Two options have become prominent in home flooring for their durability, aesthetics, and ease of installation: Vinyl Plank (VP) and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring. While they may sound similar and share some characteristics, distinct differences can significantly influence a homeowner’s choice.
Choosing the best between vinyl planks and luxury floors depends on your budget, where you’ll be installing the flooring, and your home’s interior design. Vinyl plank flooring has a less luxurious look and feel than luxury plank flooring. Similarly, luxury plank flooring offers a broader range of high-definition visuals.
This guide discusses the difference between vinyl and luxury plank flooring, ensuring you make an informed decision tailored to your needs and preferences.
How to Choose the Between Vinyl and Luxury Plank Flooring
Vinyl Plank flooring is celebrated for its cost-effectiveness and versatility, making it an attractive option for various home areas. Comprising multiple layers, it mimics the look of natural wood and stone at a fraction of the cost. Its water-resistant properties suit moisture-prone rooms, like bathrooms and kitchens.
On the other hand, Luxury Vinyl Plank takes the foundation of vinyl plank flooring and elevates it with superior aesthetics, enhanced durability, and additional comfort. It’s thicker than the standard vinyl plank, providing a more realistic feel underfoot and bettering sound insulation and thermal properties.
Here’s how to choose between the two flooring options
Budget
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is generally more expensive than standard vinyl plank flooring. Consider your budget and how much you’re willing to invest in your flooring project.
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Durability
Both vinyl and luxury plank flooring are known for their durability and resistance to moisture, stains, and scratches. However, luxury vinyl plank flooring typically offers thicker wear layers, making it even more resistant to wear and tear. If durability is a top priority, LVP may be the better choice.
Appearance
Luxury vinyl plank flooring often provides more realistic and high-end visuals, more closely mimicking the look of natural materials such as hardwood or stone. It may be the preferred option if a specific aesthetic is crucial.
Installation
Both types of flooring are typically DIY-friendly, and you can install them using various methods such as floating, glue-down, or click-lock systems. Consider your skill level and the complexity of the installation process when choosing between the two.
Environmental Impact
Some luxury vinyl plank flooring are made with recycled materials and considered more environmentally friendly than standard vinyl plank flooring. If sustainability is a concern, look for LVP options with eco-friendly certifications.
Warranty
Check the manufacturer’s warranty offered for each type of flooring. Luxury vinyl plank flooring often comes with longer warranties, reflecting its higher quality and durability.
Key Differences Between Vinyl and Luxury Plank Flooring
While both flooring options are durable, the luxury vinyl plan offers more durability. Also, due to its thicker layer, it’s easy to maintain. Here are their key differences.
- Composition and Durability: While vinyl plank and luxury vinyl plank are made from vinyl, the luxury variant generally features a thicker overall composition and a substantially thicker wear layer. This makes luxury vinyl more resilient to heavy foot traffic and potential damage, translating to a longer lifespan.
- Aesthetic and Design Options: Luxury vinyl offers a broader range of high-definition visuals and textures, closely replicating natural materials. The advanced embossing techniques give luxury vinyl an edge in creating a more authentic look and feel than the vinyl plank.
- Comfort and Sound Insulation: The additional thickness of luxury vinyl plank improves durability and enhances comfort underfoot. It provides better insulation against cold and reduces noise, making it an ideal choice for upper-story installations or in homes that desire a where a quiet, warm floor.
- Installation and Cost: Vinyl and luxury vinyl plank features a user-friendly installation process, often equipped with a click-lock system that allows for floating installation without adhesives. However, luxury vinyl plank typically comes at a higher price than standard vinyl plank flooring due to its enhanced features and benefits.
- Maintenance and Repair: Both flooring types are low maintenance, requiring regular sweeping and occasional mopping. However, luxury vinyl plank’s thicker wear layer offers greater resistance to scratches and stains, potentially reducing long-term maintenance and repair costs.
Related Article: Can Vinyl Plank Flooring Be Installed Over Concrete?
Buy Vinyl Plank Flooring in Ontario
Choosing between vinyl plank and luxury vinyl depends on various factors, including your budget, the expected traffic, and the need for durability and comfort. Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring may justify the additional investment for high-traffic areas. In contrast, Vinyl Plank flooring offers a practical, attractive solution for areas with lower foot traffic.
At LV Hardwood Flooring, we recognize that the right flooring reflects both your personal style and meets practical requirements. Our team offers personalized advice backed by years of expertise and a passion for quality flooring solutions.
Are you in Ontario and looking for where to buy vinyl and luxury plank flooring? We have an expansive selection of Vinyl Plank and Luxury Vinyl Plank offerings, ensuring that your choice is only the highest-grade option on the market. Reach out to us today at (416) 665-5645.
