Choosing the right flooring can shape the look, feel, and function of any home. Among today’s most popular options are vinyl flooring and LVT flooring, both practical, durable, and widely used in UK households. Many people assume they’re the same, but there are key differences.
The choice between vinyl and LVT flooring depends on your specific needs and priorities. Style preferences, room usage, and maintenance expectations all play a role. Some floors handle moisture and heavy foot traffic better than others. Others offer a more realistic finish or feel underfoot that suits certain rooms more than others.
In this blog, we’ll explore what vinyl flooring and LVT flooring are, how they differ, and which one works best for different parts of the home.
Vinyl flooring is a durable, low-maintenance flooring made from layers of synthetic PVC. It’s commonly used in UK homes because of its affordability, comfort underfoot, and resistance to water and stains.
Vinyl flooring is available in a wide range of colours, finishes, and sizes, making it easy to find a style that suits your space.
There are three primary types of vinyl flooring for homes:
It looks like natural timber but doesn’t require maintenance. Wood vinyl flooring is ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways where you want a warm, homely feel.
It gives the look of ceramic or stone tiles with extra comfort underfoot. Tile vinyl flooring is a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms, as it's easy to fit and has a classic style.
It adds a stylish, patterned look without the cost of real parquet. Herringbone vinyl flooring works beautifully in open-plan areas or period homes that need a bit of extra character.
In short, vinyl flooring has a printed surface covered by a protective layer. It's thinner than LVT and best suited for low-traffic areas like spare rooms or utility spaces. It’s a top pick for budget-friendly home updates.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a more advanced type of vinyl flooring, designed to offer the realistic look of wood or stone but with added strength and stability. LVT is made up of individual planks or tiles, offering more design flexibility and a more natural appearance.
LVT flooring has a tough wear layer that resists scratches, stains, and dents, making it suitable for high-traffic areas or homes with kids and pets. It’s also moisture-resistant, which is why many homeowners choose LVT for kitchens and bathrooms.
The primary styles of LVT flooring are as follows:
It closely resembles the look and feel of real hardwood planks. A good choice for living rooms, bedrooms, or anywhere you want a warm, elegant finish without worrying about wear and tear.
It feels like stone or ceramic but is softer and warmer underfoot. This type of LVT flooring is a smart choice for kitchens and bathrooms, where easy cleaning and water resistance matter most.
It brings a classic, patterned look that works in both modern and traditional homes. Herringbone luxury vinyl tile adds character to entryways, lounges, or any space that needs a bit of texture and charm.
In essence, LVT is often considered one of the best flooring options for residential use, combining luxury aesthetics with everyday practicality.
If you’re wondering, “How is luxury vinyl tile different from regular vinyl?” You’re not alone.
Many homeowners face this dilemma during renovations, especially when comparing styles, budget, and functionality for areas like living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. Getting it right from the start means you’ll end up with a floor that works well for your day-to-day life.
In the following table, we’ll break it down step by step to help you make an informed decision between vinyl and LVT flooring:
| Factor | Vinyl | LVT |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness & Construction | Thinner, more flexible, and usually in sheet form. Ideal for low-traffic areas. | Thicker, layered design with a durable core and protective coating. More stable and comfortable underfoot. |
| Design & Appearance | Wide range of colors and patterns, simple and practical look. | Advanced printing and embossing mimic real wood or stone, offering a premium, stylish finish. |
| Durability & Lifespan | Suitable for medium-traffic rooms; less resistant to heavy wear. | Strong wear layer resists scratches, stains, and dents; ideal for busy homes. |
| Water Resistance | Water-resistant, but seams can allow moisture if not sealed properly. | Highly water-resistant with tight seams and a click-lock design; better for kitchens and bathrooms. |
| Installation & Maintenance | Water-resistant, but seams can allow moisture if not sealed properly. | Often glued down for easy installation and tile replacement. Easy to clean and maintain long-term. |
| Cost | Generally a more affordable, budget-friendly choice for homeowners. | More expensive upfront, reflecting higher durability and design quality. |
When choosing between vinyl and LVT flooring, it’s important to consider how different areas of your home are used. Each room has its own unique demands, from moisture levels to foot traffic and style preferences.
Let’s take a closer look at which flooring type works best in key areas of your home to help you make the most practical and stylish choice:
LVT is generally the better choice for kitchens due to its superior water resistance, durability, and ease of cleaning. Its tough wear layer handles spills, stains, and high foot traffic with ease.
However, vinyl can work in kitchens if the area is low-traffic and spills are minimal, but LVT offers more long-term reliability.
Bathrooms require flooring that can withstand moisture and humidity. LVT’s tight seams and click-lock installation make it highly resistant to water damage, making it ideal for bathrooms.
Nonetheless, vinyl flooring can be used in bathrooms, but the seams in sheet vinyl may let moisture in if not properly sealed.
Both vinyl and LVT work well in living rooms and bedrooms. Vinyl offers a budget-friendly option with a wide range of designs, perfect for low- to medium-traffic spaces.
On the other hand, LVT provides a more premium look and feel, especially if you want wood or stone aesthetics combined with durability.
Basements can be prone to dampness, so LVT’s water-resistant properties and thicker construction usually make it the safer bet.
In contrast, vinyl can be used if the basement is dry and moisture is not a concern, but LVT offers added peace of mind.
To wrap things up, both vinyl and LVT flooring have their place in modern homes. Vinyl is budget-friendly, easy to install, and ideal for low-traffic areas, while LVT offers greater durability, a longer lifespan, and a more authentic look, perfect for high-traffic spaces where style and toughness matter most.
If budget and quick installation are your priorities, vinyl is a practical choice for rental properties, guest rooms, or short-term projects. For busy households with kids or pets, LVT’s resistance to stains, wear, and moisture makes it a smart investment for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
Still weighing up your options?
It often comes down to what matters most in your home: cost, comfort, or long-term durability.
If you're comparing styles or deciding which flooring fits best with your household’s needs, you can order flooring samples on our website to see which style suits your home best before making a final decision.
We’re here to help you find flooring that looks great, lasts for years, and fits your budget perfectly!
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