Luxury Vinyl Tiles Prices

The Costs

• Minimum Cost: $2 per square foot

• Maximum Cost: $7 per square foot

As a comparison, ordinary vinyl flooring usually comes in at about $.30 to $1 per square foot. The most common size made is usually 12 by 12 inches.

What is Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl flooring is made to last while capturing the timeless beauty of ceramic and natural stone tile. It is designed to recreate authentic stone tiles such as slate, marble, limestone, quartz and ceramic. The texture is close to that of stone and is comfortable and smooth on the feet.

Luxury vinyl floors can also mimic hardwood floors and textures. Many vinyl floors are waterproof and require little installation. They are also durable, easy to clean and scratch resistant. A clear layer of film is usually added on top to help protect it against tears and rips. Most luxury vinyl flooring comes in plank shapes and is composed of either 100% vinyl or from a vinyl and limestone mixture. Any vinyl flooring made to look like wood is made from 100% vinyl. Some stone-look luxury vinyl flooring is mixed with limestone for a more realistic look.

The main components of luxury vinyl flooring are the finish layer, the visual and the base layer. The base layer forms almost 65% of the composite of the tile and adds stability and resistance to moisture and dents. The visual layer is the realistic design made to look like stone or ceramic. The finish layer is made from a specialized top coat that helps the tile remain resistant to stains, abrasions, and wear and tear. It also helps to protect against water damage, mildew and mold. The finish layer also contains the surface texture for a more authentic look and feel.

It is recommended to use felt pads on furniture to protect the floor and place protective mats near doorways to keep moisture and dirt off the floor. These types of floors should also be swept every other day in order to remove any loose dirt and debris, which can cause scratches to the floor's surface.

Materials

This kind of flooring is so easy to install that in many cases it can be installed in a day's time. It is similar to sheet vinyl, except thicker and tougher. It can be installed over almost any smooth surface. Materials needed to get the job done include a sander for grinding down bulges or lumps in the subfloor, oscillating multi-tool for trimming door jambs and casing, and shims to leave expansion gaps.

After that it's a matter of simply twisting and snapping the planks into place. You may need to cut around door jambs to lay the planks perpendicular to a door opening, but this is still easy if the opening is on the same side as the rows that were started.

Advantages

Luxury vinyl tile comes with many advantages when installed. It is easy to clean and maintain, resistant to moisture, abrasions and staining and very durable. It’s good for areas that get high traffic and has no swelling and buckling from moisture. It’s also cost effective for those on a budget and because this type of tile is manufactured, almost any pattern or color can be created. The tiles are thin, so they can be laid over existing flooring and they absorb sound vibration, so tiles are ultimately quieter than regular tiles.

Disadvantages

However, there are some disadvantages of luxury vinyl tile to keep in mind. For one, it costs more than regular vinyl flooring. The costs can be almost the same as some hardwood or ceramic tile. Also, the trim pieces can be unattractive and do not transition well, and it’s not as durable as real stone. It is not ideal for bathrooms or areas with showers and tubs, stairs, or anywhere other than flat surfaces.

Last updated on Jan 12, 2017