When choosing luxury vinyl flooring, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to select tile (LVT) or plank (LVP) format. Both offer exceptional durability and waterproof protection, but they serve different aesthetic and functional purposes. Understanding the differences will help you choose the perfect option for your home.

What is Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)?

Luxury vinyl tile mimics the appearance of ceramic or stone tile, typically coming in square formats (12"x12", 18"x18", or 24"x24"). LVT is designed to replicate the look of natural stone, marble, or ceramic tile while providing the comfort and durability of vinyl.

What is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)?

Luxury vinyl plank mimics the appearance of hardwood flooring, coming in long, narrow planks (typically 6" to 9" wide and 36" to 48" long). LVP is designed to replicate the look of various wood species, from oak to exotic hardwoods, while offering superior moisture resistance.

Key Differences: LVT vs LVP

Feature	Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)	Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Shape	Square tiles (12"x12" to 24"x24")	Rectangular planks (6"-9" wide, 36"-48" long)
Design Style	Stone, marble, ceramic tile looks	Wood grain, hardwood looks
Best For	Kitchens, bathrooms, entryways	Living rooms, bedrooms, open spaces
Installation Pattern	Grid, diagonal, or herringbone patterns	Staggered, random, or straight patterns
Visual Impact	Modern, contemporary, industrial	Warm, traditional, natural
Grout Lines	Can include realistic grout lines	No grout lines (seamless appearance)

When to Choose Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Luxury vinyl tile is the ideal choice when:

• You Want a Modern Look: LVT provides a contemporary, industrial aesthetic perfect for modern homes and commercial spaces.
• Kitchen or Bathroom Installation: The tile format naturally fits these spaces where tile is traditionally used.
• You Prefer Stone Aesthetics: If you love the look of marble, slate, or ceramic tile but want the comfort of vinyl.
• Design Flexibility: LVT allows for creative installation patterns like herringbone or diagonal layouts.
• Commercial Applications: The tile format often works better in commercial settings where a more formal appearance is desired.

When to Choose Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Luxury vinyl plank is the better choice when:

• You Want a Warm, Natural Look: LVP provides the warmth and beauty of hardwood without the maintenance concerns.
• Open Floor Plans: Plank format creates visual flow in open-concept homes.
• Residential Living Spaces: Living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas benefit from the cozy feel of wood-look planks.
• You Want Seamless Appearance: Planks create a continuous, flowing look without visible grout lines.
• Traditional or Transitional Style: LVP complements traditional and transitional home designs beautifully.

Performance Comparison

Durability

Both LVT and LVP offer similar durability when it comes to wear layer thickness and construction quality. The performance depends more on the specific product's wear layer (12mil, 20mil, etc.) than on whether it's tile or plank format.

Waterproof Protection

Both formats provide 100% waterproof protection when properly installed. The rigid core construction in both tile and plank formats creates a complete moisture barrier.

Installation

Both LVT and LVP use similar click-lock installation systems. However, plank installation is often considered slightly easier for DIY projects due to the longer pieces and fewer seams to manage.

Maintenance

Maintenance requirements are identical for both formats. Both are easy to clean with regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping with vinyl-safe cleaners.

Cost Comparison

Generally, there's little price difference between LVT and LVP when comparing products of similar quality. The cost is determined more by:

• Wear layer thickness
• Core construction (WPC vs SPC)
• Brand and quality
• Design complexity

Both formats are available in budget-friendly options under $3 per square foot, as well as premium selections with higher price points.

Can You Mix LVT and LVP?

Yes! Many homeowners successfully combine both formats in their homes. Common approaches include:

• Using LVT in kitchens and bathrooms, LVP in living areas
• Creating accent areas with LVT while using LVP as the main flooring
• Using LVT in entryways and LVP in adjacent rooms

When mixing formats, ensure they have similar thicknesses and wear layers for a seamless transition.

Which Should You Choose?

The decision between LVT and LVP ultimately comes down to your aesthetic preferences and the specific rooms you're flooring:

• Choose LVT if: You prefer modern, contemporary styles and are installing in kitchens, bathrooms, or commercial spaces.
• Choose LVP if: You prefer warm, natural aesthetics and are installing in living rooms, bedrooms, or open-concept spaces.

Both formats offer exceptional quality, durability, and waterproof protection. The choice is primarily about matching your design vision and the specific needs of each space.