Luxury vinyl flooring is now a go-to choice for homeowners wanting the perfect blend of style, durability, and affordability. With its ability to mimic high-end materials such as hardwood and stone at a fraction of the cost, luxury vinyl is an attractive solution for many rooms in your home.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of luxury vinyl flooring, factors to consider when buying this flooring, and how to choose the best option for your rooms and lifestyle.
What Makes Vinyl Flooring Luxury?
Luxury vinyl flooring differs from standard vinyl due to several features that upgrade its performance and appearance:
- Thicker Construction: Luxury vinyl measures 5–8 mm thick, providing better rigidity and durability than basic vinyl options.
- Waterproof Core: The core prevents warping and damage from spills. It uses premium materials such as limestone composite or moisture-resistant polymers.
- Protective Wear Layer: A clear, ultra-strong top layer—usually 20 mm thick—protects against scratches, stains, and UV fading.
These features allow luxury vinyl to maintain a fresh appearance over time, even in high-traffic areas of the home.
Types of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl flooring comes in three main varieties with unique characteristics and benefits: luxury vinyl plank (LVP), luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and hybrid vinyl flooring.
Luxury Vinyl Plank
Luxury vinyl plank flooring mimics the look of hardwood floors, featuring realistic wood grain patterns and textures. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want the look of hardwood without the maintenance. LVP works well in high-traffic areas such as living rooms, kitchens, and home offices.
LVP typically comes in planks that are 4–8 feet long and 4–9 inches wide. Its click-together installation system lends itself well to a DIY project. The floating floor design handles normal temperature fluctuations without buckling or warping.
Luxury Vinyl Tile
Luxury vinyl tile resembles natural stone, ceramic, or porcelain tiles. It’s a good choice for rooms exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. LVT provides the look of grout lines without the maintenance hassle of natural tiles.
LVT is available in various sizes, including traditional 12 x 12 inch and 18 x 18 inch squares. Many options are available: large-format tiles, rectangular shapes, and even hexagonal designs for unique patterns.
Hybrid Vinyl Flooring
Hybrid vinyl flooring combines the best of laminate and vinyl flooring. It contains four layers:
- A durable UV-coated top layer
- A waterproof limestone composite core
- An integrated underlayment for sound absorption and cushioning
- A decorative layer mimicking wood or stone
This type of flooring works well in open-concept floorplans, dining rooms, and master bedrooms. Its click-lock system simplifies installation, and the rigid core offers excellent stability and durability.
Factors To Consider When Buying Luxury Vinyl Floors
When picking out luxury vinyl flooring, consider several factors to find the best option for your needs.
Aesthetics
Today’s luxury vinyl flooring has many design options, from rustic barnwood to elegant marble patterns. Many manufacturers offer coordinating planks and tiles, which gives your home a seamless flow between rooms. There are many choices to match your home’s decor.
When choosing a style, think about the existing design and color schemes in your home. Cool-toned grays pair well with warm wood furnishings, while distressed or whitewashed looks make small spaces appear larger. Bold patterns or colors highlight the space within open floor plans.
Cost
Luxury vinyl flooring is more budget-friendly than hardwood or stone. LVP costs between $4 and $10 per square foot for materials, while LVT ranges from $2–$5 per square foot. Installation costs vary, but installing it yourself saves money.
When budgeting, include the additional expenses of underlayment, transitions, and tools for installation. Compare different vendors to get the best possible rate.
Durability
Quality luxury vinyl flooring lasts 15–30 years with the proper care. Its rigid core prevents sagging and denting, and the wear layer protects against everyday use. To get the most out of your luxury vinyl floors, sweep or vacuum them regularly and use furniture pads to avoid scratches. Clean up spills as soon as they happen, and steer clear of harsh cleaning chemicals. Following these maintenance tips keeps your floors beautiful and durable.
Location
The versatility of luxury vinyl makes it ideal for various rooms in the home. LVT works well for kitchens and bathrooms due to its water resistance and low maintenance. LVP provides a warm, wood-like appearance, making it ideal for living rooms and bedrooms. For basements or areas that experience moisture, hybrid vinyl flooring provides excellent water resistance and stability.
