Luxury vinyl is a durable, water-resistant flooring that makes it a prime flooring option, even against its hardwood competitor. Coming in at a low cost, luxury vinyl tile and planks are good for those on a budget as well.
How does it stack up against other flooring options? Read below to find out!
Why Choose Luxury Vinyl Floors Over Standard Vinyl?
Luxury vinyl is similar to standard vinyl in the types of materials that are used. However, it has some very key differences in make-up, price, and beyond.Materials
Standard vinyl is thin and flexible because it consists of one layer of felt or fiberglass bonded to a layer of solid vinyl. A design is then printed on that layer and covered with a clear coating for protection. The wear layer is only about 10 to 15 mil.While luxury vinyl is made of the same PVC vinyl, the difference is the layers it has. Luxury vinyl has 6 to 8 layers and ranges from 2 to 8 mm (or 8/100 to 3/10 of an inch) in thickness.
Not only does this make luxury vinyl thicker, but it also makes it stronger and more comfortable on which to walk. That's due to one of the layers being made of foam for an added cushion!
Standard vinyl also usually requires glue to bond it down, while luxury vinyl is click-lock interlocking edges. Standard vinyl usually lasts 10 to 15 years, and luxury vinyl lasts up to 25 years.
Appearance
Hardwood floors are a coveted flooring type for most homes, but they also are at the high end of the pricing spectrum. This is one reason most homeowners and remodelers opt for vinyl instead.When trying to achieve the wood floor look without paying a high price, the best option is luxury vinyl over standard. Luxury vinyl offers the plank look that hardwood floors have, whereas, standard doesn't.
For this reason, standard vinyl more often resembles ceramic or stone tiles. Luxury vinyl comes in both planks and tiles making it a good choice for all colors and styles.
Durability & Care
Both options are excellent choices for wet locations like bathrooms and kitchens because they are made out of synthetic, waterproof material. However, luxury vinyl does have a higher chance of water damage.The look that you want of hardwood floors does come at a price. The same planks that give you seams, like hardwood, also allow water to seep in between them.
When it comes to heat, both flooring options handle exposure to sunlight equally well. Neither of them should be placed in areas of extreme heat, however, because they are prone to warp or buckle over 80ºF.
Standard vinyl is a softer, thinner material and, therefore, more susceptible to damage. It usually requires replacing versus repairing because repairs aren't very convincing.
Luxury vinyl is more durable thanks to its thickness and rigidity. Also, damaged luxury vinyl planks can be replaced without having to replace the entire floor.
Both luxury and standard vinyl require the same methods of care and cleaning. Normal sweeping or vacuuming will suffice, and spills should be wiped up immediately.
Price
Luxury vinyl does cost slightly more per square foot than standard vinyl. It comes with the additional benefits mentioned above as well though.Standard vinyl runs around 50 cents to $2 per square foot with an additional $1 to $2 for installation. Luxury vinyl costs about $2 to $4 per square foot with the same amount added for professional installation as standard vinyl.
These prices are assuming you are buying from an outlet or big-box home improvement store. They will vary if purchasing the flooring in bulk and based on colors and design.
How Does Luxury Vinyl Compare to Other Flooring?
Luxury vinyl has made significant advancements and is now a top competitor with hardwood. They are equals in many ways, except for a few.Obviously, hardwood is a natural material while vinyl is synthetic. Hardwood also normally comes in 6-foot long planks, and luxury vinyl typically comes in 4-foot planks.
They are equally durable with luxury vinyl standing up to wear and tear better than some woods, such as bamboo. Luxury vinyl is also printed to be perfect, while hardwood has natural defects and knots.
With installation, luxury vinyl costs anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000 for 1,000 square feet. Solid wood floors cost $3-$8 per square foot and about $5-$12 per square foot for installation.
Carpet remains one of the cheapest flooring options averaging $2.50 a square foot. The installation averages $1 to $6 a square foot.
However, carpet isn't a good choice for wet environments, and it also isn't the first choice for those with allergies and pets. Luxury vinyl doesn't hold onto dust, dander, and other allergens the way that carpet does, and it also fairs extremely well in wet locations.
Consider Luxury Vinyl
Whether you're remodeling or building, it's a good time to consider luxury vinyl floors for your home. This lower-cost option fairs well with other flooring competitors and lasts for decades.Luxury vinyl looks high-quality and feels comfortable under your feet. Flooring experts say that your friends won't be able to tell a difference between luxury vinyl and hardwood flooring.
If you're in the market for new flooring, we can help. We have everything from laminate and carpet to luxury vinyl and hardwood flooring.
While you're here, take a few minutes to browse through some of our luxury vinyl options. Contact us for a free in-home estimate if you like what you see. You won't be disappointed!
