Does Luxury Vinyl Flooring Need to Be Sealed? Myths & Facts

Luxury vinyl flooring has become a go-to flooring option for many homeowners. It’s known for its durability, waterproof design, and wide range of styles that mimic natural materials like hardwood and stone. Still, vinyl flooring myths continue to circulate online and in showrooms, leading to confusion during the buying process.

Some believe all luxury vinyl is the same. Others question its safety, durability, or installation methods. These are common myths that don’t reflect how far vinyl products have come in terms of performance, quality, and design.

This guide will debunk outdated ideas, clarify what makes today’s luxury vinyl planks and vinyl tile flooring so effective, and explain why many homeowners now choose them for spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

Let’s set the record straight.

Myth #1: All Luxury Vinyl Is the Same

MYTH:

Luxury vinyl is luxury vinyl, right? Many people think all vinyl flooring products are basically identical. Same look, same feel, same performance.

FACT:

That’s far from true. Today’s luxury vinyl flooring comes in several forms, including LVP (plank), LVT (tile), sheet vinyl, and versions made with WPC or SPC composite cores. These core materials change how the flooring handles temperature, weight, and daily use. Some are softer and quieter underfoot, while others are rigid and built for extreme durability.

You’ll also find a range of installation methods; click-lock, glue-down, or loose lay. Each one suits different environments and skill levels.

Another key difference is the wear layer, the clear top surface that protects against scratches and scuffs. A thicker wear layer offers better protection in high-traffic areas and reduces the need for frequent replacements.

Vinyl flooring offers plenty of variety. Knowing the difference between luxury vinyl tile, vinyl planks, and sheet vinyl helps you make a smarter, more tailored decision for your space.

Myth #2: Vinyl Looks Cheap and Fake

MYTH:

Vinyl is just a cheap-looking alternative to real wood or stone. It might be affordable, but it will never have the same look or feel as natural materials.

FACT:

That may have been true decades ago, but modern luxury vinyl has come a long way. Thanks to high-definition printing, embossed textures, and advanced surface treatments, today’s vinyl flooring can look almost identical to hardwood or tile.

Many luxury vinyl planks are designed to mimic wood grain patterns with impressive realism. The surface is often textured to feel like hand-scraped or wire-brushed wood.

Luxury vinyl tile can even replicate the appearance of natural stone or ceramic with subtle color variation and depth.

These realistic visuals, combined with durability and water resistance, make vinyl in your home a practical and stylish upgrade. You get the aesthetic of natural materials like hardwood or stone with less maintenance and more versatility.

There are many luxury vinyl products that look and feel high-end without the high cost or upkeep. It's a flooring option worth taking seriously.

Myth #3: Luxury Vinyl Is Toxic or Bad for Indoor Air Quality

MYTH:

Some believe that vinyl flooring gives off harmful chemicals, making it unsafe for homes. The idea that luxury vinyl is toxic still causes hesitation for many buyers.

FACT:

This is one of the most persistent vinyl flooring myths, but it’s outdated. Many luxury vinyl products today meet strict health and safety standards. You’ll often see certifications like FloorScore or GREENGUARD, which confirm low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions and better indoor air quality.

High-quality LVT flooring is made from safe composite materials that are tested for chemical emissions. These products are manufactured under strict guidelines to meet modern environmental and health standards.

While it's true that older or low-quality vinyl products may have contained harmful substances, that is not the case for the vast majority of flooring sold today. The flooring industry has improved its manufacturing standards to deliver safer, cleaner materials for your home.

When choosing flooring, it’s important to look for trusted brands and confirmed certifications. With the right selection, vinyl flooring is not only safe but also a smart, low-maintenance solution for families and pets.

Myth #4: Vinyl Flooring Isn’t Durable or Long-Lasting

MYTH:

Many still believe vinyl flooring wears out quickly and won’t hold up in busy households. The idea is that it scratches easily, dents under pressure, and needs to be replaced often.

FACT:

This is one of the most common myths about luxury vinyl flooring, and it couldn’t be further from the truth. High-quality luxury vinyl planks are engineered with a protective wear layer that shields the surface from scratches, scuffs, and stains. The thickness of this top layer plays a major role in how well the floor resists damage from foot traffic, furniture, or pets.

The best vinyl flooring options feature a wear layer that ranges from 12 to 20 mils or more. Some are even sealed with a clear coat finish for added durability.

While nothing is completely damage-proof, most issues with luxury vinyl come from dragging sharp furniture, failing to use floor protectors, or skipping basic cleaning. Even then, it's tough to beat the overall resilience of modern vinyl planks.

With proper care and the right product, vinyl flooring may last anywhere from 10 to 25 years. If you want a deeper look at what affects its lifespan, read the full article about it here.

