Vinyl tile and luxury vinyl tile may sound like the same thing, but they are actually different types of flooring. Vinyl tile and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) can both be installed in utility areas, kitchens, mudrooms, bathrooms, and playrooms. The two flooring types need to be installed on flat, level surfaces. They are not recommend for stairs. Vinyl tile is cheaper than LVT, but it also has a lower overall performance durability level than LVT.
Vinyl tile flooring consists of 4 primary layers. Vinyl tile has a urethane wear layer, a protective clear film, a printed design layer, and a structural vinyl backing layer. LVT has a urethane wear layer, a protective clear film, an EIR printed design layer, and a tile backing. EIR stands for Embossed-in-Register, which means that the look and feel of the luxury vinyl tile matches the grain and pattern of the real stone, tile, or wood.
Vinyl tile flooring is available in 12″ x 12″ size tiles with a low, medium, or high gloss. LVT flooring is available in 12″ x 12″ or 16″ x 16″. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is available in 4 1/2″ or 6″ wide planks with lengths that vary anywhere from 36″ to 48″. LVT looks more like hardwood or tile in terms of the size of planks than vinyl tile does. It is available in a low gloss or a matte gloss.
Vinyl tile flooring generally has a warranty of 5 years to 25 years. LVT usually has a warranty of 10 years to a lifetime residential use warranty.
Installation for vinyl tile and LVT varies. Vinyl tile flooring can be installed with adhesive tabs, spray adhesive, or some tiles are peel ‘n stick. However, LVT usually have a click lock system or it can be installed with pressure sensitive adhesive strips. Also some manufacturers create LVT that can be grouted.
Check out our collection of luxury vinyl tile flooring.
