As flooring technology continues to develop, so, too, does the flooring itself. In fact, flooring technology has become so extensive now certain flooring options have the ability to mimic others. Nowhere is this more true than in the luxury vinyl tile market. It becomes less and less easy to distinguish luxury vinyl flooring from laminate and ceramic tile all the time, and that’s boosted its popularity when it comes to home installations. What’s the difference between selecting vinyl over tile? Are there advantages to both?
It Starts with an Understanding of the Surface
Luxury vinyl is created from plastic polymer-PVC. It has fiberglass or a felt backing layer that is typically then covered with a printed design layer. On top of that, a clear layer is added to protect the flooring itself.
Ceramic tile, on the other hand, is created from natural clay. It’s mixed with other ingredients like sand and water, then heated to reduce the moisture content. From there, the dust that results is placed into a giant press, made into the signature tile shape, and further dried. The glaze is applied, it makes its way through a kiln, then it’s packaged and shipped to contractors.
Vinyl vs. Tile Flooring – A Head-to-Head Battle
So, aside from understanding how these two flooring options are created, are there other differences? Absolutely, and it’s in these key differences that the decision on which might be right for your home lies.
Appearance:
Both ceramic and vinyl flooring are available in a variety of colors and styles, but vinyl has an edge here. Vinyl is available in almost limitless appearances, while ceramic tiles tend to have at least some limits. If you’re looking for a big statement in a space, you’re more likely to get it with vinyl than with ceramic tile. If, however, you want something traditional, ceramic is the way to go.
Durability:
There’s one clear winner between the two options here – ceramic tiles. They’re incredibly durable, and they’ll last decades if well-maintained. They’re also far more stable than vinyl is. Vinyl doesn’t have that stability, and it’s prone to scratches and scuff marks. The one difference, though, is that ceramic tiles are very rigid. Hit the floor hard with something, and one tile might experience cracking or damage, and it’s tough to replace a single tile.
Installation and Removal:
Both ceramic and vinyl tiles can be installed absolutely anywhere in your home. They both offer good resistance to moisture damage. Vinyl tiles are easily damaged by heat, though, so allow that to factor into your decision in terms of where to install either flooring choice.
The installation process itself is intense for ceramic tiles but fairly easy when it comes to vinyl. Removal, however, is another story entirely. Ceramic tiles last longer, but if you decide to renovate the home and have new flooring installed, removal can be an intense, expensive process.
Both the installation and removal of ceramic tiles are a real time-consuming hassle. On the other hand, vinyl tiles are relatively easy to install, and they’re a far less expensive install as well. If you’re looking for a change of pace on a more regular basis, vinyl is the way to go.
Sizes:
Both vinyl and ceramic tiles are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, although the latter has more options. Vinyl tiles are usually square, varying from 9-18 inches across. Ceramic tiles are also square but may vary in size from 3 to 18 inches. There are also ceramic tiles of various geometric shapes
Comfort:
Ceramic tiles usually feel cold. In hot, humid climates like Florida, that can be a real benefit, as it creates a cooling effect throughout your house. The drawback, however, is that ceramic is an incredibly hard surface with no give. Vinyl, though, offers soft warmth underfoot.
Care and Cleaning:
Both ceramic and vinyl tiles are very easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and the use of a damp mop is adequate to clean both floorings. Rarely is a harsh scrub with detergent required.
Cost:
The cost of tiles vs vinyl is comparable, but it also depends on the size of the tiles, quality, color, pattern, and design. Vinyl tiles are inexpensive, costing anywhere from $2 to $3 per sq ft. Ceramic tiles average about $4-$6 per sq ft, but designer tiles are many times more expensive. Professional installation will cost anywhere from $6-$10 per sq ft.
Resale Value:
Vinyl flooring usually does not enhance the home value as it is an economical flooring. However, designer ceramic tiles are considered prestigious by homeowners and may enhance the value of the home.
Environmental Considerations:
Vinyl tiles contain numerous chemicals, and there is concern that when the flooring is disposed of in landfills, toxic gasses may be released in the presence of heat. On the other hand, ceramic tiles are made from natural earth components and have no additional chemicals. When the ceramic tile is disposed of, there is no danger to the environment.
So Which One Do You Choose?
Overall, vinyl is reliable flooring with a broad range of applications. The main advantages of vinyl tiles lie in their low cost and easy DIY installation. On the other hand, in most categories, ceramic tile is a superior flooring surface, with better aesthetics, longer shelf life, and perhaps greater resale value. If you are considering flooring for your home or business and want to know more about tiles vs vinyl or even tile vs. laminate, speak to a professional from East Coast Flooring.