Sustainability
While traditional vinyl received criticism for its environmental impact, many manufacturers have improved the sustainability of luxury vinyl flooring. Some products now use recycled materials or responsibly sourced wood byproducts in their core layers. For homeowners concerned about eco-friendliness, choose brands that eliminate phthalates and other harmful chemicals from their production processes.
Thickness
The thickness of luxury vinyl flooring impacts its performance and comfort. Thicker options (6–8 mm) are stronger and stable, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or rooms with heavy furniture.
Select products with a 20 mm wear layer over a 6–8 mm core for top performance. Adding a foam underlayment provides a cushiony feel underfoot and better sound absorption.
Brand Reputation
Choose a reputable brand with reliable warranty coverage. Some top luxury vinyl flooring brands include:
These manufacturers offer a range of styles and price points. Read customer reviews and ask for referrals to find a reliable brand.
Application and Installation Tips
Proper installation of luxury vinyl flooring maximizes its performance and improves longevity. Here are some tips to help homeowners achieve a professional finish:
Surface Preparation
Before installation, clean the subfloor and check that it’s dry and level. Irregular surfaces cause the vinyl to wear unevenly and create tripping hazards. Remove any debris and use a floor patching compound to fix minor imperfections.
Acclimate the Flooring
Luxury vinyl flooring needs to acclimate to the room’s temperature and humidity. Leave the unopened boxes in the installation area for at least 48 hours. This step reduces the risk of expansion or contraction after installation.
Cutting and Fitting
Use a sharp utility knife to cut the planks or tiles to fit the room’s dimensions. Precision helps you achieve a seamless look. Measure twice and cut once to avoid mistakes.
Seamless Transitions
When installing flooring in rooms next to one another, install transition strips for a smooth transition between different flooring types or heights. These strips keep the look cohesive and prevent tripping hazards.
Post-Installation Care
Once installed, follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. Place felt pads under furniture legs, lift heavy objects instead of dragging them, and clean the floors with a damp mop and mild cleanser. Taking proper care of luxury vinyl flooring keeps it in top condition, helping it last longer.
Choosing the Right Luxury Vinyl Flooring for Your Home
The right luxury vinyl flooring for your home depends on the use of each room and the overall layout.
Open Floor Plans
For open floor plans, vinyl planks create a seamless, integrated look. The long plank shape and click-lock edges conceal seams while allowing for natural expansion and contraction. They’re ideal for living rooms and hallways.
Moist Areas
In areas where moisture is common, such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, vinyl tiles offer superior water resistance and easy maintenance. Their groutless installation saves time compared to traditional tile installation. This easy installation makes it a practical choice.
Versatile Living Spaces
Hybrid vinyl flooring provides the most versatility, allowing homeowners to use different colors, patterns, and orientations. Create custom designs in main living spaces, dining rooms, and master suites for a personal touch. Add a unique touch to your home with all the design options available.
Final Thoughts About Best Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl flooring offers a balance of style, durability, and affordability. With the ability to mimic high-end materials and withstand daily wear and tear, it’s no wonder this flooring option is so popular. Whether you choose planks, tiles, or hybrid flooring, luxury vinyl is a practical and attractive solution.
FAQs About Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Does vinyl flooring hurt a homes value?
Well-chosen vinyl designs attract buyers rather than detract from a homes value.
Is vinyl plank flooring good for pets?
Waterproof, scratch-resistant vinyl flooring stands up well to pets. Opt for textured surfaces and 7–8 mm thickness. Select quality vinyl rated “pet-friendly” that resists stains and scratches.
How long does luxury vinyl tile flooring last?
Luxury vinyl tiles have impressive lifespans averaging 15–30 years with proper use and care.
Can you install luxury vinyl tile over preexisting tile?
In most cases, yes. Owing to its thin and flexible construction, luxury vinyl is easy to install on top of existing tile. The tile should be prepped by deep-cleaning grout lines and filling any wide joints to prevent imperfections from affecting the vinyl.