Sheet vinyl flooring has long been thought to be the best option for areas where moisture and stain resistance are concerns. Both standard and luxury vinyl are common, but they are various in appearance, maintenance, cost, and size.
Here we want to compare standard vs. luxury. These rooms featured laundries, kitchens, cellars, and baths. Standard vinyl, however, is created from a very thin layer of vinyl that has been decorated and coated for protection.
It can feel fairly hard underfoot, especially if it is laid on concrete, and it is prone to gouging and tearing.
Because of this, producers developed luxury vinyl flooring, also known as LVF. It is offered in either luxury vinyl tiles or semi-rigid LVP (LVT). The laminate flooring’s click-lock interlocking edges are also used for installation.
In fact, many individuals are forced to consider luxury vinyl vs. laminate as inferior options if they don’t select more expensive and high-end hardwood, ceramic, or stone tiles.
The choice between vinyl and luxury vinyl is one that many people must make. Similar to standard vinyl, luxury vinyl flooring has advantages and disadvantages. Although vinyl and luxury vinyl is essentially the same material, there are important distinctions between the two. Here is the information you need to make your decision.
Differences between luxury vinyl flooring and regular vinyl flooring
Square tiles or flexible sheets of standard vinyl flooring are sold. A thin layer of solid vinyl is glued to a thin backing layer of fiberglass or felt to create standard vinyl. This vinyl layer has a design printed on it; then, a clear protective coating is placed on top.
The wear layer of standard vinyl is only 10 to 15 mil (10/1000 to 15/1000 of an inch), making it relatively flexible and thin.
Although luxury vinyl is comprised of the same PVC vinyl as regular vinyl flooring, it is a very distinct kind of flooring. The wear layers on multi-ply luxury vinyl planks and tiles range in thickness from 2 to 8 mm, or around 8/100 to 3/10 of an inch. Because of this, luxury vinyl planks are far thicker than standard vinyl, giving them a semi-rigid quality.
The six to eight layers of material that makeup luxury vinyl flooring also include a clear top-coat layer for shine, a clear wear layer for the design’s protection, a design layer with the printed image, a cushion layer of foam for the floor’s comfort, a fiberglass backing layer, and a solid PVC backing layer for added rigidity and strength. Sometimes the composition of stone-look luxury vinyl contains powdered minerals, typically pulverized limestone.
Standard Vinyl Vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring Appearance
Let’s have a comparison of standard vs. luxury vinyl flooring about their appearances.
Standard Vinyl
Historically, the goal of standard vinyl sheet flooring or tiles has been to resemble ceramic or stone tiles. However, a variety of patterns, colors, and designs are offered, including ones that resemble wood. The wear layer is often a smooth, solid surface with few seams, so the fake cracks between the “planks” in standard vinyl flooring don’t always look very realistic.
Luxury Vinyl
As with most laminate flooring, luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are typically created to mimic the appearance of wood, whereas luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are typically created to mimic the appearance of stone or ceramic tiles. When trying to replicate the look of wood, the newest luxury vinyl varieties can be fairly convincing, making it tough to decide between them and laminate. There are also hundreds of different color and style options.
Luxury Vinyl is best for appearance.
Luxury vinyl planks are better than vinyl sheets for recreating the appearance of the woods. Along with looking more like stone and ceramic than standard vinyl, luxury vinyl does the same.
Resistance to heat and water
Both luxury vinyl and standard vinyl make excellent waterproof flooring. They are suitable for use in kitchens, bathrooms, and other damp areas.
Standard Vinyl
Vinyl sheeting is a material that resists water well. Compared to planks or tiles, the sheets have fewer gaps that could allow water to seep through to the subfloor.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl is made entirely of synthetic materials and is unaffected by moisture. The seams between tiles (or planks), one of the few issues with luxury vinyl tile, allow water to leak down to the subfloor.
Standard vinyl offers the best water and heat resistance.
When it comes to waterproofing, standard vinyl sheet performs somewhat better than luxury vinyl planks.
Both vinyl flooring varieties can withstand moderate heat, such as sunshine exposure, but they struggle in extremely hot conditions. Avoid placing this type of flooring close to furnaces or water heaters, and take care not to drop hot pans or other heating equipment on vinyl floors.
Take Care and Clean
The same techniques are used to clean luxury vinyl as well as standard vinyl. Daily sweeping or vacuuming is recommended, and spills and stains should be cleaned up as away. Use warm, not hot, water and a little soap to damp mop the floor about once a week. Unlike old resilient linoleum floors, vinyl floors don’t need sealers or waxes, which can dull the shiny wear layer.
