The battle between vinyl vs tile flooring has been going on for quite some time.
Homeowners want to know which type of flooring will get them the best performing floor and bang for their buck.
So which one out of the two is the best pick?
Let’s take a look at the differences.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
LVT flooring is a product that looks like stone, wood or ceramic tile. Manufacturers use 3D printing technology which gives the flooring its depth and realism. It is comprised of layers, and the primary layer at the core is manufactured with PVC vinyl. This gives it the sturdy structure and base and allows for flexibility and stability.
Unlike normal tile floors, LVT is resilient and bendable, which offers a softer feel underfoot. This is a popular flooring option for families with pets, children, and for high traffic areas, such as the kitchen, entryways, and bathrooms. LVT is easily maintained and simple to keep clean. A protective ‘wear layer’ offers an extremely durable coating that prevents scratches, gouges, and fading. If maintained well, you can get up to 10 years of use before the ‘wear layer’ needs to be reapplied.
A protective ‘wear layer’ offers an extremely durable coating that prevents scratches, gouges, and fading. If maintained well, you can get up to 10 years of use before the ‘wear layer’ needs to be reapplied.
Vinyl is also a budget friendly product, so you can get the realistic natural looks you want at a fraction of the price. You’ll find different colors and styles of vinyl flooring including:
- Wood
- Stone
- Slate
- Porcelain
- Ceramic
- More!
In our opinion, a vinyl flooring installation is the winning choice between vinyl and tile.
Ceramic and Travertine Tile
Ceramic tile is made from stacked thin layers of sand, natural products, and clay that has been hardened and glazed using a kiln. This flooring can be expensive and if you choose the more durable tile, it can become extremely costly. The downside is it easily cracks given moisture and environmental changes.
Ceramic does not expand or contract and as the other materials around it do, it is more prone to crack. Given its extremely hard surface, it becomes uncomfortable to stand on. Ceramic tile does not retain heat very well and can be uncomfortable in colder states during the winter months.
Travertine tile is a type of limestone that forms around mineral spring deposits. The stone is mined from quarries in various locations. It is porous, which gives it a beautiful, natural textured look. It is very soft and absorbent flooring and requires many layers of sealant to block debris from penetrating the stone.
After the stone is made into flooring tile, it is very durable and will hold up well in high traffic areas. Travertine tile is very heavy and does not retain heat very well. It is also highly reactive to acidic substances, so you cannot use vinegar or salt to clean the floors.
When considering these options and pricing per square foot, also consider the installation pricings. Typically, ceramic tile and travertine tile will be more expensive to transport, due to their weight, and to install. LVT is relatively light compared to the natural composite tiles.
Vinyl Flooring takes the Cake!
At the end of the day, vinyl flooring is going to be the best choice over tile flooring. That’s why The Carpet Guys carry the best vinyl flooring products on the market.
Vinyl floors will look beautiful no matter where you install them. We guarantee that our vinyl products will look wonderful in your home. You’ll love your new floors for years to come.
To see all of the LVT we have to offer, schedule a free in-home vinyl flooring estimate today, and we’ll bring the store to your door.
We look forward to speaking with you soon!
