Luxury Vinyl Flooring vs. PVC Vinyl Flooring: Which is Best for Your Space?

Vinyl Flooring
Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Table of Contents

When it comes to selecting impeccable flooring for your space, vinyl options stand out for their durability, style, and budget-friendliness. But with choices like luxury vinyl flooring and PVC vinyl flooring, it is imperative to comprehend the distinctive benefits each type brings to the table. Luxury vinyl flooring offers premium-end finishes, realistic textures, and exceptional resilience. However, on the other hand, PVC flooring is known for its affordability and ease of installation. Torn between aesthetics and durability? Here’s what you should know about choosing between luxury and PVC vinyl flooring

Understanding Luxury Vinyl Flooring 

Luxury vinyl flooring is a high-quality, multi-layered option that resembles natural materials such as wood or stone. Because of its long-lasting, scratch-resistant, and waterproof design, it is appropriate for bathrooms and kitchens that withstand a lot of traffic. 

Understanding PVC Vinyl Flooring 

 PVC flooring, typically found in the form of sheet or tile, is a synthetic flooring material composed of polyvinyl chloride. It is widely used in commercial and industrial spaces because it is cost-effective, easy to maintain, and known for its durability and water resistance. 

What is the Difference Between Luxury Vinyl Flooring and PVC Vinyl Flooring?

Features Luxury Vinyl Flooring PVC Vinyl Flooring
Structure Multiple layers with a rigid core of SPC or WPC Single layer or few layers of flexible core variants
Appearance  Realistic design mimicking stone, wood, or tile Basic, less detailed designs 
Types  Available as luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) Typically, it is available in basic tiles or sheet vinyl
Water resistance Ideal for bathrooms and kitchens Lower resistance to stains and scratches
Durability  High durability  Less durable
Scratch & stain resistance thicker wear layer, better scratch and stain-resistant  less resistance to scratching and staining.
Comfort & Insulation  Comfortable and thicker underfoot, better sound insulation Thinner, provide sound installation and minimal comfort
Installation  Glue down or click lock; DIY versions may be available Primarily glue down, although it requires adhesive installation  
Ideal use  Moisture-prone, high-traffic areas (living room, kitchens and bathrooms) Temporary spaces or low traffic (rentals, utility rooms)
Cost Cheap in price More affordable to limited budget

Structure of Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring is similar to other vinyl flooring solutions characterized by additional layers providing various benefits. Here’s a simple breakdown of these layers: 

Wear Layer: The first one also ranges from 0.3 mm to 0.7mm and provides your floor with a shield against scratches and scuffs, keeping it looking new for an extended period. 

Print Image Layer: The second is the design layer, which lies beneath the wear layer. It is fashionable because it displays realistic wood, stone, or marble designs. 

Core Layer: Created using PVC or SPC rigid core, which makes the floors very robust and makes the overall flooring feel rigid. 

Backing Layer: The base layer also establishes the structure of the suspension and reduces noise, making the space more comfortable. 

Built-in Underlay: Certain luxury vinyl flooring styles include an underlay that provides cushioning and increases the surface’s softness.

In waterproof vinyl flooring options, the core layer can be PVC or SPC; the former is responsible for the flooring’s ability. Knowledge of these categories may guide your choice when installing vinyl flooring at your home.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT) Core

Luxury vinyl tiles are well-known for their feel and performance. There are three types of cores:

PVT (Polyvinyl Chloride) Core: A soft and flexible that provides comfortable underfoot. 

SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) Core: A rigid core made of stabilizers and limestone, offering superior strength. 

WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) Core: Composed of thermoplastics and wood fibers, is a middle ground between SPC and PVC regarding rigidity. 

Pros And Cons of Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Pros Cons
  • Spill-resistant
  • Not impervious to damage (can still scuff and scratch)
  • Require little maintenance
  • Doesn’t add as much value as hardwood flooring 
  • More affordable than hardwood flooring 
  • Non-sustainable
  • Scratch resistance

Pros And Cons of PVC Vinyl Flooring

Pros Cons
  • Easy to install
  • PVC flooring can be hard to remove 
  • Affordable wood flooring option 
  • Vinyl is not the most eco-friendly option 
  • PVC floors are waterproof 
  • There can be quality issues with some PVC vinyl floors 
  • An excellent choice for durability 

Structure of Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring is similar to other vinyl flooring solutions characterized by additional layers providing various benefits. Here’s a simple breakdown of these layers: 

Wear Layer: The first one also ranges from 0.3 mm to 0.7mm and provides your floor with a shield against scratches and scuffs, keeping it looking new for an extended period. 

