LVT vs. LVP – What’s the Difference?

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are both vinyl flooring options that provide an excellent alternative to hard flooring options like natural stone or hardwood floors. But what exactly are the differences between these two? And which option is best for you as a homeowner?

In this article, the team at Virgin Carpets and Flooring will take a look at the key differences between LVP and LVT flooring, so you can make an educated choice about your next floor!

LVP Flooring

If you are looking to get the look of hardwood floors in your living space without the hardwood floor price, then LVP flooring is a great option. LVP, short for luxury vinyl plank flooring, is a durable vinyl flooring option that replicates the look of hardwood floors.

Luxury vinyl plank comes in thick planks that resemble hardwood planks and are available in a variety of colors and finishes. LVP flooring can be water-resistant or completely waterproof, making it a great option for kitchens or bathrooms.

Pros and Cons of LVP Flooring

A major benefit of choosing LVP is that it’s incredibly durable. Since LVP comes in long planks, they are less likely to buckle or curl over time. This makes them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways where you’ll be spending your days lacing up shoes and taking off muddy boots!

LVP comes in “floating” planks or glue down planks. The thickness of luxury vinyl plank flooring makes it easy to glue down to your subfloor and without the need for a substrate material like plywood or backer boards. They also can come pre-attached with an underlayment pad, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing one separately.

A downside to LVP is that it will not add the same value to your home as real hardwood. However, with proper care, your LVP flooring should last for many years and look great.

LVT Flooring

LVT, short for luxury vinyl tile flooring, is another popular option for homeowners looking to replace their old flooring. With LVT, you can have the look and feel of a traditional ceramic tile floor without having to worry about its durability or cost.

Luxury vinyl tile is available in tiles of various sizes, and can be installed with or without glue or grout just like traditional tile floors.

Pros and Cons of LVT Flooring

One major benefit of choosing LVT over other types of hard surface flooring is that it’s incredibly easy to install. You don’t need any special equipment – with a simple click system, you’ll have your new LVT floor laid down in no time at all.

Since luxury vinyl tile comes pre-attached with underlayment pads, there’s no need to purchase an additional pad separately. The reason for these attached pads is to reduce noise and give a softer feel underfoot. This makes it incredibly easy to get your new LVT flooring laid down on top of existing subfloor.

Another major benefit is that LVT looks just like tile floors – but without the high price tag. You can even order custom-sized tiles for an exact fit in any room you’re looking to revamp, saving you time and money. There is also no grout that could potentially crack or get moldy over time.

A downside to luxury vinyl tile is that it can be a bit slippery when wet. So, if you’re looking for flooring to put in your bathroom, make sure to choose an option with a higher slip resistance rating.

What is the Difference Between LVT and LVP Flooring?

Since LVT and LVP are both made of vinyl, the difference between these two options is in their format and finished look. LVT comes in tiles that look like traditional ceramic tile floors, while LVP comes in long planks that resemble hardwood flooring. The installation methods for LVT and LVP are the same.

Which Flooring Option is Best for You?

LVT and LVP are ideal options for homeowners looking to get the look of luxury hard surface flooring without having to pay an arm and a leg.

The best option for you mainly depends on what look you’re going for in your home. If you want the look of traditional tile floors, go with LVT. If you’re looking to get the look of hardwood flooring, choose LVP. We recommend choosing high slip resistance rating for bathrooms and other wet areas in your home.

Whatever you decide, both LVT and LVP are excellent alternatives to natural stone or hardwood flooring that will give your home a luxurious look at an affordable price.

Let the Professionals at Virgin Carpets and Flooring Install Your LVT or LVP Floor

It’s time to make your flooring decision! If you still have questions, our team at Virgin Carpets and Flooring is always happy to address any concerns you may still have about LVT or LVP flooring.

Let us take care of installation for you so that you can enjoy your new floors with no worries or hassle. Our team will be more than happy to help guide you through all of the different options available at Virgin Carpets and Flooring until we find one that fits perfectly into your home design needs.