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Tired of dealing with scratched-up floors, water damage, or constant upkeep? Luxury vinyl flooring might be exactly what you need. It looks just like real hardwood or tile but without the hassle. It’s waterproof, durable, and easy to clean, making it perfect for busy homes, rental properties, or high-traffic spaces.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) have come a long way. Thanks to new technology, they don’t just look real, they feel real, too. Some even have textured surfaces that match the grain of natural wood. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the differences between LVP and LVT, what to look for before buying, and which brands offer the best mix of durability, style, and value. A proper installation can make all the difference, and knowing the common mistakes to avoid will save you time, money, and frustration.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to choose the right luxury vinyl flooring for your space without second-guessing your decision.
Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) is a versatile, durable, and stylish flooring option designed to mimic the look of natural materials like hardwood and stone tile. Unlike traditional sheet vinyl, LVF comes in planks (LVP) or tiles (LVT), offering a more realistic appearance and texture.
What sets luxury vinyl flooring apart is its multi-layer construction, which enhances durability, water resistance, and comfort underfoot. A typical vinyl plank flooring consists of:
Unlike traditional hardwood, luxury vinyl flooring is waterproof, making it an excellent flooring solution for areas prone to spills and moisture, like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.
When choosing luxury vinyl flooring, it’s important to understand the different types available. The two main categories are luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Both offer realistic textures, waterproof properties, and easy installation, but they serve different aesthetic and functional purposes.
If you love the look of wood floors but don’t want to deal with scratches, water damage, or high maintenance, LVP is a great choice. It comes in long planks that look just like real hardwood, complete with grain patterns and textures that make it feel authentic.
Best for:
Luxury vinyl plank flooring combines the beauty of wood with waterproof durability, making it a practical choice for any home. Browse our luxury vinyl plank collection to find the perfect style.
LVT is designed to look like stone, ceramic, or porcelain tile but without the cold, hard feel. Unlike real tile, LVT is softer underfoot, easier to install, and doesn’t require grout. It gives you that sleek, elegant tile look without the hassle of traditional tile flooring.
Best for:
For a sleek, classic look, browse our collection of LVT Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring—ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and high-traffic areas.
The biggest difference in luxury vinyl flooring is what’s inside. The core layer affects how the flooring feels, how much wear it can handle, and where it works best.
| Feature | WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) | SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) |
|---|---|---|
| What’s Inside? | A mix of wood fiber and plastic | A mix of stone powder and plastic |
| How It Feels | Softer, more comfortable underfoot | Harder, more rigid |
| Best For | Homes, apartments, high-traffic areas | High-traffic areas, commercial spaces |
| Waterproof? | Yes | Yes |
| Sound & Comfort | Quieter, absorbs sound | Tougher, more dent-resistant |
Both WPC and SPC are 100% waterproof, so spills aren’t a problem. The main difference? WPC is softer and quieter, making it great for homes, while SPC is more dent-resistant, which makes it better for busy spaces.
Luxury vinyl flooring isn’t just about looks—it’s designed to be tough, comfortable, and budget-friendly. That’s why homeowners and businesses love it. Here’s why LVP and LVT have become a popular choice for homeowners and commercial spaces.
Spilled drinks? Pet accidents? Steamy showers? No worries. Luxury vinyl flooring is completely waterproof, which makes it a perfect fit for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements—places where hardwood and laminate would get ruined. Thanks to its rigid core (WPC or SPC), water won’t seep in, warp the planks, or cause mold issues
Kids running around? Pets scratching everything? Heavy furniture? LVP and LVT can take it. They come with a protective wear layer that fights off scratches, dents, and daily wear and tear.
If you have pets or kids, aim for at least 12 mil to ensure better protection against wear and tear to keep your floors looking fresh for years.
| Wear Layer Thickness | Best For |
|---|---|
| 8-12 mil | Low-traffic rooms like bedrooms |
| 12-20 mil | Most homes and small businesses |
| 20+ mil | Busy homes, pets, and commercial spaces |
If you have pets or kids, aim for at least 12 mil to ensure better protection against wear and tear to keep your floors looking fresh for years.
If the idea of installing flooring sounds like a nightmare, you’ll love LVP and LVT. Most styles have click-lock installation, so planks just snap together; no glue, no nails, no stress. Even if you’re not a DIY pro, you could probably do a whole room in a weekend.
