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What is the Difference Between LVP and LVT Flooring?
Luxury vinyl flooring is the popular choice when it comes to choosing the best flooring option. It is a specific type of vinyl flooring that offers a realistic stones and wood appearance. It comes in two main types: LVP (luxury vinyl planks) and LVT (luxury vinyl tiles).
This blog post will discuss the differences, similarities, and pros and cons of LVP and LVT.
Infographic Table
| Features | LVP Flooring | LVT Flooring |
| Construction | Mimics the look of hardwood planks | Mimics the look of ceramic or stone tiles |
| Shape | Planks | Tiles |
| Installation | Loose lay Click together Glue down | Loose lay Click together Glue down |
| Durability | Highly durable | Highly durable |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof | Waterproof |
| Sound Insulation | Good | Good |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean and maintain | Easy to clean and maintain |
| Design Options | Wide range of wood finishes | Wide range of tile designs |
| Price | Varies (depends on quality) | Varies (depends on quality) |
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What is LVP?
Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are the most popular type of vinyl flooring that gives the appearance of hardwood planks. The imprinted design, texture, and look of LVP are so genuine that it can be difficult to distinguish luxury vinyl planks from actual hardwood planks.
What is LVT?
Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are another popular type of luxury vinyl flooring. The tiles imitate natural stone or ceramic tiles in appearance and texture. You can get a high-end tiled look using LVT for a fraction of the expense of purchasing and installing real tiles.
LVP Vs. LVT
Both types of vinyl flooring are very similar, with the only difference in the shape. The comparison given below will help you choose the best type for your home.
Shape
The main difference between LVP and LVT is their shapes. LVP flooring comes in the form of thin and long strips, while LVT flooring comes in the form of squares. These squares are glued together like a puzzle.
Appearance
LVP comes in a variety of patterns and colours. It is available in different forms having appearances such as bamboo floors, hardwood floors, and more. On the other hand, LVT is also available in many patterns and colours and gives of appearance of porcelain, concrete, stone, granite, slate, and more.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing of both types is similar. They consist of three layers:
- A Foundation Layer: This stiff base layer is typically formed by polyvinyl chloride. It is the bottom layer that serves as the flooring product’s basis.
- Design Layer: An imprinted design layer sits at the foundation layer. High-end technology is used to imprint different patterns on the core layer.
- Wear Layer: The uppermost wear layer is a thin and durable coating that preserves the imprinted pattern. The wear layer keeps water out of the planks or tiles and protects it from scratches.
Installation
The installation of LVP and LVT is easy and can be performed by homeowners. Both require floor prep, which might be a bit difficult, so hiring a professional for the utmost perfection is recommended.
There are three main installation methods:
- Loose Lay
This method involves laying luxury vinyl planks or tiles on the floor without any glue or adhesive. To attack the flooring product, rubber backings are used.
- Click Together
It is a quick and easy method of putting flooring for DIYers. The edges of click-together tiles or planks have a protruding lip on one side and a groove on the other. You can interlock the flooring by placing the lip of one plank or tile into the groove of the next plank or tile. When putting click-together luxury vinyl flooring, no adhesives are required.
- Glue Down
This method involves applying glue to the floor before placing vinyl tiles or planks. When you buy vinyl flooring, the glue typically comes with it, but you can also purchase it from any local store.
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Pros and Cons of LVP
The Pros
Cheaper
LVP is a cheaper option if you want a hardwood floor, as it gives the exact same appearance at less cost. Remember that many factors can affect the cost, including how much area you want to cover and from where you buy it.
Many Options
When it comes to LVP flooring, you have many options. You’ll have very limited design options when you choose real wood flooring. Selecting a style that appeals to you and complements the rest of your home becomes very tough. This is not the case with LVP flooring, which has various colours and patterns.
Easy Installation
Installing LVP flooring is an easy task; you can even do it yourself. You can simply install vinyl planks in an interlocking system, eliminating the need for nails or adhesives.
Easy to Maintain and Clean
Maintenance and cleaning of LVP is very simple compared to other flooring types, such as wood flooring. You only need a wet cloth to clean the dust from the floor surface.
The Cons
Not Suitable for Sunlight Exposure
One disadvantage of luxury plank flooring is that it does not hold up well to direct sunlight. This implies that excessive sun exposure may cause the flooring to fade. Using blinds or curtains in rooms where the flooring will be put is an excellent method to avoid this problem.
Pros and Cons of LVT
The Pros
Highly Resistant
Luxury vinyl tiles are resistant to wear and tear and water. Therefore, it is recommended to install LVT flooring in the bathrooms and kitchens.
More Design Options
Luxury vinyl tiles are available in a variety of styles and designs. You can easily find a flooring design according to the overall look of your room.
Comfort
Luxury vinyl tiles are more pleasant to walk on than other types of flooring, such as stone or wood. Aside from that, walking over luxury vinyl tile will not make noise. It is an excellent choice for anybody looking for a more quiet flooring option.
The Cons
It Doesn’t Increase a Home’s Value
One of the biggest disadvantages of LVT is that it does not raise the value of a property. Yes, the flooring makes your property look attractive. However, if you want to sell your property, it is unlikely that a home appraiser will consider it.
Safety Risks
The luxury vinyl tiles flooring is associated with some safety risks. For instance, this sort of flooring does not absorb liquid, which means that if a beverage spills, it will pose a safety threat. It is critical to maintain the flooring dry to avoid the chance of falling.
Wrapping Up – Which is a Better Flooring Option: LVP or LVT?
Both LVP and LVT are good flooring options as they are durable and easy to maintain and install. Choosing the one depends on your personal preferences; if you want a wooden floor look, LVP is the best option for you, but if you want a floor look like concrete or stone appearance, go for LVT.
