Vinyl plank flooring is designed to resemble hardwood, and it always comes in strips. This product is found in several styles, each mimicking a specific type of wood, from oak to hickory. As vinyl plank imitates hardwood, there is a version that matches the rest of the home’s decor. Vinyl floors that look like hardwood usually do not appeal to everyone. A different aesthetic, bamboo look vinyl flooring has a more neutral tone, and on top of that, vinyl floor plank is the budget-friendly choice for renovators.

Vinyl plank flooring is designed to resemble hardwood, and it always comes in strips. This product is found in several styles, each mimicking a specific type of wood, from oak to hickory.

Benefits of Vinyl Plank Flooring:

  • Many models of the vinyl plank are backed with a felt product. This feature translates to a softer floor when installed. The top will look like hardwood but standing on vinyl for long periods is more accessible than natural wood. 

  • Vinyl flooring is water-resistant, making it an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens. Vinyl plank flooring is better at sealing water damage than laminate and hardwood. 

  • Vinyl plank can be installed directly on the subfloor, making it quick, cost-effective, and accessible. 

  • Vinyl plank flooring is long-lasting and requires only routine cleaning to keep it looking like new.

  • Vinyl plank can last up to 20 years. 

  • To increase the luxury of the home, in-floor heating beneath several vinyl flooring options can be installed.

Ceramic tile vs. Vinyl plank floors:

  1. Cost. Vinyl plank is more budget-friendly than ceramic tile. It costs 40% less to install vinyl plank than install ceramic tile.

  2. Faster and easier. Install ceramic tile is labor-intensive and takes much time; vinyl plank is 60% quicker to install than ceramic tile. They can be installed directly on top of your existing hard surface floor.

  3. Durability. Ceramic tile can chip and crack over time. It is more prone to damage than the vinyl plank. 

  4. Less mess. Prepping to install ceramic tile is much mess. As it involves ripping up the flooring and making sure the surface is even before installation, there is also an excess of dust involved in the process. Vinyl plank is easier to keep clean post-installation.

  5. No wait time. There is no waiting for the floor to cure or dry for the vinyl plank. 

  6. Not as permanent. Once the ceramic tile is installed, it can be challenging to remove. Vinyl planks are easier to take out and place.

What Types of Vinyl Plank Floors Are There?

LVP: Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are long, narrow planks of vinyl designed to bring out the most popular wood flooring styles. These planks are thicker and more complex than sheet vinyl, which helps make them more durable and scratch-resistant. Most of the luxury vinyl planks comprise thick PVC with a layer that gives the planks their unique hardwood look. This layer has a variety of colors and textures that are on-trend, from light wood to grey. Some additional layers on the design sheet prevent scratching, tears, and stains. 

LVT: Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is constructed similarly to LVP, but it has been engineered to mimic stone, porcelain, or ceramic tile. LVT has a thick vinyl layer that makes it more durable and rigid than sheet vinyl with a design layer that has natural stone designs and textures. It also comes in floating or glue-down installation options in the market. A considerable advantage of LVT over traditional tile is that it can be easy to install. LVT is much less labor-intensive and requires no grout work, which cuts installation costs. LVT can be laid on top of existing flooring, so there is no need to rip out the old flooring beforehand.  

Sheet Vinyl: Sheet vinyl has been a popular flooring choice because it has waterproof properties and is budget-friendly. Modern technology has allowed sheet vinyl to make great strides in aesthetic appeal. It can mimic the authentic look of wood and stone flooring at a fraction of the cost and can be easily installed. Sheet vinyl needs a more stable subfloor than LVP or LVT, and professionals do the quick installation to prevent visible seams. It is available in an attractive variety of patterns and colors, allowing the latest trends for the houses. Sheet vinyl is easy to wipe spills and messes, making it the perfect option for craft rooms, playrooms, and basements.