The variety of flooring materials for your home interior design has increased over time, and choosing the right option is important for creating the desired ambience and functionality in different spaces.
Despite that, vinyl remains popular for many homeowners due to its durability, affordability, and versatility. However, in recent years, a new contender has emerged in the market - luxury vinyl flooring.
As the name suggests, luxury vinyl flooring takes the traditional concept to a higher level, offering better features and aesthetics.
But what exactly sets them apart from others? In this article, we'll delve into the differences between vinyl and luxury vinyl flooring to help you decide on your next flooring project.
What is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl tile is a resilient flooring material made primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other synthetic materials. It's a popular choice for residential and commercial spaces due to its durability, affordability, and versatility.
Vinyl flooring comes in various forms, mainly in sheet vinyl flooring and vinyl tile/plank flooring, which can be installed using a click-lock system, similar to laminate flooring.
Learn more about vinyl flooring here!
Then, what about luxury vinyl flooring?
Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF), also known as LVT (luxury vinyl tile) or LVP (luxury vinyl plank), is an upgraded and high-end version of traditional vinyl flooring.
It is designed to mimic the look and feel of natural materials, such as hardwood, stone, or ceramic tiles while offering enhanced durability and a more luxurious appearance.
In recent years, luxury vinyl flooring has gained immense popularity as a practical and cost-effective alternative to natural materials.
What are the key differences?
Composition and material
Vinyl flooring, often called resilient flooring, is made from synthetic materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
It typically consists of multiple layers, including a protective wear layer, a printed design layer that mimics various patterns (wood, stone, tile, etc.), and a core layer that provides stability. The thickness of vinyl flooring can vary, with thicker options offering more durability.
Luxury vinyl flooring combines multiple high-quality layers to create a more realistic and premium look. It also consists of PVC, but the manufacturing process is more advanced, resulting in a more refined product.
Luxury vinyl planks or tiles often feature a textured surface that closely replicates the feel of natural materials like wood or stone.
Appearance and aesthetics
Standard vinyl tiles come in various designs and patterns, offering homeowners numerous options. While it can simulate the look of wood or stone, the patterns may not be as intricate or realistic. However, modern printing techniques have significantly improved the visual appeal of standard vinyl flooring.
Luxury vinyl tiles are renowned for their incredibly realistic appearance. With the addition of advanced embossing techniques and high-definition printing technology, it creates stunningly authentic textures, grains, and colours.
It can be challenging to distinguish luxury vinyl from genuine wood or stone at first glance, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a more luxurious aesthetic without the associated costs.
Durability and performance
Vinyl floor is highly suitable for high-traffic areas, kitchens, and bathrooms due to its durability and water-resistant properties. However, while it can withstand wear and tear, it may show signs of wear over time, especially in heavy-use environments.
Luxury vinyl tile flooring takes durability to the next level. Thanks to its multiple layers and enhanced manufacturing techniques, it is more resistant to scratches, dents, and stains.
Additionally, luxury vinyl is often thicker, providing extra protection and stability, which can be especially beneficial in commercial spaces or homes with active families and pets.
Installation
Standard vinyl is relatively easy to install, especially in vinyl sheets or click-together planks. It is a popular choice for flooring projects due to its simplicity and affordability.
Luxury vinyl typically comes in interlocking planks or tiles, making installing it straightforward. However, because luxury vinyl is thicker and more substantial, it might require more precision during installation.
Cost
One of the major advantages of vinyl flooring is its affordability, as it is often less expensive than luxury vinyl and provides a better cost-effective flooring solution for those on a budget.
Luxury vinyl flooring, a premium product, comes at a higher cost due to its long-lasting quality and enhanced aesthetics. However, it still costs less than installing ceramic tile, which is more labour-intensive.
Enjoy a stress-free vinyl floor installation with PVC Master!
Installing vinyl flooring in your home can be a great way to update the look and feel of your space without breaking the bank.
Our team at PVC Master have experience of more than 5 years, with our Master Installer helming at the top with more than 40 years of experience. With constant training and upgrading, we aim to provide flawless installation for all our esteemed clients.
What's more? It's our goal to provide you with the lowest possible price.
If a competitor has an item available online at a lower final price, we will beat it by 5%. Find out more in our Pricing Policy.
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