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LVT vs Vinyl

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Brada Chestnut Rigid Luxury Vinyl Tile fitted on living room floor with wooden side table and house plant.
Previously, sheet vinyl flooring was the go-to choice for people seeking flooring that could withstand moisture, stains, and high-traffic areas prone to wear and tear. In fact, you’ve likely seen it in bathrooms or kitchens on many occasions.

Standard vinyl flooring is composed of a thin layer of vinyl printed with a design layer, which is then covered with a protective coating. The issue here is that this flooring is susceptible to tearing and damage. Luxury Vinyl Tiles (or LVT for short) are made from a new variation of vinyl that can be installed as planks or tiles similar to those of laminate flooring. This makes LVT more durable and, therefore, a common choice for people looking for a hardwood or ceramic tile effect on a tighter budget.

Before we dive in, you can learn more about what LVT flooring is in our detailed guide.

LVT, vinyl and laminate is often used interchangeably, however, they are not the same type of flooring. LVT is thicker and has a more durable finish which makes it less prone to scratches and scuffs. Read our guides to learn more about the differences between LVT vs laminate.
What are the differences: Vinyl vs LVT
Cost
Vinyl flooring costs will range from £10-£50 per square metre depending on what design you choose. In comparison, LVT flooring sits around £20-£45 per square metre.
Installation
Vinyl flooring usually doesn’t require underlay as it comes with a base layer that serves that purpose; it is also relatively simple to install so it is possible for a beginner to tackle it.

LVT flooring is fitted using a click system, similar to laminate, which can feel a little more complicated at first. All of our LVT ranges contain either a 2G or 5Gi click system, and each board includes an integrated underlay. This removes the need to buy or lay a separate layer of underlay, making installation quicker and easier for anyone fitting it themselves.

We have fitting guides for both the 2G click system and 5Gi click system, with step-by-step instructions that take you through the process in detail.
Thickness
LVT is a thicker option with its 4-5 layers sometimes reaching a thickness of 8mm or more. Standard vinyl flooring thickness is usually less at  2-6mm which also leads to it being less comfortable underfoot and less soundproof.
Durability

As mentioned before, vinyl flooring is prone to scratches and wear as it is usually thinner than LVT, which comes out on top here as it rarely scratches and scuffs.


This means that luxury vinyl tiles usually last 20–25 years, and you can recoat the surface to maintain it. LVT kitchen flooring also performs well in high-traffic areas, offering a practical balance of durability and easy maintenance.

How long does vinyl flooring last?

Vinyl flooring is still durable but its thinner structure means it lasts for 10-15 years in most cases.

Waterproofing
Due to being vinyl based, both materials are highly waterproof so are excellent in bathrooms, kitchens and basements. LVT bathroom flooring will feel warmer and softer underfoot when compared to regular vinyl due to its composition of layers which is a plus when using in rooms like a bathroom where you'd typically be barefoot.
Heat Resistance

Both materials are good with moderate heat so you can utilise them with underfloor heating or in rooms that draw a lot of direct sunlight. Just ensure you check what heat the particular flooring can be subject to before purchasing as some vinyl cannot be used in conjunction with electric underfloor heating.


If temperatures are too high e.g. near a boiler or in a conservatory, they may warp. Temperatures should not exceed 27 degrees Celsius and check if it is safe to use in a conservatory.

Maintenance and Cleaning
Luxury and standard vinyl tiles are both reasonably easy to clean due to their smooth surface and waterproofing, so dirt and mess can’t soak in and can be simply wiped off the surface. This makes them perfect if you have children, pets or are just looking for stress-free cleaning.

For LVT in particular, our FILA LVT and Laminate Cleaner is ideal for everyday use, helping to lift stains while leaving a streak-free finish. If you’d rather keep things simple with one product for different areas of the home, FILA’s Multi-Surface Cleaner is a good alternative that we’d recommend.
Which is better for me LVT vs Vinyl

Both materials make for valid choices. It ultimately comes down to your own preference and needs. LVT flooring is slightly more durable, offers better sound insulation and is softer underfoot.


If you are on a tighter budget vinyl tiles are likely a better choice as they feature similar benefits to LVT tiles at a lower cost but the longevity of the investment should be considered both from a financial and environmental point of view.

LVT vs Vinyl