a more accurate imitation of a true hardwood look. Luxury vinyl tile is typically more accurate in simulating ceramic or stone tiles because of its limestone core and textured feel as opposed to smooth laying standard vinyl. This is a big reason why luxury vinyl flooring is exploding in popularity. It’s like standard vinyl 2.0.
It doesn’t take more than a quick glance to see the latest luxury vinyl products are rather convincing. There are countless colors and styles for you to choose from. And they are all great options at that!
Luxury vinyl is the best choice when it comes to appearance. This option is more realistic, better looking, and mimics ceramic, stone, and wood in ways standard vinyl can’t.
Care and Cleaning
You will clean either option (standard vinyl and luxury vinyl) the same way. Daily sweeping or vacuuming (or both) is the best way to keep your floors looking clean. At the same time, showing no patience for stains and spills is key – wipe them as soon as you see them.
Mix warm water with mild soap and use a damp mop weekly. There’s no need to use sealers or wax – in fact, we advise against it; otherwise, you may dull your floor. Vinyl flooring has always been known to be easy to clean.
It’s a tie when it comes to caring and cleaning for these vinyl floors. You will have no trouble with either option because you will treat both the same.
Comfort and Sound
Standard Vinyl
Standard vinyl is not known to offer the most comfort or low sound production underfoot. Standard sheet vinyl is a thin material that doesn’t offer much insulation. Moisture can be collected on top of standard vinyl during temperature and humidity changes. It’s even worse when you install standard vinyl over concrete. It typically feels cold under bare feet. Standard vinyl can make a clacking sound when walking over it with shoes or heavy footwear, which usually isn’t a problem in bathrooms.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl is the exact opposite of standard vinyl when it comes to comfort and sound. Since luxury vinyl is typically 2mm – 8mm thick there is a more robust insulation effect to be found in its construction. LVP has a more solid and warmer feel underfoot. At the same time, it blocks sound thanks to a foam backing layer that is attached to most quality product options. It’s hard to convey differences in sound or touch with words. We recommend you ask for a free sample of each flooring option to get an understanding of the differences between the two.
Luxury vinyl is the best for comfort and sound in general. These may be small differences to you, but small differences can make your feet feel better when you’re barefoot.
Cost
Standard Vinyl
You’ll find a very affordable choice in standard vinyl. It costs less than a dollar per square foot in some places; on average, you’ll find it for 50 cents to two dollars. That’s for materials alone. Don’t worry! A professional standard vinyl installation is affordable too. You’ll only have to add one or two dollars per square foot to your budget. Professionals typically like to install sheet vinyl in new construction or over an exposed subfloor because it is an easy installation. You can see the price of installation go up if you’re asking them to remove old vinyl. It’s typically very difficult to remove standard vinyl from previous installations.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl flooring comes with a more premium price when comparing it to standard. It costs two to four dollars per square foot typically. We have some of the best prices on luxury vinyl plank to help lower the cost of installation for your home. Specialty flooring stores will charge you up to seven dollars per square foot. And you may find it for more than that! Some homeowners prefer to install luxury vinyl themselves to cut costs. Its typical for professionals or DIYers to install luxury vinyl over old standard vinyl installations because it won’t affect the final installation of this more stable flooring option.
Standard vinyl is the most affordable option. The difference between each option narrows down if you decide to go down the DIY route and install luxury vinyl flooring yourself.
Durability and Maintenance
Standard Vinyl Sheet
Standard vinyl is a soft surface in all the wrong ways: it breaks and is susceptible to wear and tear like no other. When homeowners have to decide between repairing or replacing standard vinyl flooring, they often choose to replace everything altogether – because it’s almost impossible to have a convincingly-looking standard vinyl floor after repairing it. It also doesn’t help prevent damage caused to the subfloor underneath it, which can cause worse problems over time when replacing this floor in the future.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl is a more durable option because of how thick it is. It also has more protective layers. At the same time, you can disassemble the floor to replace a damaged plank and better repair your floor. Luxury vinyl will provide protection against common wear and tear and protect the subfloor beneath it.
Luxury vinyl is the most durable option and the easiest to maintain. The thicker wear layer gives it a clear advantage over the standard option. And if either one breaks, you’ll have an easier time repairing luxury vinyl flooring.
Installation
Standard Vinyl Sheet
The most typical installation for standard vinyl is to simply glue it down. That way, you’ll secure the flooring to what lays underneath. It’s somewhat sticky and tricky to pull, and always a better idea to leave it to the professionals who know how to handle this stuff when removal is involved.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl flooring features a click-lock system that’s very easy to use. The planks or tiles are designed to simply interlock. They need no glue to keep it in place. Keep in mind some options may benefit from gluing down, but it’s rare. Luxury vinyl is typically installed as a floating floor with no need for glue or to be nailed down to the subfloor. It is a very DIY-friendly installation.