Myth #5: Vinyl Can’t Handle Moisture

MYTH:

Some homeowners still think vinyl flooring is only water-resistant, not waterproof. There’s a belief that spills or humidity will eventually seep through and cause damage.

FACT:

This is a key area where modern luxury vinyl outperforms older flooring types. Most luxury vinyl flooring today is built with a waterproof core, especially in styles like SPC (stone plastic composite) or WPC (wood plastic composite). These materials do not absorb water, making them an excellent choice for areas like kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements.

What often causes confusion is the difference between surface moisture and edge protection. While the planks themselves are waterproof, damage can still occur if water seeps beneath the floor from unsealed edges or if it’s left standing for long periods. That is why proper vinyl flooring installation and sealing at transition points is important.

You don’t need to seal the surface of luxury vinyl tile or planks. Most products are already sealed with a clear coat at the factory. Adding another layer can interfere with the finish and cause more problems than it solves.

As long as it’s installed correctly and cleaned routinely, vinyl flooring holds up extremely well in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Myth #6: Vinyl and Laminate Are Basically the Same

MYTH:

Because they both come in planks and are affordable alternatives to hardwood, many assume vinyl flooring and laminate flooring are interchangeable.

FACT:

Although they can look similar on the surface, luxury vinyl and laminate are very different in how they’re made and how they perform. Vinyl planks are made from composite vinyl, which means the entire plank is waterproof from top to bottom.

Laminate, on the other hand, uses a fiberboard core that is only water-resistant. If exposed to moisture for too long, laminate can swell or warp.

In terms of durability, both flooring types offer solid performance, but luxury vinyl flooring typically has the edge in areas with moisture, pets, or heavy use. It’s also more flexible in terms of installation. Vinyl flooring offers glue-down, loose lay, and tongue and groove options, while most laminate flooring requires click-lock installation only.

Comfort underfoot is another factor. Some vinyl tile flooring and plank products are engineered with attached padding or WPC cores, making them quieter and softer to walk on than traditional laminate.

Myth #7: Vinyl Is Difficult to Install or Maintain

MYTH:

Some people think luxury vinyl flooring is tricky to install or requires constant upkeep. It sounds like a project that only a professional should handle.

FACT:

This is another outdated belief. In reality, most vinyl flooring is designed to make installation as simple as possible. You’ll find tongue and groove systems that allow the planks to lock together with minimal tools. There are also peel-and-stick and glue-down options for those looking for different levels of stability and permanence.

For many homeowners, installing vinyl planks is a manageable DIY project, especially when subfloors are clean and level. The lightweight design and straightforward layout make it far less complicated than tile or hardwood.

Maintenance is also simple. Vinyl flooring does not need to be sealed, waxed, or refinished. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner will keep it looking its best. Avoid steam cleaners and harsh chemicals, and it will hold up for years.

Compared to other materials, vinyl in your home offers one of the lowest-maintenance flooring solutions available today.

Myth #8: Vinyl Doesn’t Add Home Value

MYTH:

Some believe that vinyl flooring is a downgrade when it comes to resale. The assumption is that only hardwood or tile can increase a home's value.

FACT:

While traditional materials like hardwood and stone still appeal to many buyers, high-quality luxury vinyl flooring is no longer viewed as a budget compromise. It is now recognized as a practical, attractive, and modern solution that appeals to today’s homeowners.

Buyers are often looking for floors that are stylish, waterproof, and low maintenance. Luxury vinyl planks check all three boxes. In areas like basements, laundry rooms, kitchens, or rentals, having vinyl flooring already installed can actually be a selling point. It means the space is ready to handle spills, kids, pets, and daily wear without the buyer needing to replace anything.

With its wide range of design options, realistic textures, and strong durability, luxury vinyl now competes directly with more traditional materials. It offers real-world value, not just in price but in long-term performance and appeal.

Final Takeaway

Luxury vinyl flooring has been misunderstood for years, but most of the doubts about it no longer hold up. The truth is, many of the old beliefs about vinyl flooring are based on outdated products that do not reflect the performance, look, or safety of what is available today.

We have now debunked the biggest myths about luxury vinyl, from false concerns about toxicity and durability to the idea that all vinyl tile or plank products are the same. In reality, modern luxury vinyl offers advanced composite cores, high-end visual realism, and flexible installation options that make it one of the most popular flooring choices for busy households.

At Carpet Exchange, we carry a full selection of luxury vinyl products to fit your needs and style. If you are ready to experience the difference for yourself, visit one of our local showrooms or explore our curated LVP and LVT options online.

You will find that luxury vinyl flooring is not just a practical upgrade. It is a smart one.