Luxury Vinyl vs. Standard Vinyl Flooring Comparison Guide

For a long time, sheet vinyl flooring was thought to be the finest option for areas where moisture and stain resistance were problems. They included kitchens, laundries, basements, and toilets. Standard vinyl, however, is created from a very thin layer of vinyl that has been printed with a pattern layer and coated with a protective layer. It can be quite hard underfoot and is prone to gouging and tearing, particularly if it is installed over concrete.

The decision between vinyl and luxury vinyl is one that many people must make. Similar to regular vinyl, premium vinyl flooring has advantages and disadvantages. Although vinyl and luxury vinyl is essentially the same substance, there are important distinctions between the two. In this article, you will find the difference between luxury vinyl and standard vinyl.

Standard Vinyl Vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Major Differences

1)Appearance

Standard Vinyl

Traditionally, the goal of standard vinyl sheet flooring or tiles has been to resemble clay or stone tile. However, a variety of patterns, hues, and designs are offered, including those that resemble wood. However, with typical vinyl flooring, the simulated cracks between “planks” are typically not very convincing because the wear layer is a smooth, solid surface with few seams.

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 porcelain tiles. When trying to replicate the appearance of wood, the newest luxury vinyl varieties can be quite convincing, making it difficult to decide between them and laminate. There are also hundreds of different color and design options.

Best for appearance: Luxury vinyl

For simulating the appearance of wood, luxury vinyl boards are preferable to vinyl sheets. More accurately than regular vinyl, luxury vinyl also resembles the appearance of stone and porcelain.

2)Water And Heat Resistance

Both luxury vinyl and regular vinyl make excellent impermeable flooring. They are suitable for use in kitchens, restrooms, and other damp areas.

Standard Vinyl

Vinyl sheeting has a good level of water resistance. In comparison to planks or tiles, the sheets have fewer seams, which could prevent water from penetrating the flooring.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl is made entirely of manufactured materials and is unaffected by moisture. The seams between tiles (or planks), one of the few issues with luxury vinyl tile, allow water to trickle down to the underlayment.

Best for appearance: Standard Vinyl

When it comes to waterproofing, regular vinyl sheet outperforms luxury vinyl planks just slightly. Both vinyl flooring varieties can withstand moderate heat, such as that from direct sunshine, but they struggle in extremely hot conditions. Avoid putting this type of flooring close to furnaces or water heaters, and take care not to spill hot pans or other heating equipment on vinyl floors.

3)Durability And Maintenance

Standard Vinyl

The surface of typical vinyl flooring is relatively soft and prone to dents, scratches, and rips. Once the wear is noticeable, most people decide to replace or cover the flooring because repairs to a damaged surface are difficult to make convincing.

Luxury Vinyl

Compared to normal vinyl, luxury vinyl plank is thicker and more rigid, increasing its durability. Furthermore, the flooring can be removed to repair a damaged plank when it occurs.

Best For Appearance: Luxury Vinyl

Most luxury vinyl flooring goods have a thicker wear layer, increasing their durability. Luxury vinyl can also be repaired more easily. Manufacturers frequently advise covering windows to avoid the fading of both types of vinyl, which can happen over time if they receive too much direct sunlight.

4)Installation

Standard Vinyl

Standard sheet vinyl is typically installed with a complete glue-down bond that holds the flooring to the underlayment. Some kinds allow for the perimeter glue bond method of installation, which only fastens the flooring along the seams and around the edges. Glue-down bonds are always used to secure standard vinyl flooring.

Luxury Vinyl

The edges of luxury vinyl slabs or tiles typically interlock through a click-clock installation method. Without the need for a glue-down bond, these floorboards float over the subfloor. However, for specific applications, some types of luxury vinyl also provide a glue-down alternative.

Best For Appearance: Luxury Vinyl

DIYers typically find it simpler to put luxury vinyl. Standard vinyl sheets can be difficult to handle, and experts typically install them.

5)Lifespan

Standard Vinyl Flooring

The expected lifespan of vinyl flooring is around 10 years, although better varieties can last up to 15 years.

Luxury Vinyl

If properly maintained, luxury vinyl is more robust and typically lasts 20 to 25 years.

Best For Appearance: Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl flooring typically lasts significantly longer than regular sheet vinyl because it is a thicker, heavier substance.

6)Resale Value

Standard vinyl

Standard sheet vinyl flooring is typically regarded as a cheap flooring option that adds nothing to the worth of a home.

Luxury Vinyl

Most of the time, real hardwood, ceramic, and stone tiles are more coveted than luxury vinyl planks and tiles. The newest luxury vinyl options, however, are at least competitive with laminate flooring, if not better.

Best For Resale Value: Luxury Vinyl

Regarding real estate worth, luxury vinyl wins over regular vinyl. Standard vinyl flooring typically has a lower resale value than luxury vinyl slabs and tiles.

7)Comfort And Sound

Standard Vinyl

When installed over concrete subfloors, sheet vinyl, which is a very thin substance, can be quite cold and hard to the touch.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl is a thicker product than regular vinyl flooring, which results in a softer feel underfoot and improved sound absorption. This is particularly true of luxury vinyl that has built-in cork or foam underlayment layers. For convenience, high-end luxury vinyl is frequently preferable to laminate flooring.

Best For Appearance: Luxury Vinyl

In terms of foot comfort and sound absorption, luxury vinyl outperforms regular vinyl flooring.