Luxury Vinyl vs.

Standard Vinyl Flooring

Comparison Guide
Learn the key differences
By
Lee Wallender
Updated on 08/04/21
Reviewed by
Kelly Bacon

For years, sheet vinyl flooring was regarded as the very best choice for locations where moisture- and stain-
resistance was an issue, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens. But standard vinyl is made
from a very thin layer of vinyl printed with a design layer and covered with protective coating; it is prone to
gouging and tearing, and it can feel quite hard underfoot, especially if it is installed over concrete.

In response to this, manufacturers created a new form of vinyl, known as luxury vinyl flooring, or LVF. Luxury
vinyl flooring is sold in semi-rigid planks (LVP) or tiles (LVT) and is installed using the same click-lock
interlocking edges that are found in laminate flooring. Although luxury vinyl was introduced in the 1970s, it
was not until the 1980s that it really took off as a flooring material. Today, it is challenging laminate flooring as
the best second-tier choice after hardwood and ceramic or stone tiles.

Best Vinyl Plank Flooring for Your Home

Standard Vinyl vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Major Differences

Standard vinyl flooring is sold either in flexible sheets or in square tiles. Standard vinyl consists of a thin
backing layer of felt or fiberglass, to which a thin layer of solid vinyl is bonded. This vinyl layer is printed with
a design, then covered with a transparent protective coating. Standard vinyl is flexible and quite thin, with a
wear layer of only 10 to 15 mil (10/1000 to 15/1000 of an inch).

Luxury vinyl is a much different type of flooring, though it contains the same PVC vinyl as standard vinyl
flooring. Luxury vinyl is sold in multi-ply planks or tiles with wear layers that range from 2 to 8 mm in
thickness (roughly 8/100 to 3/10 of an inch thick). This makes luxury vinyl planks considerably thicker than
standard vinyl, giving it a semi-rigid nature.

Luxury vinyl is made with six to eight layers of material, including a clear top-coat layer to add shine, a clear
wear layer to protect the design, a design layer with the printed image, a cushion layer of foam to make the floor
comfortable to walk on, a fiberglass backing layer, and solid PVC backing layer to add strength and rigidity.
Stone-look luxury vinyl sometimes includes ground mineral content in its composition, usually pulverized
limestone.

  Standard Vinyl Flooring Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Cost .50 to $2 per square foot $2 to $7 per square foot
Thickness Very thin  Thicker, more rigid construction
6- or 12-foot rolls; 6-  to 18-inch square
Dimensions 4 1/2 x 48 inch planks; 12- to 18-inch square tiles
tiles
Installation Usually used click-lock edge joints; floating
Usually uses full-glue-down bond
Method installation
Durability Lasts 10 to 15 years Can last as much as 25 yeawrs
Real Estate Value Seen as "bargain" flooring Considered more prestigious 

Appearance
Standard Vinyl

Standard vinyl sheet flooring or tiles traditionally have aimed at resembling ceramic or stone tile, though there
are many, many designs patterns and colors available—including those that look like wood. But because the
wear layer is a smooth, solid surface, the simulated cracks between "planks" are usually not very convincing
with standard vinyl flooring.

Margot Cavin / The Spruce

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are usually designed to simulate the look of wood, as is most laminate flooring,
while luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are usually designed to simulate stone or ceramic tiles. The newest forms of
luxury vinyl are quite convincing, giving laminates a good challenge as the most successful at mimicking the
look of wood. Hundreds of colors and styles are now available.

Margot Cavin / The Spruce

Best for Appearance: Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl planks or tiles are more realistic when it comes to mimicking the look of ceramic or stone tile, or
wood.

Water and Heat Resistance

Both types of vinyl flooring have excellent resistance to water since the materials themselves are entirely
waterproof. Both types of vinyl flooring make good choices for bathrooms, kitchens, and other wet locations.

Standard Vinyl

Sheet vinyl may have a slight edge here, as it has fewer seams that can allow water to penetrate to the subfloor.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl is a completely synthetic material that it impervious to water damage, but the many seams
between tiles or planks make it possible for water to seep down to the underlayment.
Best for Water and Heat Resistance: Standard Vinyl

Standard sheet vinyl holds a slight edge over luxury vinyl since it has fewer seams for water to penetrate. Both
types of vinyl flooring tolerate normal heat, such as direct exposure to sunlight, but they do not bear up well
under extreme heat. This is not a good flooring material to place beneath a water heater or near a furnace, and
beware of dropping hot skillets or heating appliances onto a vinyl floor.

Watch Now: 7 Things To Consider Before You Get Vinyl Flooring

Care and Cleaning

Both standard vinyl and luxury vinyl are cleaned using the same methods. Sweeping or vacuuming should be
done each day, and spills and stains should be wiped up immediately. Once a week or so, damp mop the floor
with warm (not hot) water mixed with a mild soap. Unlike old resilient linoleum floors, these do not require
sealers or waxes, as these can dull the shiny wear layer.

Best for Care and Cleaning: Tie

Neither type of vinyl floor holds any advantage when it comes to care and cleaning.

