Are you trying to decide between vinyl vs. tile flooring for your home? Material, cost, durability, and maintenance are key factors in choosing the best flooring for you.
In today’s article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of tiles and vinyl flooring to help you make an informed decision before starting your next project.
Vinyl Flooring vs. Tile: Materials and Costs
Let’s begin by exploring the material that makes up vinyl and tile flooring and their differences.
Vinyl is made of synthetic materials. The primary ingredient is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It can be sheets, planks (luxury vinyl planks, or LVP), or tiles (luxury vinyl tiles, or LVT).
Vinyl sheets and planks cost between $2 and $7 per square foot, and luxury vinyl can cost up to $10 per square foot.
Tile (Ceramic, Porcelain, and stone) is made from natural materials. Ceramics and Porcelain are created from clay, while stone tiles are quarried materials from the earth, such as marble, granite, or slate.
This type of flooring can be slightly more expensive depending on the material and quality, such as high-end porcelain and stone, ranging from $3 to $20+ per square foot; however, they are typically more durable than vinyl. Installation costs for tile flooring are also higher due to the complexity of laying tiles.
Vinyl vs. Tile Flooring: Pros and Cons
Durability: Vinyl flooring is generally less durable than most floor tiles; however, vinyl is water-resistant, which we’ll cover next. For families, children, pets, or easily moved furniture, vinyl flooring is more prone to scratches and dents.
Floor tiles, such as porcelain and stone, are extremely durable. These tiles are highly resistant to water, wear, heat, dents, and scratches, making them a popular choice for high-traffic kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor patios (for certain tiles).
Water Resistance: Vinyl tile flooring waterproof factors can vary based on material quality; however, it is generally water-resistant and even waterproof in some cases. Due to its water resistance, vinyl is often used in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Ceramic and porcelain floor tiles are also highly water-resistant, especially when glazed. Natural stone is typically more porous and may require sealing and routine maintenance to prevent water damage.
Appearance: Modern vinyl flooring can closely mimic the look of wood, stone, or tile at a lower cost. It offers a wide range of design choices but lacks the authenticity of using
real materials.
The fantastic thing about floor tiles is that they’re available in many designs and finishes. They have a more authentic look, especially when using natural stone. Ceramic and porcelain tiles come in an assortment of colors, patterns, and textures and can even mimic the look of natural wood.
Installation: If speed and ease of installation are your concerns, vinyl is generally less labor-intensive to install than floor tiles, especially with peel-and-stick or click-lock systems. This option is suitable if you’re planning on DIYing your flooring project.
While floor tiles are more labor-intensive, requiring mortar, grout, and precise placement, the result is a sleek, modern, and high-end look. Properly installing tile usually requires more time and expertise.
If DIYing isn’t your forte, don’t worry; our experienced team at Tile X Design can tackle any tile project, commercial or residential.
Comfort and Feel: While typically softer and warmer underfoot than tile, vinyl flooring can be more comfortable to stand on for long periods. This is also a good option if you’re concerned about young children or elderly adults falling.
Floor tiles are hard and resista
nt to heat, though they’re more durable. Radiant heating systems can also make tiles warmer. Floor tiles are an excellent option for keeping your kitchen and patio cool in the summertime.
Maintenance: Vinyl flooring is low-maintenance and easy to clean with simple sweeping or mopping. However, it can be susceptible to cuts or dents and may need replacement rather than repair.
Floor tiles are also easy to clean, though grout can stain and may require occasional cleaning or resealing. Natural stone tiles may need periodic sealing.
Longevity: Vinyl tiles typically last 10-20 years, depending on quality and wear and tear. If longevity is your goal, floor tiles can significantly outlast vinyl, especially with proper care. The life span of floor tiles depends on the type of material used, maintenance, and foot traffic. Porcelain and ceramic tiles can last decades!
Vinyl Tile: Bathroom vs. Vinyl Tile Flooring: Kitchen
What’s the best flooring option for your bathroom or kitchen? Vinyl vs. tile in bathrooms depends on your needs. Vinyl flooring can be very water resistant; however, the benefit of using tile is greater design flexibility. You can extend your style onto the shower and walls.
Thinking about upgrading to tile in your bathroom? Visit our blog for more tips on how to lay tile flooring in your bathroom.
Kitchens are a high-traffic area where many people like to hang out and socialize, especially if you have an island with bar stool seating. We recommend opting for durability in this room, as things can get dropped or chairs are constantly moved in and out.
The Final Verdict
While vinyl is ideal for quick, affordable, water-resistant, and softer flooring, you’ll find yourself replacing it more quickly. It also doesn’t look quite as upscale and high-end as floor tiling.
Floor tiles promote sustainability and have the lowest 60-year environmental impact across all other major impact categories. Additionally, their long-term durability and harder surfaces are ideal for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas.
Porcelain floor tiles can also mimic the look of wood better than many types of vinyl so that you can get the best of both worlds—durability with a low-maintenance and natural aesthetic.
Ask a Tile Expert
We hope you’ve found these tips helpful when choosing which flooring suits your needs. Our door is always open if you need to consult a tile expert. Tile X Design has brought visions to life for hundreds of businesses and homeowners in the Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Twin Cities metro areas. Request a quote or visit our showroom in Plymouth, MN, today!