Luxury Vinyl Flooring Compared: The Ultimate LVT vs. LVP Guide

Luxury vinyl flooring is fast becoming the favorite material amongst both budget-conscious and high-end homeowners because of its long list of benefits. When selecting luxury vinyl flooring for your home, you have a choice between luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and luxury vinyl planks (LVP), both of which come with stunning aesthetic appeal and impressive durability. Read on to discover the differences between luxury vinyl plank vs. tile flooring and which best suits your home's unique needs.

What Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

Luxury vinyl flooring is a premium, durable flooring solution that mimics the aesthetic of natural materials like stone and wood. It has multiple layers, including a backing layer, a core layer for stability, a layer with a printed design and a wear layer that protects against scratches and stains. When you install luxury vinyl flooring, you get the upscale visual appeal of earthen resources with the durability and functionality of high-end vinyl. Options include:

• Luxury vinyl tile flooring: LVT, or luxury vinyl tile flooring, is made from square or rectangular tiles that fit together to create attractive patterns. This flooring type most often imitates stone, and its designs range from elegant marble, limestone and ceramic patterns to more rugged, brutalist concrete looks. LVT is excellent at resisting moisture, making it an ideal choice for areas that see frequent water and condensation. The vinyl tiles are also easier to install and more affordable than traditional stone and ceramic tiles.
• Luxury vinyl plank flooring: Similarly to how LVT mimics stone tile, luxury vinyl plank flooring often emulates hardwood flooring. The vinyl pieces are shaped into long planks with various patterns and colors and a textured finish to enhance the realistic look. LVP can emulate many wood species, including oak, pine, maple, hickory and walnut. It also comes in different styles, with some varieties looking sleek and refined and others more rustic, resembling driftwood or weathered barn wood.

What Are the Differences Between LVT and LVP?

While LVT and LVP share many benefits, they are slightly different from one another in several ways:

Shape, Aesthetic and Design Options

The main difference between LVT and LVP is their shape. While LVT usually comes in square or rectangular tiles, LVP comes in long, narrow pieces resembling traditional flooring planks. Advanced printing and detailed embossing techniques mean there are hundreds of designs to choose from for each type of luxury vinyl flooring, each bringing a unique aesthetic to the space.

Thickness and Softness Underfoot

LVP is usually slightly thicker than LVT, so it tends to feel softer and more cushioned when walked on. If comfort is one of your top priorities, LVP might be the better choice, especially in areas where you'll be standing for long periods or moving around often, such as kitchens, hallways or home workout studios.

Room Appropriateness

While both luxury vinyl flooring types are brilliant at withstanding moisture, LVT is often chosen for kitchens and bathrooms to replicate the stone tiles commonly used in those areas. LVP creates a warmer, softer feel that is perfect for living rooms, bedrooms and dining areas without the maintenance and longevity issues that natural wood planks often present.

What Are the Similarities Between LVT and LVP?

Despite their differences, LVT and LVP share several similarities that make them appealing choices for flooring:

Materials

Both LVT and LVP are made of a series of layered materials, each with its own important function:

• Finish layer: This topmost transparent layer protects the flooring from scratches, dents, stains and ultraviolet light (UV) damage.
• Wear layer: Also transparent, the wear layer adds extra durability to the flooring and is sometimes combined with the finish layer.
• Printed design layer: This layer features a high-resolution printed image that gives the flooring its authentic wood or stone look.
• Core layer: The rigid core layer offers stability and support and is made from strong polyvinyl chloride, also known as PVC.
• Backing layer: The bottom layer adds support and cushioning, helping with sound absorption and improving comfort underfoot.
• Acoustic layer: This is an optional layer included in some products that reduces noise transmission between floors.

Installation Requirements

Another of luxury vinyl flooring's standout benefits is its ease of installation. It uses a click-lock or floating method, allowing the planks or tiles to be easily interlocked without glue or nails. This process is DIY-friendly, so many homeowners use it to install their LVT or LVP themselves. You can also have your LVP or LVT flooring glued down by professionals, creating a more permanent and secure solution for high-traffic areas. Both types of flooring can also be installed over most existing floors, provided the surface is clean, dry and level.

Durability and Longevity

Both luxury vinyl tile and plank flooring are known for their outstanding durability. With proper care, they can last over 20 years, making them a wise long-term investment. Their multilayered construction includes a robust wear layer that protects against scratches, stains, water damage and fading from sunlight exposure. Expert installation and regular maintenance help extend their life span, ensuring they remain beautiful even in high-traffic areas.

Ease of Maintenance

LVT and LVP are low-maintenance options that fit perfectly into busy lifestyles. To keep them looking pristine, sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt, followed by occasional mopping with a manufacturer-recommended cleaner. Unlike hardwood or carpets that require deep cleaning or refinishing, luxury vinyl flooring remains easy to care for over time. This makes them especially appealing for families with children or pets who need practical yet stylish flooring solutions.

Cost-Effectiveness

LVT and LVP both provide exceptional value compared to traditional flooring materials like hardwood or stone. With lower initial costs for purchase and installation, they deliver long-lasting beauty and functionality that often exceeds their more expensive alternatives. This affordability makes them particularly attractive to budget-conscious homeowners looking to enhance their spaces while enjoying durability and ease of maintenance that minimizes long-term expenses.

Which Flooring Is Best for Your Needs?

Ultimately, selecting LVT flooring vs. LVP flooring comes down to your personal taste and the specific needs of your space. When deciding, think about the room's purpose, the look you want, how comfortable you want it to feel underfoot and how much maintenance you're willing to do. Both tiles and planks offer durability and style that can enhance any room in your home, whether you prefer a sleek look or a warm feel.

Trust Carpet & Tile Mart with Your Exceptional Luxury Vinyl Flooring

At Carpet & Tile Mart, your premier floor supercenter with 14 locations across Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, we specialize in providing a vast selection of high-quality flooring options, including exclusive Nubrisa vinyl flooring hand-selected for quality and value. Our mission is to save you time and money while delivering exceptional service. With quick, expert installation and a two-year installation warranty, you can trust our experienced team to ensure your flooring project is seamless and stress-free.

Experience the convenience of browsing our extensive inventory in-store, where you can touch, feel and explore your flooring choices before deciding. Visit us at a store near you to find the perfect LVT, LVP or other flooring solutions tailored to your needs at unbeatable prices or contact us online today.