Luxury Vinyl Tile: Pros and Cons and Everything in Between
Luxury vinyl tile, or LVT for short, is a flooring material that resembles stone or ceramic tile and feels like the real thing, thanks to 3D printing technology that gives this product beautiful natural colors. Let’s go over the pros and cons of LVT so you can make the best informed decision possible.
PROS
Variety of design and color choices: No matter what your existing décor is, there is a color and pattern to match it. These colors and patterns resemble those found in nature so you can incorporate an authentic look, whether you want a subtle or dramatic variation among tiles. If you so choose, you can even grout your tiles to make it look even more authentic.
Easy, quick installation: Whether you choose to glue it down or float it, installation for LVT takes half the time than a standard ceramic tile installation. It’s also easy to install, making a DIY project possible.
Durability: LVT is extremely durable and resistant to scratches, which means it’s great for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and hallways. Because it’s softer than actual stone, dishes and glasses aren’t as likely to break when you drop them.
Comfort: Not only is LVT warmer on the skin than natural stone, it’s also easier on your feet and joints. It also happens to be sound resistant so you can enjoy a more peaceful environment.
Easy maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain, luxury vinyl tile only requires regular mopping, sweeping and vacuuming just like any other low-maintenance floor.
CONS
Price: You may be a bit surprised to see that LVT can cost almost as much as some types of hardwood or ceramic tile. You may assume that because it’s tile, it will be much cheaper than other types of flooring, such as vinyl “peel and stick” tiles; as such, the price may be a bit higher than you expected. However, overall, LVT is more affordable than hardwood. For example, the average cost of hardwood is $8–$25/sq. ft. while the average cost of LVT is $2–$5/sq. ft.
Resale value: While luxury vinyl tile has come a long way in the last few years, it still can’t stand up to the higher resale value of natural hardwood flooring. Bottom line, home buyers pay more for homes with hardwood floors.
Comfort compared with carpet: While LVT is more comfortable on the feet than hardwood, it’s not as warm and easy on the joints as carpeting is. Carpeting comes with its own cons, though, such as its tendency to harbor allergens, dirt and dust.
Care: While easy to maintain overall, LVT still does require regular sweeping and mopping so as to keep dirt particles from scratching the surface.
Here at Carpet Heritage, we are happy to show you around our showroom and the brands we carry to fit your budget and décor. Give us a call at 908-725-4114.
