Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) are designed to look like stone or ceramic tiles (square or rectangular in shape), whilst Luxury Vinyl Planks more closely mimic longer and narrower hardwood planks. Both options offer a more affordable yet durable substitute to these popular flooring materials, the main difference being the final look and feel.

There are a few more differences to consider, so if you’re weighing up LVT vs LVP flooring to refresh your home, or are simply trying to understand the difference, this guide is for you.

What is LVT?

LVT, or Luxury Vinyl Tiles, are designed to replicate the look of natural stone, concrete, wood or ceramic tiles. Usually square or rectangular in shape, these tiles are constructed from layers of vinyl, making them highly durable and water resistant.

Pros of LVT

• Realistic tile look that mimics ceramic, porcelain or natural stone
• Water resistant and ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and basements
• Resists scratches, scuffs and dents
• Softer, warmer and quieter underfoot than real tile or stone
• Can be glued down or floating; no grout or heavy-duty tools required
• Cheaper than real stone or ceramic
• Easy to clean with sweeping and mopping
• Available in a variety of colours, patterns and textures

Cons of LVT

• Can be dented by heavy furniture if padding isn't added to furniture feet
• Can expand or contract with extreme temperature changes
• Subfloor must be level before installation
• May not add as much resale value as buyers might prefer stone

What is LVP?

Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) come in longer, narrower rectangular planks to mimic the look of a hardwood floor. They are also made up of multiple vinyl layers for durability.

Pros of LVP

• Resembles hardwood flooring with detailed grain and texture
• Water resistant
• Tough wear layers protect against daily life
• Warmer and softer than hardwood
• Easy DIY installation with click-lock or glue-down formats
• Significantly cheaper than real hardwood
• Low maintenance, with no special products required for cleaning
• Quiet underfoot
• Durable enough for high-traffic homes with pets and children
• Multiple plank lengths, finishes and grain effects available

Cons of LVP

• Can be susceptible to UV damage and fading
• Subfloor prep sometime required to avoid imperfections showing through
• May not add as much resale value as buyers might prefer genuine wood

[Image of LVP plank flooring]

LVT vs LVP - What’s the Difference?

The main difference between the two flooring types is that one comes in a square or offset rectangular shape, like a tile (LVT), the other, a longer plank to replicate hardwood flooring (LVP).

This difference also plays into where they are typically used. LVT flooring tends to be used in kitchens, bathrooms or laundry rooms, where stone or ceramic tiles are normally used. While LVP is more commonly used in bedrooms or living rooms, places you would usually see hardwood flooring.

How Are They Similar?

Aside from appearance, LVT and LVP flooring are very similar in terms of construction, maintenance and performance.

Which is Better - LVP or LVT flooring?

When choosing between the two, the biggest factor to consider is how you want your flooring to look and how it fits in with the rest of your interiors. Here’s what to consider:

Look and Feel

If you love the warmth and natural beauty of hardwood floors but don’t quite have the budget to match, LVP flooring is a great alternative. On the other hand, LVT creates a sleek look that works well in modern homes.

Installation

Both LVP and LVT tiles can come as glue-down or click. However, LVP planks are more commonly click, allowing you to lock them in place without the need for glue or nails. This might be more appealing for DIY-ers looking for a super quick and easy installation process. That being said, glue-down tiles are incredibly long lasting.

Durability

Both LVP and LVT flooring types are highly durable and resistant to scuffs and scratches, making them perfect for high-traffic areas in your home. With the right care, luxury vinyl flooring can last you 10-25 years!

Pro tip: Check the length of warranty and quality classification in the product description to get a better idea of the durability of a specific product.

Water resistance

As both flooring types are made from vinyl, they are waterproof and suitable for wet spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens or laundry rooms. Just be aware that click-lock flooring can allow water through the seams if not sealed properly, while glue-down tiles are very watertight.

Insulation

As many LVP flooring products come with integrated underlay, they tend to provide a greater level of thermal and sound insulation - a key point to consider for upstairs rooms or colder properties. However, you can improve the insulation of LVT’s with the right underlay.

Maintenance

With very little maintenance required, luxury vinyl flooring is a popular choice for busy households. A simple sweep, vacuum or damp mop is all that’s needed for regular upkeep. So, whether you choose an LVP or LVT floor - you can’t go wrong if you’re looking for something low maintenance.

Related: How to remove stains from vinyl flooring

Suitability in the home

The hard-wearing construction of vinyl flooring means it works well in any space in the home, including wet spaces and high traffic areas. Some people prefer wood-effect LVP planks in living areas and bedrooms for a warmer feel, and LVT stone-effect tiles in bathrooms.

LVT vs LVP Costs

There isn’t a huge difference in cost between the two flooring types. Variation in price will come down to the brand, thickness and style you choose. The good news? Both are far more budget-friendly than their traditional counterparts!

Installation costs also need to be considered if you’re getting a helping hand. Click vinyl flooring is quicker to install so saves on labour costs. Some LVT tiles require glue-down installation, while most LVP planks use a click system.

Ask an Expert! FAQs About LVT and LVP Flooring

Still have questions? Our flooring experts have answered some frequently asked questions about LVP and LVT flooring…

Is LVP or LVT Better for Bathrooms?

In terms of performance, both flooring types are well suited for bathrooms thanks to their waterproof construction and low maintenance needs. However, LVT flooring is often chosen for bathrooms to get that stone tile look for less. Plus, tiles can be easily cut and fit for small or awkward spaces around toilets or sinks.

Is LVP or LVT Better for Kitchens?

While you can use both LVP or LVT in your kitchen, LVP is a great choice for open-plan kitchens as you can create a seamless hardwood effect from room to room. If you’re looking for a warmer look and feel, LVP wood-effect planks can help create this, while LVT tiles are perfect for sleek, modern kitchens.

Choose Your Perfect Flooring

At Factory Direct Flooring, we have a huge range of Luxury Vinyl flooring available to suit all types of homes - whether you’re looking for tiles or planks, wood or stone effect, click or glue-down. Explore our collections or speak to an expert on 0330 100 00 15 to learn more.