And once it’s in? Barely any maintenance. Just sweep or vacuum, and mop occasionally. No waxing, no sanding, no expensive upkeep.
Unlike cold tile or noisy hardwood, luxury vinyl is actually comfortable to walk on. It has a bit of cushion, and many brands include built-in underlayment, which reduces noise (great if you have kids or live in an apartment). No more echoey footsteps!
Luxury vinyl flooring delivers high-end style for way less money.
Price Comparison Per Square Foot:
| Flooring Type | Average Cost (Installed) |
|---|---|
| Hardwood | $6.00 and up |
| Tile | $8.00 and up |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | $4.50 and up |
| Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) | $6.00 and up |
For a beautiful, durable floor that won’t break the bank, luxury vinyl is a solid choice. It lasts 10-20 years with minimal effort, which means more money in your pocket over time.
Not all luxury vinyl flooring is the same. Some brands stand out for better durability, more realistic designs, and advanced waterproof features. Below are the top-rated brands in the industry, known for their high-quality vinyl plank and tile flooring.
COREtec is famous for making waterproof vinyl flooring, but what really sets them apart is their built-in cork backing which means softer, quieter floors that feel great to walk on.
Shaw is a well-known name in flooring, and for good reason. Their Floorte Pro series is especially popular for being extra durable, scratch-resistant, and waterproof.
Mohawk’s SolidTech series is a go-to choice for homeowners looking for affordable yet durable LVP flooring. With a rigid core and high-density wear layer, Mohawk floors resist scratches, dents, and moisture.
If you want eco-friendly, ultra-durable flooring, Cali is a great choice. Their luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring features a rigid SPC core, making it waterproof, scratch-resistant, and perfect for busy households.
If you love the look of stone or ceramic tile, Mannington is a good choice. Their Adura Max series has some of the most realistic stone and tile designs out there, it features SPC rigid core technology, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas and moisture-prone rooms.
If you’re wondering which luxury vinyl flooring brand is right for you, here’s a quick side-by-side breakdown to help you decide.
| Brand | Best For | Core Type | Wear Layer | Why? | Waterproof? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COREtec | Quiet & comfortable floors | WPC and SPC | 20 mil+ | Built-in cork backing for noise reduction | ✅ Yes |
| Cali | Eco-friendly & ultra-durable | WPC and SPC | 20 mil+ | Sustainable materials & extreme durability | ✅ Yes |
| Shaw | High-end, ultra-realistic wood looks | WPC and SPC | 12-30 mil | Super durable & scratch-resistant | ✅ Yes |
| Mohawk/Karastan | Budget-friendly & pet-proof | WPC and SPC | 12-20 mil | Scratch-resistant & affordable | ✅ Yes |
| Mannington | Realistic stone & tile designs | SPC | 20 mil+ | High-end visuals, great for kitchens & baths | ✅ Yes |
Think about where you're installing the flooring, how much traffic it will get, and what matters most to you, durability, comfort, price, or style.
We invite you to explore these options on our website, where our team is ready to assist you in finding the perfect flooring solution for your home.
With so many vinyl flooring options available, choosing the right one depends on your space, budget, and durability needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the best decision.
Not all luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are the same. Some are better suited for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, while others work best in living rooms and bedrooms.
The core layer of your flooring determines how comfortable and durable it is.
| Feature | WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) | SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | ✅ Softer underfoot, better noise absorption | ❌ Harder, more impact-resistant |
| Best For | ✅ Homes, bedrooms, apartments | ✅ High-traffic areas, commercial spaces |
| Durability | ✅ Good for everyday wear | ✅ Best for heavy-duty wear and tear |
| Water Resistance | ✅ 100% waterproof | ✅ 100% waterproof |
WPC is best for comfort, while SPC is ideal for durability. If you have pets, kids, or need flooring for high-traffic areas, SPC vinyl plank flooring is the better choice.
The wear layer is what protects your floors from scratches, dents, and stains. If you have kids, pets, or a lot of foot traffic, this is important.
| Wear Layer Thickness | Best For |
|---|---|
| 8-12 mil | Budget-friendly and affordable. |
| 12-20 mil | Most homes & small businesses |
| 20+ mil | High-traffic areas & commercial spaces |
For homes with pets and kids, go for a wear layer of at least 12 mil to prevent scratches and dents.
