What Are The Different Types Of Vinyl Flooring Available?

Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT)

The most popular and advanced forms of vinyl flooring today are Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT). These products are designed to mimic the appearance and texture of natural materials—hardwood and stone/ceramic—with remarkable realism.

Construction: Both LVP and LVT are multi-layered products, typically consisting of a resilient vinyl core, a high-definition photo-realistic print layer, and a clear, durable wear layer on top. The thickness of the wear layer (measured in mils) is critical for durability, determining how well the floor resists scratches and scuffs in high-traffic areas.

Form Factor: LVP is cut into long, narrow strips that imitate wood planks, complete with embossed graining and beveled edges for a realistic wood-floor look. LVT is cut into square or rectangular shapes designed to be installed like traditional ceramic or stone tiles.

Installation: A major advantage is the installation method. Many LVP and LVT products feature a click-and-lock system, allowing them to be installed as a floating floor over an existing subfloor without permanent adhesive. This makes installation faster, easier, and less messy than traditional materials.

Waterproof Core: Many modern LVP/LVT products incorporate a Rigid Core (such as SPC – Stone Plastic Composite, or WPC – Wood Plastic Composite). These cores are 100% waterproof and provide exceptional stability, preventing expansion or contraction due to temperature and moisture changes, making them the ultimate choice for basements, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Traditional Sheet Vinyl and Peel-and-Stick Tiles

While Luxury Vinyl dominates the high-end market, traditional forms of vinyl still offer practical, budget-friendly solutions, particularly for utility and functional areas.

Sheet Vinyl: This comes in large, flexible rolls, typically 6 or 12 feet wide. It is often installed with adhesive and cut to fit the room. The primary benefit of sheet vinyl is its seamless installation (or very few seams, depending on room size). This characteristic offers the highest level of moisture protection, as there are no seams for water to seep through, making it ideal for large laundry rooms, bathrooms, and commercial kitchens. It is the most economical choice per square foot and offers a vast array of pattern choices, though the patterns are often less realistic than LVP/LVT.

Peel-and-Stick Tiles: These are the simplest, most budget-conscious form of vinyl, typically 12"x12" squares with an adhesive backing. They are easy for a DIY installation, making them popular for quick renovations or rental properties. However, peel-and-stick tiles are generally thinner, have a less durable wear layer, and their seams are prone to lifting and allowing water penetration over time compared to LVP or sheet vinyl. They are best suited for light-traffic or temporary applications.