Is tile flooring the same as vinyl flooring?

Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and ceramic tile flooring materials are entirely different substances. Tile and vinyl have different care, cost, installation, and real estate value characteristics. Knowing about their differences might help you decide between the two.

 

Appearance

Ceramic tile looks authentic because it IS authentic. It looks great, but in the end, luxury vinyl tile mimics ceramic tile. You can’t do better than the OG.

Care and Cleaning

Both have the same advantages for care and cleaning, sweep and damp mop with a mild soap. However, ceramic tile grout can sometimes become dingy and need a good scrubbing with a grout cleaner. You will also need to reseal the grout every few years.

Comfort and Sound

Ceramic and luxury vinyl tile both are hard underfoot. However, luxury vinyl has an edge since it is slightly softer. Being that luxury vinyl is not as hard, it is more forgiving on your joints. LVT is also warmer underfoot and less prone to cracking or chipping.

Cost

Material costs are lower with luxury vinyl. However, the main advantage of luxury vinyl is the installation process. Ceramic tile is labor-intensive, making the installation process cost more.

Durability

Ceramic tile is a super hard material with excellent durability. LVT is somewhat softer and susceptible to gouges and scratches. However, both luxury vinyl and ceramic tiles can have a damaged tile removed and replaced instead of replacing the entire floor.

Environment

Ceramic tile is made from clay and doesn’t have any chemical components.

Installation

Ceramic tile installation is labor-intensive, utilizing a snap cutter and a wet tile saw with mortar and grout required. Ceramic also has a long drying and curing time. Luxury vinyl has a dry install, easier to cut, and is a quicker install. LVT’s materials are also quite a bit lighter and not as fragile.

Lifespan

Under everyday use, ceramic tile can last 40 years or more, whereas luxury vinyl tile usually needs to be replaced after ten years or so.

Materials

Ceramic tile is made with clay mixed with other materials, sometimes covered with a glaze, and fired to harden. Porcelain is made from more refined clays and fired at a higher temperature, making it a little harder and more durable. Luxury vinyl tile is made of vinyl melted down with other elements to make it durable and resilient. It is a layered product construction with a backing, a core, a high-resolution digital image of natural stone or wood, then a transparent top wear layer.

Resale Value

Ceramic tile that is well maintained has more prestige and greater real estate value than luxury vinyl tile.

Sizes

They both come in many colors. However, ceramic tile has more shape and size options than luxury vinyl tile.

Usage

LVT is only used on floors where ceramic tile can be utilized on floors, countertops, and walls.

Water and Heat Resistance

While both are resistant to water damage, ceramic tile can take extreme heat whereas luxury vinyl tile cannot.

 

Ceramic tile does have a better appearance, more extended durability, and more resale value. However, luxury vinyl tile has easier overall maintenance and installation, costs less, and is better for comfort and sound. Luxury vinyl tile and ceramic tile flooring materials are both excellent, but what is best for you and your home is what matters. Creative Carpet & Flooring’s expert Flooring Consultants can help you decide what flooring material is best for your home. No hard-selling, no rushing, and personal attention to make your new flooring experience memorable.