Vinyl flooring comes in three easy installation types, but choosing the right one depends on how permanent and stable you want your floors to be.
For long-term durability, especially in commercial spaces, glue-down is your best bet.
Vinyl flooring today looks just like real wood or stone, but some designs are more realistic than others.
Luxury vinyl gives you the high-end look of hardwood or tile without the crazy price tag.
| Flooring Type | Cost per Sq. Ft. (Installed) |
|---|---|
| Hardwood | $6.00 and up |
| Tile | $8.00 and up |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | $4.50 and up |
| Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) | $5.00 and up |
While luxury vinyl flooring is more affordable upfront, it also saves you money. Lasts 10-20 years with basic care and no need for refinishing.
Still unsure? Order free samples to see and feel the difference before you buy!
Even the best luxury vinyl flooring won’t do you any good if you make these common mistakes. Here’s what to watch out for:
Luxury vinyl flooring is known for its easy installation and low maintenance, making it a great choice for DIYers and professionals alike. Whether you're installing vinyl plank flooring (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT), following the right steps ensures a long-lasting, flawless finish.
There are three main ways to install luxury vinyl flooring, depending on your needs and skill level.
Tip: Ensure proper subfloor preparation—a smooth, clean surface prevents planks from shifting over time.
Tip: Use pressure-sensitive adhesive to allow minor plank adjustments during installation.
One of the best things about luxury vinyl flooring is its low-maintenance nature. Here’s how to keep your floors looking new for years.
For tough stains, use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap instead of abrasive cleaners.
Luxury vinyl flooring is one of the easiest and most durable options out there. Whether you’re installing it yourself or just looking for a low-maintenance floor, following these tips will help your floors look great for years.
With proper care, your floors can last 10-20 years without the stress of constant upkeep.
When choosing a flooring solution, it's important to compare luxury vinyl flooring (LVP & LVT) with other popular options like hardwood, laminate, and tile. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so let’s break it down.
| Feature | Luxury Vinyl (LVP & LVT) | Hardwood | Laminate | Tile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof? | ✅ Yes (100%) | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Durability | ✅ High | ✅ High | ⚠ Moderate | ✅ High |
| Scratch Resistance | ✅ High | ❌ Low | ⚠ Medium | ✅ High |
| Maintenance | ✅ Low | ⚠ Moderate | ⚠ Medium | ⚠ Medium |
| Installation | ✅ DIY-Friendly | ⚠ Moderate | ✅ Easy | ❌ Pro Needed |
| Comfort Underfoot | ✅ Soft & Warm | ⚠ Moderate | ⚠ Moderate | ❌ Hard |
| Cost | ✅ Affordable ($2-$7/sq ft) | ⚠ Moderate ($3.59 - $8) | ✅ Budget-Friendly ($1-$5) | ❌ Expensive ($6-$20+) |
Many homeowners love the classic look of hardwood, but it comes with downsides like high costs and maintenance needs.
Best for: People who love the look of hardwood but need a low-maintenance, waterproof alternative.If you love the timeless appeal of real wood, explore our wide selection of hardwood flooring for a premium, long-lasting upgrade.
Laminate and luxury vinyl look similar, but they perform very differently.
Best for: Homeowners who want a durable, waterproof upgrade over laminate.
Both luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and ceramic tile offer a sleek, durable flooring option, but there are some big differences.
Best for: Homeowners who love the look of stone or ceramic but want an easier, budget-friendly installation process.
If you need a budget-friendly, waterproof, and durable option, luxury vinyl flooring is hard to beat. It combines the best features of hardwood, laminate, and tile without the high cost and maintenance.
Still unsure? Order free flooring samples to see and feel the difference before making a decision!
The best luxury vinyl flooring for homes depends on your needs. COREtec provides 100% waterproof options with sound insulation offering a wide range of LV.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) looks like hardwood but is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and more affordable. It is better for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, while hardwood adds more resale value but requires more maintenance.
A: Yes! Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are 100% waterproof. They are perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and basements where moisture is a concern.
The thicker the wear layer, the more durable the flooring.
Choose WPC for comfort and SPC for extreme durability.
Yes! Luxury vinyl flooring can be installed over tile, hardwood, concrete, and plywood, as long as the surface is smooth and level.
Luxury vinyl flooring lasts 10–20 years with proper maintenance. Higher-end brands with a thicker wear layer (12-20+ mils) can last even longer in high-traffic areas.