Luxury vinyl flooring has quickly become one of the most popular choices for modern homes. It’s durable, waterproof, stylish, and more affordable than hardwood or tile. Within the luxury vinyl category, two main products stand out: LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) and LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile).
Both offer excellent performance, but each brings its own benefits, best uses, and design strengths. Here’s a clear and helpful breakdown to guide homeowners in choosing the right option for their space.
What Is LVP? (Luxury Vinyl Plank)
LVP is designed to look like hardwood flooring. It features realistic wood textures, natural embossing, and plank-style formats. Many products, such as the waterproof hybrid floating floors shown in the Richmond Firm Fit brochure, highlight features like rigid core construction, scratch resistance, and high‑quality urethane finishes.
Best for:
• Living rooms
• Bedrooms
• Hallways
• Basements
• Stairs
Why Homeowners Choose LVP
• Looks like real wood
• Waterproof and highly durable
• Comfortable underfoot
• Wide range of colours and textures
• Budget‑friendly and easy to install
What Is LVT? (Luxury Vinyl Tile)
LVT is designed to mimic ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile. It comes in square or rectangular tile formats and often includes grout‑line visuals for added realism.
Best for:
• Bathrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Kitchens
• Mudrooms
Why Homeowners Choose LVT
• More comfortable underfoot than real tile
• Warmer surface temperature
• Waterproof and long‑lasting
• Excellent stone, marble, or concrete visuals
LVP vs. LVT: Key Differences
Appearance:
• LVP looks like hardwood
• LVT looks like tile or stone
Shape & Format:
• LVP = long planks
• LVT = tile‑shaped pieces
Best Use Cases:
• LVP = main living spaces
• LVT = moisture‑heavy or tile‑look areas
Installation:
Both offer click‑lock floating installation, glue‑down, or loose‑lay options. Many modern products include rigid cores that prevent telegraphing of subfloor imperfections.
Performance Benefits of Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Whether you choose LVP or LVT, luxury vinyl flooring generally offers:
• Waterproof protection for kitchens, baths, and basements
• Durability for active households
• Scratch and stain resistance
• Stylish designs that mimic wood or stone
• Easy maintenance with simple sweeping and spot cleaning
In the Richmond Firm Fit guide, recommendations include using walk‑off mats, protective furniture pads, and vinyl‑safe cleaners to maximize the product’s lifespan.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose LVP if you want:
• A realistic hardwood look
• A warm, comfortable surface
• Versatile flooring for living spaces and bedrooms
Choose LVT if you want:
• The look of natural stone or tile
• More comfort than ceramic tile
• Waterproof flooring for bathrooms and laundry rooms
Final Thoughts
Both LVP and LVT are excellent choices for homeowners who want a stylish, durable, and low‑maintenance floor. Whether you prefer the warmth of wood or the clean look of stone, luxury vinyl flooring provides an affordable solution that performs exceptionally well in real-life settings.
If you’re planning a home renovation and need guidance choosing the right flooring, RBW Construction is here to help bring your project to life.