businessnewstips
Vinyl has always been touted as a convenient and wise option when it comes to new flooring, and there’s a reason for that. But do you know that vinyl flooring comes in two main types? Let’s look at the fundamental differences between luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) and standard vinyl, from comfort and price to looks and longevity.
Cost & Value
• Standard vinyl (sheet or tile) is the cost-saving solution. Expect pays around £10.40–£11.60 per sq ft for products, with professional fit-out costing an additional £1.80–£2.60 per sq ft.
• Luxury vinyl is £11.60–£13.20 per sq ft, although top-of-the-range can be £15+ per sq ft. DIY install reduces the price by more than half.
Short term, standard vinyl is less expensive. But LVF provides longer life, cutting down on replacement over time—particularly if you’re interested in increasing resale value.
Flooring Factory is the ideal place to compare the costs of laminate flooring and luxury vinyl. With a wide selection of options at competitive prices, it’s the go-to spot for all your flooring needs.
Look & Style
Basic vinyl is primarily smooth sheet or plain tiles, with printed designs—stone or simple wood-look, for example. Seams (or their absence) tend to restrict realism.
On the other hand, luxury vinyl is available in planks (LVP) and tiles (LVT) which are characterized by high-quality printing and embossing which resembles almost like real wood, ceramic, or stone. Detail and authenticity scores frequently surpass what laminate can provide.
Installation
• Standard vinyl is usually glued down or installed with perimeter adhesive. Sheet vinyl, as opposed to others, is often cumbersome to cut and install exactly—which is where specialists are called in.
• Luxury vinyl saves you from the need to use glue. Most tiles and planks simply snap together through a “floating floor” system, making it ideal for fans of do-it-yourself installations.
Moisture Resistance and Waterproofing
Both types are characterized by being entirely waterproof on the surface, thus they are good enough for bathroom and kitchen use.
Where they are different is in seams. Normal vinyl rolls have minimal or no seams, hence appearing somewhat more waterproof overall. By contrast, LVF’s plank/tile joins can permit water to penetrate if not sealed or maintained ideally.
Comfort & Acoustics
Luxury vinyl takes it here due to its more solid, thicker construction. It’s noticeably warmer and softer on the feet than regular vinyl, and better at sound absorption too—particularly if it has cork or foam underlay.
The thinner construction of regular vinyl can feel cold and hard, especially over concrete sub-floors.
Durability and Repair
Ordinary vinyl is more susceptible to denting, ripping, and scratching. The moment it gets damaged, repair can get a bit invasive and tricky, which may require a full replacement instead.
Luxury vinyl is crafted to be tougher and even thicker with a harder-wearing top layer. Planks that can be damaged can typically be popped out and replaced without pulling up the whole floor.
Lifespan and Lifecycles
• Standard vinyl will endure for as much as 10 years, occasionally as long as 15 years with higher quality.
• Luxury vinyl can endure 20 to 25 years and sometimes much longer when maintained properly.
That’s pretty remarkable lifespan for a relatively modest cost increase.
Maintenance
Standard and luxury vinyl are both low-maintenance. You simply have to sweep or vacuum them on a regular basis, clean once weekly with gentle cleaner, and clean up spills right away. No wax required.
However, regular vinyl can stain or require more careful maintenance, while LVF’s heavier wear coat makes it less prone to staining.
Resale & Home Value
Luxury vinyl also comes out on top here. It’s perceived as an upgrade over economy vinyl and can keep pace with laminate in the consumer’s mind. Regular vinyl, on the other hand, is typically considered the cut-rate option.
Simon
