Sheet Vinyl vs Vinyl Planks: Types of Vinyl Flooring Explained
From sheet vinyl to luxury vinyl, there are so many options for flooring in your home. We’ll walk you through the differences to help you pick the right materials for your needs and lifestyle.
Sheet Vinyl vs Vinyl Plank Flooring
Sheet vinyl is sold in a long, single roll and is one of the easiest (and most affordable!) vinyl floors to install. Vinyl planks are interlocking planks that more closely mimic wood or stone flooring. Both are durable, affordable, and waterproof, but there are differences between them. Sheet vinyl may be your go-to if you’re on a budget, while vinyl planks are more expensive but also more likely to give you the look of a real wood or stone floor.
If you decide to go with vinyl planks, you have options. Consider whether LVT, LVP, WPC, or other styles are a better fit for your space.
What is LVT?
LVT (Luxury vinyl tiles) are tiles made of a high-quality, synthetic material that replicates the look of natural materials such as wood or stone but at a fraction of the price.
This durable, easy-to-maintain, and waterproof flooring option is constructed of multiple layers that add to its design and ease of maintenance. Added bonus: grouting isn’t required for LVT.
Price Range:
• $1-12 per square foot, not including installation
Ideal for:
• Any room with heavy foot traffic and/or the potential for moisture, including living rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and even basements.
Learn more about the luxury vinyl tile.
What is LVP?
LVP (luxury vinyl planks) are interlocking planks made of a high-quality, synthetic material. They’re made to look like real wood but are more waterproof and durable than hardwood floors. They’re also more affordable and easier to install.
Price Range:
• $1-12 per square foot, not including installation
Ideal for:
• Any room with heavy foot traffic and/or the potential for moisture, including living rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and even basements.
Explore the pros and cons of LVT
What is VCT?
VCT (vinyl composition tiles) are made of composite materials. They’re more affordable than luxury vinyl flooring, which makes them a good option if you need flooring for a space with a large footprint. However, they aren’t quite as durable and may require more maintenance.
Price Range:
• $1-4 per square foot, not including installation
Ideal for:
• Commercial and public spaces like office buildings, schools, and hospitals, as well as high-trafficked home spaces that need extra durability, like basements and garages.
What is WPC Vinyl?
WPC (wood plastic composite) vinyl is made from similar materials to other luxury vinyl products but is engineered to be even more effective at keeping out water and moisture. It’s durable, easy to install, and can look like real wood or stone.
Price Range:
• $4-12 per square foot, not including installation
Ideal for:
• Rooms with the potential for moisture, including bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and even basements.
What is SPC Vinyl?
SPC (stone plastic composite) vinyl is another great option for rooms that need an extra layer of waterproofing. It’s extremely durable but a bit more rigid, making it a little less comfortable underfoot.
Price Range:
• $3-7 per square foot, not including installation
Ideal for:
• Rooms with the potential for moisture, including bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and even basements.
Laminate vs Vinyl vs Linoleum vs Hardwood
Laminate vs Vinyl Flooring
Both vinyl and laminate are budget-friendly, easy to maintain flooring options. But there are key differences between them that can help you make your choice. Laminate may be more comfortable underfoot, but vinyl is more waterproof. For a full comparison, check out our article on the differences between laminate and vinyl flooring.
Sheet Vinyl vs Linoleum
For a long time, linoleum was the material of choice for flooring. It’s still a popular option, offering more comfort and a longer lifespan than sheet vinyl. However, sheet vinyl is cheaper, easier to maintain, and more waterproof, making it a better choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms that could collect water or moisture.
Vinyl Plank vs Hardwood
Hardwood is a classic flooring option that looks great, can add value to your home, and has a long lifespan. However, more and more people are choosing luxury vinyl planks because they’re affordable, durable, and waterproof. Your choice of material will come down to your budget and the needs of your space. For example, you may choose hardwood in your living room but opt for vinyl planks in your kitchen or bathroom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vinyl Flooring
How many types of vinyl flooring are there?
There are so many options for vinyl flooring. Your choices include sheet vinyl, groutable vinyl, LVT, LVP, VCT, WPC, and SPC. What type of vinyl flooring you pick will come down to your budget and space; some vinyl is better for main living spaces, while others make great flooring for basements or garages!
What is vinyl floor made of?
Vinyl flooring is made up of several different layers, including a top coat, wear layer, pattern layer, cushion layer, fiberglass layer, and base layer. These multiple layers are what makes vinyl floors durable and affordable.
Do I need an underlayment for vinyl flooring?
An underlayment may not be necessary for your vinyl floor. Luxury vinyl installed on top of an existing vinyl or tile floor won’t require one, and some luxury vinyl options have an underlayment pre-installed on them. In other instances, however, an underlayment may be recommended. Your installer can help you make the best choice for your floors.
What is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?
Laminate and vinyl are both easy to maintain, affordable flooring options. Which you prefer comes down to your opinion and the needs of your space. For a full comparison between the two, read our article on laminate vs. vinyl flooring.
Is vinyl plank flooring good for bathrooms?
A major benefit of vinyl plank flooring is its durability, including the fact that it’s waterproof. This makes LVP an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and other rooms prone to moisture and spills.