Best for cleaning and caring for
Standard vinyl and luxury vinyl have no advantages over the other when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.
Standard Vinyl Vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring Maintenance
What is the difference between maintenance of standard vs luxury vinyl flooring?
Standard Vinyl
The surface of standard vinyl flooring is quite soft and prone to dents, scratches, and splits. Once the wear is noticeable, most individuals decide to replace or cover the flooring because repairs to a damaged surface are difficult to make convincing.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl planks are thicker and stiffer than standard vinyl, increasing their endurance. In addition, the flooring may be dismantled in order to replace a damaged board.
Best for Maintenance and Durability: Luxury Vinyl
Most luxury vinyl flooring materials have a thicker wear layer, increasing their durability. Luxury vinyl can also be repaired more easily. Manufacturers frequently advise covering windows to prevent the fading of both types of vinyl, which can happen over time if they receive too much direct sunlight.
Installation
Standard Vinyl
A full glue-down bond is typically used to install standard sheet vinyl, securing the flooring to the subfloor. Some varieties allow for the installation of a perimeter glue bond, which fastens the flooring along the seams and around the borders. A glue-down bond is always used to fix standard vinyl tile.
Luxury Vinyl
The edges of luxury vinyl planks or tiles typically interlock to form a click-clock system during installation. These floorings don’t require a glue-down bond because they float over the subfloor. But for specific situations, several types of luxury vinyl provide a glue-down solution.
Luxury vinyl is ideal for installation.
DIYers typically find it simpler to install luxury vinyl. Standard vinyl sheets can be difficult to handle, and specialists often install them.
Standard Vinyl Vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring Cost
Cost of Standard vs. luxury vinyl flooring is various:
Standard Vinyl
Standard vinyl is fairly inexpensive, with material costs per square foot ranging from $0.50 to $2 when bought at big-box home improvement stores. Because the work usually gets done fast, professional installation rates for vinyl flooring are fairly reasonable. Consider spending an extra $1 to $2 per square foot for installation by professionals.
Luxury Vinyl
The cost of luxury vinyl from the same sources often ranges from $2 to $4 per square foot. At specialized flooring retailers, designer luxury vinyl can cost up to $7 per square foot. Given how simple it is to install luxury vinyl yourself, many homeowners opt to do so.
Cost-effectiveness: Standard Vinyl
Standard vinyl flooring has lower raw material prices, but the advantage diminishes if you decide to install luxury vinyl flooring yourself.
Lifespan
Standard Vinyl
The standard lifespan of vinyl flooring is around ten years. However, superior varieties can last up to 15 years.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl is more resilient and, with proper maintenance, can last 20 to 25 years.
Longest lasting: Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl flooring typically lasts significantly longer than standard sheet vinyl since it is a thicker, heavier material.
Standard Vinyl Vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring Size
What sizes do standard vs. luxury vinyl flooring have?
Standard Vinyl
Rolls of standard sheet vinyl are either 6 or 12 feet wide. The typical tile size ranges from 9 to 18 inches.
Luxury Vinyl
Typically, luxury vinyl flooring is available in tile or plank format. The standard dimensions of a board are 48 inches by 4 1/2 inches. Although there are lesser and larger sizes available, 16 by 16-inch tiles are the most common size.
Ideal sizes.
There is no discernible size benefit when standard vinyl is contrasted with luxury vinyl.
Value at Resale
Standard Vinyl
Standard sheet vinyl flooring is typically seen as a cheap flooring option that adds little to the value of a home.
Luxury Vinyl
The cachet of solid hardwood or ceramic and stone tiles is typically not shared by luxury vinyl planks and tiles. However, the most recent luxury vinyl options are at least on a level with laminate flooring, if not better.
Luxury Vinyl has the highest resale value.
When it comes to real estate value, luxury vinyl wins out over standard vinyl. The resale value of luxury vinyl planks and tiles will almost always be higher than that of standard vinyl flooring.
Comfort and clarity
Standard Vinyl
Sheet vinyl is a relatively thin material that can feel rather chilly and harsh underfoot when put down over concrete subfloors.
Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl is a thicker substance than standard vinyl flooring, which results in a softer feel underfoot and improved sound absorption. This is especially true of luxury vinyl that has built-in cork or foam underlayment layers. For comfort, high-end luxury vinyl is frequently preferable to laminate flooring.
Luxury Vinyl is best for comfort and sound.
When it comes to sound absorption and underfoot comfort, luxury vinyl outperforms standard vinyl flooring.
The verdict
If you can afford it, luxury vinyl flooring typically outperforms standard vinyl in the majority of comparisons. However, standard vinyl might be the better option if you’re on a tight budget and need a more waterproof floor in a particular room.
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