When it comes to vinyl flooring, there are two popular types: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and vinyl sheet flooring. These two vinyl flooring types are different in installation, appearance, and maintenance, but they both offer durability, water resistance, and affordability. In this article, both vinyl types are compared to help you find the best vinyl flooring type for your home or business.
What is the Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)?
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a hard vinyl flooring that looks like hardwood flooring. This type has become popular due to its natural wood appearance and affordable price. LVP is made in multiple layers from a wear layer, printed design layer, core layer, and backing layer for offering high durability and waterproof capability. Luxury Vinyl Plank is available in various patterns, textures, and colours which make it more flexible for different interior designs inducing modern and traditional.
Pros of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a great choice for homeowners looking for a stylish, durable, and waterproof flooring solution. Here are some of the key advantages of LVP:
- Realistic wood looks: High-quality LVP flooring is a great alternative for expensive wooden flooring types. It offers real wood textures, patterns, and colours.
- Durability: The multiple-layer structure of the LVP makes it highly durable against scratches, dents, and stains. This vinyl flooring type is ideal for high-traffic areas in homes and offices and for families with children and pets.
- Waterproof: LVP flooring is 100% waterproof and prevents swelling and warping. It is an ideal option for places that are prone to humidity and moisture like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.
- Easy installation: Luxury Vinyl Plank can be installed through click-lock, glue-down, and loose-lay methods, so it can be installed without professional flooring assistance. This can help save vinyl flooring installation costs.
- Comfort: LVP provides a soft underfoot and adds a soundproofing feature to your space. Therefore, it can be an ideal flooring choice for apartments or places with noise.
Cons of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Although LVP offers many benefits some of which have been mentioned in this article, it has some drawbacks that need to be considered to find the best flooring type for your home or business.
- Higher cost: LVP is usually more expensive than vinyl sheet flooring, but it is still more affordable than hardwood options.
- Subfloor preparation: The LVP requires a soft and level floor before installation. Any imperfection affects the final look and performance of the Luxury Vinyl Plank.
- Seams are visible: Unlike vinyl sheets, LVP has multiple planks which make seams visible between pieces. So, a proper installation is required to ensure a perfect look.
What is vinyl sheet flooring?
Vinyl sheet is a flexible roll of vinyl that is cut into pieces to fit a space. This vinyl type is frequently used in different places including commercial spaces due to its affordability, low maintenance, and seamless design. Vinyl sheet flooring can resist moisture and stains, so it is a suitable option for places that are prone to spill and moisture like kitchens and bathrooms.
Pros of vinyl sheet flooring
Vinyl sheets are known for easy maintenance, affordability, and water resistance, so they are a practical option for many households. Here are some of the main benefits of vinyl sheet flooring:
- Budget-friendly: Vinyl sheets are more affordable than LVP and other flooring options. Therefore, they are great for individuals looking for a high-quality flooring option but want to stay on the budget.
- Waterproof and stain-resistant: Vinyl sheets are ideal for places such as the kitchen or bathroom where there is always the possibility of spills and moisture. This vinyl type prevents water absorption into the seams thanks to its few or seamless designs.
- Seamless installation: Vinyl sheets come in 6 to 12-foot wide rolls, so they can create a seamless design without the chance of water damage to the flooring.
- Easy maintenance: Vinyl sheets are completely easy to maintain and with regular sweeping and mopping, you can ensure a clean and fresh vinyl flooring surface.
- Soft and comfortable: This vinyl flooring type provides a cushioned underfoot that reduces your fatigue.
Cons of vinyl sheet flooring
Like any other flooring type, a vinyl sheet has both advantages and disadvantages which should be considered to find the best flooring solution for your place. Here are the cons of vinyl sheet flooring:
- Difficult repairs: If the vinyl sheet gets damaged, replacing a small part is challenging and unlike LVP, which can be replaced plank by plank, the entire vinyl sheet section needs to be replaced.
- Less realistic appearance: Compared to the Luxury Vinyl Plank, vinyl sheets are less realistic and natural in resembling wood or stone texture.
- Shorter lifespan: Although vinyl sheets are still durable, in comparison to LVP, they are more likely to wear down, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Limited DIY installation: Vinyl sheets require precise installation including cutting and glue application and cannot be easily installed by homeowners. So, it is highly recommended to let the installation be done by flooring professionals for the best final results.
Key comparisons between LVP and vinyl sheet flooring
Here is a quick and summarized key features comparison table between LVP and vinyl sheet flooring.
| Feature | Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | Vinyl Sheet Flooring |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Realistic wood look, textured surfaces | Printed patterns, limited textures |
| Durability | Highly durable, resistant to scratches & dents | Less durable, may tear or dent |
| Water Resistance | 100% waterproof | Waterproof, but seams can allow water in |
| Installation | Click-lock, glue-down, or loose-lay | Requires adhesive, professional installation recommended |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean, scratch-resistant | Easy to clean, but can be harder to repair |
| Cost | Higher upfront cost | More budget-friendly |
| Comfort | Softer underfoot with some insulation | Soft and cushioned |
Which vinyl flooring option is best for you?
Deciding between Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and vinyl sheet flooring depends on different factors such as budget, appearance, and durability. Each vinyl type has its advantages and drawbacks that can affect your decision when looking for the best flooring for your home or business. Here is a summary of both vinyl types which can help you better decide between these types:
Choose LVP if you are looking for durable, long-lasting, and realistic wood-look flooring for high-traffic areas. This is ideal for those who want to have a real wood look without paying much for hardwood flooring.
Choose vinyl sheet flooring if you need a more affordable option for your place with a seamless appearance and easy maintenance. It is ideal for rental properties and spaces where practicality matters most. However, it is important to note that this type is less durable than LVP.
Conclusion
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and vinyl sheet flooring offer different benefits based on your needs. If you prefer a natural wood look, durability, and easy installation, LVP is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable and seamless, vinyl sheet flooring is a practical option. No matter which vinyl type you choose, both provide an excellent result and functionality depending on your needs.