Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Vs Porcelain Tile

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Vs Porcelain Tile: How to Choose 

Trying to decide between porcelain or vinyl flooring? While both options produce attractive, long-lasting designs, there are some pros and cons of each that you’ll need to consider. From their impressive features and benefits to the cost and maintenance requirements, there is a lot to consider before deciding which flooring type is right for you. 

This blog post reveals the key differences between porcelain flooring and luxury vinyl flooring to help you make the best purchase. 

Luxury vinyl tile vs porcelain tile: Features and benefits

Let’s start by comparing the features and benefits of vinyl plank flooring and porcelain tiles. How are they made, and what are the main features you can expect from each flooring type? 

Porcelain flooring is a type of tile that is commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens due to its waterproof design. It is made from refined, high-quality clay that has been moulded and fired at very high temperatures. Renowned for their durability and exceptional beauty, porcelain tiles are available in various sizes, shapes, and styles. They are also low maintenance and easy to clean, making them a fantastic option for busy households and high-traffic areas. 

Luxury vinyl tile flooring comprises several thin layers of high-quality vinyl material. Like laminate flooring, they are made to mimic the look of real wood and stone floors, yet are warmer to the touch and sold at just a fraction of the cost (Check out the LVT vs Laminate blog to see how they differ). Their advanced durability also makes them well-suited to use in high-traffic areas and come in a wide choice of styles and effects. Resistant to water, you can install them in high-moisture areas and find them easy to clean.

Cost of Porcelain flooring vs LVT flooring

One of the main differences between porcelain and LVT flooring is the cost. The porcelain tiles we sell here at Best4Flooring are all offered at the same price, while our LVT products vary in cost depending upon multiple factors. Glue-down vinyl flooring, for example, is sold at a cheaper purchase price than porcelain flooring, but they may cost more when you factor in the cost to fit them.  

Both porcelain tiles and Gluedown vinyl flooring require appropriate adhesive to secure them down. While you can install them yourself, it can be a complex and time-consuming task. This means if you aren’t confident doing it alone, you’ll need to factor in the cost of hiring a professional. If you plan on installing porcelain tile flooring outdoors, this is a little trickier, so we recommend you use the services of a professional.  

Click LVT floors are easy to install yourself, so you won’t need to pay any additional fitting costs. However, they tend to be more expensive than porcelain tiles. 

Installation of LVT vs porcelain 

The installation method used for porcelain tiles and Gluedown vinyl flooring is almost identical. They both need to be acclimatised before being installed and require a good quality adhesive to secure them down. They also need to be fitted over a solid, even, and stable subfloor. 

Click luxury vinyl planks are easier to install than porcelain tiles. You don’t need to glue them down or secure them to the subfloor. Instead, they feature a simple system that quickly connects the planks by clicking them into place. Check out our LVT vs Gluedown guide to see how they compare.

Regarding where they can be installed, you have more options with porcelain tiles than with LVT, thanks to their frost and thermal shock resistance. For example, porcelain tiles can be installed on walls and even outdoors. On the other hand, LVT flooring is only suitable for indoor use and cannot be installed on the wall. 

LVT vs Porcelain: Design Differences

LVT flooring comes in a huge choice of realistic wood and stone effects. You can also purchase Embossed in Register (EIR) LVT, which gives the floor almost the exact same grain and texture as a real wooden floor. You can even find vinyl flooring that looks like porcelain tile. 

Porcelain tiles also come in a wide choice of designs, though they largely focus on abstract, geometric shapes and vibrant floral patterns. They allow you to mix and match different designs, helping you create a unique, customised effect. 

LVT vs Porcelain tile: Care and maintenance 

Both LVT and porcelain tiles are easy to maintain. They both have excellent resistance to water and are extremely durable flooring options. They can be mopped to remove stains and clean up spills quickly and require a simple daily brush or vacuum to keep dirt and debris at bay. We have an excellent guide on how to clean vinyl flooring for more information.

One thing to consider is the ease of repairs. Porcelain tiles can chip or crack over time but are much simpler to replace than sheet vinyl. 

We stock an excellent range of floor care products to help keep your porcelain tile and vinyl flooring clean and functioning correctly. 

Vinyl Vs Porcelain tile bathroom suitability 

You can install vinyl and porcelain tiles in the bathroom. They are both waterproof, so will not become damaged when exposed to high levels of moisture. The main difference between the two is that porcelain tiles can be installed on both the walls and the floor, whereas LVT can only be installed on the bathroom floor.

Which is better porcelain tile or vinyl plank?

When trying to determine is porcelain tile better than vinyl flooring or vice versa, you need to factor in the cost, installation method, and design options. Mainly it comes down to personal preference as they offer the same ease of maintenance, water resistance, and both offer excellent durability. 

Browse our selection of LVT flooring and porcelain tiles today.