Luxury vinyl is better if you will install it yourself. DIY enthusiasts should choose that option unless they want a headache. People who will hire a professional shouldn’t care either way.
Lifespan
Standard Vinyl Sheet
Standard vinyl flooring has a shelf life of around a decade. The best options in the market may last up to fifteen years. Remember you must take care of your floor for it to last. Standard vinyl is not resilient to dents and scratching or even ripping due to common household accidents. Standards vinyl is not known to be a durable flooring option.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl can last almost twice as much as the standard alternative with proper care and maintenance. This type of flooring can last up to twenty-five years. Thick wear layers accompanied by vinyl planks made of SPC limestone are much more dent and scratch resistant than standard vinyl. This is why luxury vinyl plank has had an explosion in popularity as more homeowners and professionals learn and experience luxury vinyl.
Luxury vinyl will last for longer than standard vinyl can. That’s why it’s the best option for long-term planning.
Sizes
Standard Vinyl
Standard vinyl comes in either sheets or tiles. Sheets come in six or twelve-foot wide rolls. On the other hand, tiles come in nine to eighteen inches squares.
Luxury Vinyl
You will find luxury vinyl flooring in either planks or tiles. The average luxury vinyl plank is 48 inches long and four and a half inches wide. Tiles are 16 inches wide and 16 inches long. You may find smaller or larger sizes if you look for them.
It’s a tie when it comes to size. You have to pick the right one for you and your needs. There’s no clear advantage either way.
Water and Heat Resistance
Standard Vinyl
Standard vinyl flooring comes with fewer seams – that means there are fewer places where water can creep and penetrate the floor. Thin sheet vinyl doesn’t get affected by heat in an obvious way. The glue underneath may react to extreme heat adversely.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl flooring by itself comes with synthetic material that’s fully waterproof. Depending on the luxury vinyl product, some seams between planks or tiles can allow water to flow under the floor. Most luxury vinyl products have pictures and descriptions to know if they have a waterproof mechanism. Most luxury vinyl is resilient to heat. Extreme heat could have an adverse effect as well.
Everything else stays the same: they both tolerate heat and high temperatures the same, as well as sunlight exposure. Extreme heat will damage either one in the same way. Avoid installing vinyl flooring in places with a furnace, outside, or similar.
Both options are waterproof and perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and similar rooms.
Resale Value
Standard Vinyl
Most see standard vinyl flooring as cheap material – what you buy for a bargain and nothing else. You will add little (if any) real estate value by installing standard vinyl sheets in most cases.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl won’t be the main reason a room is valued more but it definitely helps. It’ll add an extra push to your net worth. Then again, it’s not the same as choosing ceramic, hardwood, or stone tiles – but the latest luxury vinyl products are at least comparable to these choices.
Choosing luxury vinyl flooring is the best idea if you want to increase the resale value of your house. Standard vinyl will not help at all with that. Then again, a poorly-maintained floor will cost you money. So, make sure you always pay attention to what’s under your feet!
The Verdict
Luxury vinyl flooring is the go-to option for many reasons – and it’s what you should choose if you can afford it. You just saw it yourself: it beats standard vinyl in most categories.
Then again, you can choose standard vinyl flooring if you have a tight budget. At the same time, standard vinyl flooring is a good option for secondary rooms like a laundry room or family bath.
There’s a time and a place for each one! Both are waterproof and resilient, so you know you’ll have a floor either way.
Top brands of vinyl flooring
Most manufacturers offer both standard sheets and tiles as well as their luxury counterparts. There are many names to mention, but you can probably trust the big companies we’re all familiar with.
Here are four names you can look for:
- Bruce/Armstrong: They have a full line of standard vinyl sheets and luxury vinyl planks and tiles. At the same time, they offer new engineered tiles, the result of combining luxury vinyl with mineral content (more often than not, limestone). Check out our Bruce LVP products now.
- COREtec: This business deals in luxury vinyl only. They sell planks and tiles. They sell their products on the expensive side of things at six to eight dollars per square foot. There’s a reason for that! They feature a unique cork layer that provides insulation and softness. Check out our COREtec LVP products.
- Mohawk: This company has close to 600 styles in the store. It’s a wide variety of both standard vinyl and luxury vinyl flooring.
- Shaw: Last but not least, this company has a wide range of premium standard vinyl and luxury vinyl flooring. Check out Shaw’s Floorte Pro products.