Luxury Vinyl vs. Standard Vinyl Flooring: A Comprehensive Comparison Guide

Are you torn between standard vinyl flooring and luxury vinyl flooring for your next project? Maybe you’re renovating your bathroom, kitchen, or basement and want to make sure you’re choosing the best option for your space. In this guide, we’ll break down the major differences between standard vinyl and luxury vinyl flooring to help you make an informed decision.

Table of Contents

Standard Vinyl vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring: What Sets Them Apart?

Standard vinyl flooring has been a popular choice for areas prone to moisture and stains for many years. However, it does have its drawbacks. Made from a thin layer of vinyl, standard vinyl flooring can be susceptible to gouging and tearing, leaving it feeling quite hard underfoot. In response to these issues, manufacturers developed luxury vinyl flooring (LVF), a more durable and versatile alternative to standard vinyl.

Major Differences:

Standard Vinyl: sold in flexible sheets or square tiles, with a thin vinyl layer printed with a design and covered with a protective coating. Wear layer of only 10 to 15 mil.
Luxury Vinyl: available in multi-ply planks or tiles with wear layers ranging from 2 to 8 mm thick. Made of six to eight layers, including a clear top-coat layer, a cushion foam layer, and a fiberglass backing.

Appearance: Which Flooring Option Looks Best?

When it comes to appearance, both standard vinyl and luxury vinyl flooring offer a wide range of design options.

Standard Vinyl:

Traditional designs resembling ceramic or stone tile.
Limited seam details may impact the realism of wood patterns.

Luxury Vinyl:

Mimics the look of wood, stone, and ceramic tiles with more convincing details.
Hundreds of colors and styles available to suit any aesthetic.

Best for Appearance: Luxury Vinyl stands out for its ability to closely mimic natural materials and offer a wider range of design options.

Water and Heat Resistance: Keeping Your Flooring Safe and Dry

Both standard vinyl and luxury vinyl flooring are excellent choices for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Standard Vinyl:

High water resistance due to fewer seams in sheets.

Luxury Vinyl:

Completely synthetic material that is impervious to water damage.
Seams between tiles may allow water to seep through in some cases.

Best for Water and Heat Resistance: Standard Vinyl has a slight edge in waterproofing due to its seamless sheet construction.

Care and Cleaning: Maintaining Your Vinyl Flooring

Maintaining your vinyl flooring is crucial to its longevity and appearance, regardless of whether you choose standard or luxury vinyl.

Sweep or vacuum daily, and clean up spills promptly.
Damp mop weekly with warm soapy water.
Avoid sealers or waxes that can dull the finish.

Best for Care and Cleaning: Both standard and luxury vinyl require the same cleaning methods, so it’s a tie in this category.

Durability and Maintenance: Which Flooring Option Lasts Longer?

Durability is a key factor to consider when choosing between standard and luxury vinyl flooring.

Standard Vinyl:

Soft surface prone to dents, scratches, and tears.
Repairs can be challenging and often require replacement.

Luxury Vinyl:

Thicker and more rigid, making it more durable.
Easy to repair with disassembly of damaged planks.

Best for Durability and Maintenance: Luxury Vinyl wins with its thicker wear layer and easier repairability.

Installation: DIY-Friendly or Leave It to the Pros?

Thinking about installing your vinyl flooring yourself? Consider the installation process for standard and luxury vinyl.

Standard Vinyl:

Typically full glue-down installation by professionals.

Luxury Vinyl:

Click-lock system for DIY installation, with some options for glue-down installation.

Best for Installation: Luxury Vinyl is usually easier for DIYers to install compared to standard vinyl.

Cost Comparison: Finding the Best Value for Your Budget

Budget plays a significant role in the flooring decision-making process. Consider the upfront costs for standard and luxury vinyl flooring options.

Standard Vinyl:

Affordable, ranging from $0.50 to $2 per square foot for materials.
Professional installation costs around $1 to $2 per square foot.

Luxury Vinyl:

Higher costs, typically $2 to $4 per square foot.
DIY installation is popular among homeowners to save on labor costs.

Best for Cost: Standard Vinyl offers lower material costs, but the advantage may narrow if you choose to install luxury vinyl yourself.

Lifespan: Expectations for Your Flooring’s Longevity

Investing in a flooring option with a longer lifespan can save you money in the long run.

Standard Vinyl:

Expected lifespan of about 10 to 15 years.

Luxury Vinyl:

More durable, lasting 20 to 25 years with proper care.

Best for Lifespan: Luxury Vinyl typically outlasts standard vinyl, offering better value over time.

Size Options: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Space

Consider the size options available for standard and luxury vinyl flooring to ensure they meet your space requirements.

Standard Vinyl:

Comes in 6- or 12-foot-wide rolls, with square tiles ranging from 9 to 18 inches.

Luxury Vinyl:

Planks usually measure 48 inches by 4 1/2 inches, while tiles are typically 16 x 16 inches.

Best for Sizes: No notable size advantage between standard and luxury vinyl options.

Resale Value: Enhancing Your Home’s Market Appeal

Thinking about the future resale value of your home? Consider how standard and luxury vinyl flooring options can impact your property value.

Standard Vinyl:

Seen as a budget flooring option without significant impact on real estate value.

Luxury Vinyl:

More comparable to solid hardwood or ceramic tiles, offering better resale value.

Best for Resale Value: Luxury Vinyl often adds more value to your home compared to standard vinyl flooring.

Comfort and Sound: Creating a Cozy and Quiet Environment

Underfoot comfort and sound transmission are important considerations, especially for high-traffic areas in your home.

Standard Vinyl:

Thin and hard material that can feel cold underfoot.

Luxury Vinyl:

Thicker and softer underfoot, with better sound-blocking properties.

Best for Comfort and Sound: Luxury Vinyl provides a more comfortable and quieter flooring experience compared to standard vinyl.

The Verdict: Making Your Flooring Decision

If budget allows, luxury vinyl flooring is usually the preferred choice for its durability, appearance, and long-term value. Standard vinyl may be a better fit for tight budgets or areas where minimal seams are crucial for waterproofing.

Top Brands: Where to Find Quality Vinyl Flooring

Major manufacturers offer a wide range of standard and luxury vinyl flooring options to suit your needs. Look for reputable brands like:

Mohawk Flooring
Shaw Floors
Armstrong Flooring

With quality brands and a variety of styles to choose from, you can find the perfect vinyl flooring for your home.

In conclusion, when weighing the pros and cons of standard vinyl vs. luxury vinyl flooring, it’s essential to consider your budget, aesthetic preferences, and long-term durability. By understanding the differences between these two flooring options, you can make an informed decision that enhances the beauty and functionality of your space.