Print Image Layer: The second is the design layer, which lies beneath the wear layer. It is fashionable because it displays realistic wood, stone, or marble designs. 

Core Layer: Created using PVC or SPC rigid core, which makes the floors very robust and makes the overall flooring feel rigid. 

Backing Layer: The base layer also establishes the structure of the suspension and reduces noise, making the space more comfortable. 

Built-in Underlay: Certain luxury vinyl flooring styles include an underlay that provides cushioning and increases the surface’s softness.

In waterproof vinyl flooring options, the core layer can be PVC or SPC; the former is responsible for the flooring’s ability. Knowledge of these categories may guide your choice when installing vinyl flooring at your home.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT) Core

Luxury vinyl tiles are crucial for its feel and performance. There are three types of cores:

PVT (Polyvinyl Chloride) Core: A soft and flexible that provides comfortable underfoot. 

SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) Core: A rigid core made of stabilizers and limestone, offering superior strength. 

WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) Core: Composed of thermoplastics and wood fibers, is a middle ground between SPC and PVC regarding rigidity. 

Pros And Cons of Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Below is a list of a few pros and cons of Luxury vinyl flooring:

Pros Cons
  • Spill-resistant
  • Not impervious to damage (can still scuff and scratch)
  • Require little maintenance
  • Doesn’t add as much value as hardwood flooring 
  • More affordable than hardwood flooring 
  • Non-sustainable
  • Scratch resistance

Pros And Cons of PVC Vinyl Flooring

PVC flooring is similar to other types and has advantages and disadvantages. Before making any decisions, it is necessary to get the whole picture. Let’s review some of the main pros and cons of vinyl. 

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Affordable faux wood flooring option
  • PVC floors are waterproof
  • An excellent choice for durability

Cons

  • PVC flooring can be hard to remove
  • Vinyl is not the most eco-friendly option
  • There can be quality issues with some PVC vinyl floors 

Affordable PVC Flooring Options in Dubai: Vinyl Flooring Prices in the UAE

The PVC flooring cost in Dubai can now be determined by the quality and the design as well as the need for installation, and it is generally between AED 20 and AED 100 per square meter. Due to the material strength and the capacity of the PVC to look like other forms of flooring, it is widely used in residential as well as commercial buildings. Similarly, when it comes to the price of vinyl flooring in UAE, it becomes clear that it is just as inexpensive as other materials yet far more stylish than hardwood or stone. Not only is PVC vinyl flooring affordable in the UAE, but the floorings also come with different finishes ranging from a wood look to a marble effect, giving the interiors class and utility.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring Cost in Dubai

 Luxury vinyl flooring is an increasingly perfect choice for its premium durability and appearance. The price depends on the type of vinyl, its thickness, and the brand’s reputation. The cost of directly covering the area with vinyl flooring ranges between AED 40 and AED 150 per square meter depending on various factors and the service provided by the provider: Vinyl flooring cost in UAE is also reasonable, making it a perfect solution for those who look for the durable and expensive looking flooring for their homes and offices. Because luxury vinyl flooring is easy to maintain and much more water resistant than many other flooring types, it’s also perfect if you’re looking for fabulous, hard-wearing flooring.

Final Words

Deciding between luxury vinyl flooring and PVC vinyl flooring depends on the project’s cost, the flooring design, and wear and tear. For those seeking the perfect balance of durability, style, and affordability, Chic Floors offers some of the best luxury vinyl flooring or PVC vinyl flooring options in Dubai, as well as some of the most stylish and long-lasting options at the right prices for any space. 

Both types of flooring deliver impressive style, but luxury vinyl tile stands out with its realistic finishes. It is ideal for moisture performance in high-traffic and moisture-sensitive areas. Compared to real laminate, PVC vinyl flooring is cheaper and offers an excellent solution for simple projects or temporary spaces. 

FAQs

Which is the better option, luxury vinyl or PVC vinyl flooring?

If you are looking for durability and affordability, PVC flooring is the best choice. Luxury vinyl tiles and planks are some of the most scratch-resistant flooring options. So, vinyl flooring is worth considering whether you have dogs wrestling on your floors, kids running through your homes, or just high-traffic areas.

Is luxury vinyl flooring a better option than regular vinyl?

Luxury vinyl is thicker than standard vinyl, so it is softer in feel and improves sound insulation. This is particularly true for luxury vinyl products that come with a cork or foam underlayment for increased comfort and insulation. Premium LVT is typically even more comfortable than laminate, making it ideal for those looking for material that provides a relaxed, noiseless surface.

How Much Does PVC Flooring Cost?

Flooring costs vary depending on materials, labor, location, and other factors. However, the average range for material and installation is between $3 and $7 per square foot.

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