Max Wilker, Style Director at Better Homes & Gardens® shares how to choose between luxury vinyl or wood tile floors.
Question:
Is luxury vinyl or wood tile floors better?
Answer:
Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and wood-look tile both are great alternatives to hardwood flooring. They booth look great in a home, but it all depends on what is more important to you.
Here are a few tips to consider.
- Both are extremely durable and waterproof. Vinyl could rip or tear over time and tile could crack if something extra heavy is dropped on it.
- Both are basically easy to clean with just a mop and mild soap. The biggest problem with tile is that grout attracts dirt and dust, plus grout can stain which will require extra scrubbing or may need to be restored.
- Both are pet-friendly flooring options, but vinyl will be a bit quieter as it’s softer.
- If warmer floors are important, then go with vinyl as tile floors will be much cooler to the touch in colder climates.
- Fading can be a factor for vinyl flooring if it gets hours of direct sunlight. Tile won’t fade.
- If you’re wanting to install it yourself, go with vinyl as it’s much easier, quicker, and you don’t have to mess with mortar and grout.
- When it comes to cost, vinyl will usually be cheaper per square foot. And installation from a professional will be more with tile.
- Both have a variety of qualities and ranges in price. My tip is to look for vinyl and tile that has the wood grain textures added in the surface. With the texture, both vinyl and tile will look and feel more like real wood than the smooth planks. And when checking out vinyl, the thicker planks will be of higher quality and will usually hold up better in high-traffic areas.
So, if you want a quick DIY change and to save money, then go with vinyl planks. The tile will usually be more expensive but will have a more high-end look.
I hope this helps you make your choice. Both are quality options for your home.
Best of luck on your flooring project,
Max