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LVT vs Vinyl

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Light toned wood LVT floor in an open plan living room with a beige sofa
Sheet vinyl flooring has been a familiar sight in kitchens and bathrooms for years and it’s easy to see why too. It’s practical, easy to clean and has traditionally been one of the more affordable ways to cover a floor.

LVT flooring sits in a similar space in many ways, but the flooring itself and the finished look are very different. Instead of coming on a roll, it is laid as individual boards or blocks, so you get visible plank lines, grain direction and layouts such as herringbone. That difference in construction changes more than the appearance. It affects how the floor feels underfoot, how it is fitted, how robust it feels and what you are likely to pay.

If you are weighing up LVT vs vinyl flooring, this guide breaks down the differences that actually matter when choosing between the two.
What Is Sheet Vinyl Flooring?
Sheet vinyl flooring is a flexible floor covering that comes on a roll and is cut to fit the room. The design is printed onto the surface, with a protective layer over the top to help it cope with everyday use. Because it is fitted as one continuous sheet, you do not get the same individual plank lines or joints that you would with LVT. That gives it a smoother, more uniform finish across the floor. 

For some rooms, that simplicity is part of the appeal. It is practical, easy to clean and usually works well when you want the floor to do its job without becoming a big feature in the space.
What Are Luxury Vinyl Tiles?
LVT, or Luxury Vinyl Tile, is made up of several layers that work together to give the floor its strength, design and protective finish. That construction is what gives it a more substantial feel than sheet vinyl and helps it cope well with everyday use around the home.

At Topps Tiles, you’ll find plank and herringbone LVT options across the range, all using click-fitting systems with integrated underlay already attached.

You’ll also come across SPC flooring and real wood veneer flooring in the wider collection. They are built differently again, so if you want to understand how the constructions compare, our guide to the different types of Luxury Vinyl Tiles goes into that in more detail.
What Are The Differences Between LVT and Vinyl? 
Does LVT Look Better Than Sheet Vinyl?
This really comes down to what you want the floor to do in the room, as sheet vinyl gives you one continuous finish across the space. That can work really well if you want something simple and practical that doesn’t need to become a feature.

LVT gives you more definition. The size of the boards, the direction they run and the pattern you choose all become part of the finished look. A straight plank layout gives you that familiar floorboard look, while herringbone brings a more decorative feel to the room.

If appearance is going to be a big part of the decision, it’s worth looking at samples or fitted displays rather than judging either option from a small image online. You can order free LVT samples to see how the different finishes look in your own space.
Which Feels Better Underfoot?
You’ll usually notice a difference between the two once they are fitted. Sheet vinyl is thinner and more flexible, so the feel of the subfloor has more influence on the finished surface, whilst LVT has a more substantial build and, with integrated underlay across our current range, tends to feel firmer underfoot.

That does not automatically make one more comfortable than the other, as some people prefer the softer feel of sheet vinyl, while others prefer the more solid feel of LVT.
How Are LVT and Sheet Vinyl Fitted?
Sheet vinyl flooring needs to be measured carefully and cut to fit the room. In a simple, square space that can be fairly straightforward, but door frames, pipes, sanitaryware and awkward corners soon make the job more fiddly. The way it is fixed in place can also vary, so it is worth following the instructions for the exact product you are using.

LVT is a different kind of job because you build the floor up one board at a time. Our current ranges all use click-fitting systems, but the joints do not all work in exactly the same way. SPC and real wood veneer use an i4F click system, while our Pronto LVT range uses either 2G or 5Gi depending on the product.

All of the flooring in our current LVT collection comes with integrated underlay, so there is no separate layer to add underneath. The substrate still needs to be properly prepared though, with a clean, dry, stable and suitably level surface before fitting starts. Once you know which range you are using, the relevant LVT fitting guide will take you through the exact click system and laying method step by step.
Is LVT More Durable Than Sheet Vinyl?
For busier parts of the home, the more substantial build of LVT can be an advantage. Its layered construction and protective surface are designed to cope with regular foot traffic and the knocks and scuffs that come with everyday life. Sheet vinyl can still hold up well, but its thinner, more flexible structure can make cuts, dents or damage from sharp objects and dragged furniture more noticeable.

Whichever floor you choose, a bit of simple care helps. Keep grit off the surface, use felt pads under furniture and lift heavier items instead of dragging them across the floor.
How Do LVT and Sheet Vinyl Flooring Cope With Water?
This is one of the areas where the comparison needs a bit of care, because not every vinyl-based floor performs in exactly the same way.

Sheet vinyl is commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms because, when the product is suitable and fitted correctly, the continuous surface can cope well with everyday splashes and spills. Across our LVT range, you'll find both waterproof and water resistant options. 

Whichever option you choose, standing water should still be cleaned up. A waterproof floor gives you more protection against spills, but it does not automatically make the flooring suitable for a wet room.
Can LVT and Sheet Vinyl Flooring Be Used With Underfloor Heating?
They can be, but this is one of those areas where the exact product matters.

Our current LVT ranges can be used with suitable underfloor heating systems, with a maximum floor surface temperature of 27°C. The heating system also needs to be factored into the preparation before the floor is fitted, so it is worth checking the guidance early in the job.

Sheet vinyl can also be suitable for underfloor heating, although the limits vary more by product. The safest approach is to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the flooring you are considering before you buy.

For LVT, the relevant flooring fitting guide will give you the exact requirements for the range you have chosen.
Which Is Easier To Clean?
LVT and sheet vinyl are both reasonably easy to clean thanks to their smooth surfaces, so everyday dirt and mess can usually be wiped away without much fuss. That makes them a practical choice if you have children, pets or simply want a floor that is easy to keep on top of.

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 another useful option.

For more advice on everyday care, stains and keeping the floor looking its best, take a look at our How to Clean LVT Flooring guide.
Is LVT More Expensive Than Sheet Vinyl?
Sheet vinyl is often the more affordable option, especially if the main aim is to keep the initial flooring cost down.

LVT usually sits a little higher because of its more substantial construction, individual-board format and wider choice of finishes and layouts. There can still be plenty of variation between ranges though, so it is worth comparing the actual products you like rather than assuming one type will always cost more than the other.

It also helps to look at the full project cost, not just the price per square metre. Preparation, trims, thresholds and fitting can all add to the final spend, while our current LVT ranges already come with integrated underlay attached.
Is LVT or Vinyl Better Suited For Me?

It depends on what you want from the floor.


If the finished look matters and you want the definition of individual planks or a herringbone layout, LVT is probably going to appeal more. It also has a firmer, more substantial feel underfoot and gives you a wider choice of constructions across the range.


Sheet vinyl still has plenty going for it, especially if you want one continuous surface, simple day-to-day maintenance and a more budget-friendly starting point.


The easiest way to decide is to think about the room itself. How much wear will the floor get? Is moisture likely to be an issue? Do you want the flooring to become part of the design, or would you rather it sit more quietly in the background? Once you know what matters most, the choice between the two usually becomes much clearer.

If LVT sounds like the better fit for your space, take a look through our LVT flooring range to compare the different finishes and layouts available. You can also order free samples to see how they look at home, or visit your local Topps Tiles store if you want to compare the options in person.
LVT vs Vinyl