Margot Cavin / The Spruce

Durability and Maintenance

Standard Vinyl

Standard vinyl flooring is a fairly soft surface that can be susceptible to dents, scratches, and tears. Repairs to a
damaged surface are hard to make convincing, and most people end up replacing or covering over the flooring
once the wear becomes pronounced.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl is somewhat more durable since its wear layer is usually thicker. Moreover, when a plank
becomes damaged, the flooring can be disassembled in order to replace the damaged plank. Luxury vinyl can
fade over time if it gets too much direct sunlight, so manufacturers often recommend shading windows to
prevent this.

Best for Durability and Maintenance: Luxury Vinyl

There is a thicker wear layer on most luxury vinyl flooring products, giving it more durability. And its easier to
repair luxury vinyl.

Installation
Standard Vinyl
Standard sheet vinyl is usually installed with a full glue-down bond that secures the flooring to the
underlayment. Some types can be installed with a perimeter glue bond that secures the flooring only around the
edges and along the seams. Standard vinyl tile is always secured with a glue-down bond.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl planks or tiles are generally installed with a click-clock system by which the edges of the planks
or tiles interlock. These floors float over the subfloor, which no glue-down bond necessary. Some forms of
luxury vinyl also offer a glue-down option for certain circumstances.

Best for Installation: Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl is usually easier for DIYers to install. Standard vinyl sheets can be awkward to handle and are
normally installed by professionals.

Cost
Standard Vinyl

Standard vinyl is quite affordable, with per-square-foot costs for materials ranging from $.50 to $2 per square
foot when purchased at big-box home improvement centers. Professional installation costs for vinyl flooring are
fairly affordable since the work generally goes quickly. Plan on adding $1 to $2 per square foot for professional
installation.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl purchased from the same outlets generally runs $2 to $4 per square foot. Designer styles of luxury
vinyl purchased at specialty flooring stores can cost as much as $7 per square foot or even more. Many
homeowners choose to install luxury vinyl themselves, as DIY installation is fairly easy.

Best for Cost: Standard Vinyl

Raw materials costs are lower for standard vinyl flooring, but the advantage narrows if you choose to install
luxury vinyl flooring as a DIY project.

Lifespan
Standard Vinyl

Standard vinyl flooring has an anticipated life expectancy of about 10 years, though better types may last as
much as 15 years.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl is more durable, generally lasting 20 to 25 years if it is well cared for.

Best for Lifespan: Luxury Vinyl

As a thicker, heavier material, luxury vinyl flooring generally lasts considerably longer than standard sheet
vinyl.

Sizes
Standard Vinyl

Standard sheet vinyl comes in 6- or 12-foot-wide rolls. Tiles are generally 9 to 18 inches square.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl flooring usually comes in either plank or tile form. Typical plank size is 48 in. x 4 1/2 inches.
Typical tile size is 16 x 16 inches, though smaller and larger sizes are also available.

Best for Sizes: Tie

There is no notable size advantage of one type of vinyl flooring over the other.

Resale Value
Standard Vinyl

Standard sheet vinyl flooring is usually seen as a bargain flooring material, and it does nothing to improve real
estate value.

Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl gets the nod over standard vinyl when it comes to real estate value.

Luxury vinyl planks or tiles do not have the cachet of solid hardwood or of ceramic or stone tile in most
instances, but the latest luxury vinyl offerings are at least comparable—and perhaps better—than laminate
flooring.

Best for Resale Value: Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl planks or tiles will almost always carry more resale value than standard vinyl flooring.

Comfort and Sound

Standard Vinyl

Sheet vinyl is a very thin material that can be quite hard and cold underfoot, especially when installed over
concrete subfloors.

Luxury Vinyl

Because it is a thicker product, luxury vinyl feels somewhat softer underfoot and has better sound-blocking
properties than standard vinyl flooring. This is especially true of luxury vinyl with cork or foam underlayment
layers built into the product. Top-quality luxury vinyl is often superior to laminate flooring for comfort.
Best for Comfort and Sound: Luxury Vinyl

Luxury vinyl has the edge over standard vinyl flooring when it comes to underfoot comfort and sound
transmission.

The Verdict
If you can afford it, luxury vinyl flooring is usually a better choice than standard vinyl by most categories of
comparison. But standard vinyl might be preferable if you are on a tight budget, or for rooms such as family
baths or utility laundry rooms, where its seamless construction makes for a totally waterproof floor.

Top Brands
Most major manufacturers of vinyl flooring now offer both standard vinyl sheets and tiles, as well as luxury
vinyl planks and tiles. Major players in the vinyl flooring category include familiar big names:

 Armstrong: In addition to a full line of sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl planks and tiles, Armstrong offers a
good line of "engineered" tiles, which combine luxury vinyl with pulverized mineral content, usually
limestone.
 Shaw: This company offers a full range of premium-quality standard sheet vinyl as well as luxury vinyl
planks and tiles.
 Mohawk: Offering an impressive selection of nearly 600 styles, Mohawk produces both standard sheet
vinyl and luxury vinyl planks and tiles.
 COREtec: This company specialized in luxury vinyl only, both planks and tiles. These are more
expensive products, at $6 to $8 per square foot, but COREtec uses a unique construction that features a
cork underlayment layer that provides softness and good thermal insulation. Their products are known
for easy, fool-proof installation.