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If you’re replacing the floors in your home, you may be thinking about installing vinyl flooring. After all, vinyl offers many advantages, including durability, water resistance, and easy care.
But should you choose vinyl sheet flooring or luxury vinyl planks? Many people are unaware of the differences between vinyl plank vs vinyl sheet and whether they should choose one vs the other.
| Feature | Vinyl Sheet | Luxury Vinyl Plank |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $0.50-$2/sq ft | $2-$7/sq ft |
| Installation | Full-room adhesive application | Individual plank replacement |
| Best Uses | Bathrooms, laundry rooms | Living areas, kitchens |
| Durability | Lasts 5-15 years | Lasts 15-25 years |
| Installation Method | Fully glued down | Click-lock or glue-down options |
Vinyl Sheet Flooring — The Pros and Cons
Most people are familiar with vinyl sheet flooring, even if they don’t realize it. This is the classic linoleum that has been around for decades.
There are some advantages to vinyl sheet flooring, such as:
- Waterproof properties
- Stain resistance
- Affordable cost
- Easy maintenance
However, there are also some major disadvantages, and these drawbacks are a big part of the reason why vinyl sheet flooring is on the way “out” in home design.
Installation and Repairs Are Difficult
Because this type of flooring is installed as a big “sheet,” it’s very difficult to repair, especially if your design mimics wood flooring. If one area of the flooring is damaged, you’ll need to either replace all of the flooring or patch the affected area. Patches may not blend in well, creating a major eyesore in your home.
Discoloration
Vinyl sheet flooring does have a protective layer that’s stain-resistant, but unfortunately, this type of flooring is still very prone to discoloration. Low-quality versions of vinyl sheet flooring can turn yellow over time.
Subfloor Imperfections
Sheet flooring must be installed on a perfectly smooth surface. Vinyl is a soft material, and if the subfloor is uneven or not perfectly smooth, it can easily damage the material or cause lumps over time.
Simply put, vinyl sheet flooring is the “old-school” option for flooring. Today, there’s a better way to enjoy the benefits of vinyl flooring — vinyl planks.
Luxury Vinyl Planks — The Pros and Cons
Luxury vinyl plank flooring can be installed in a few different ways. The traditional installation involves gluing each plank down individually. This is still a very widely used technique, especially in commercial spaces.
However, in recent years, a new installation method has been developed that allows the flooring to be laid down quickly. This new product, called snap-lock flooring, uses a click locking system that allows you to place the flooring down quickly, and then snap the planks into place. The planks are held in place by the locking system.
Available in a Variety of Colors and Styles
Luxury vinyl planks come in a much larger variety of colors and styles. Most traditional vinyl planks will look similar to linoleum and will offer greater benefits.
However, the newer luxury vinyl planks come in styles that mimic perfectly hardwood or stone looks. These newer styles offer a much more realistic appearance along with some incredible properties.
Affordable and Durable
Luxury vinyl planks come in a range of prices from the most affordable (at about 1$/sqf) to the most durable and luxurious (at about 5-6$/sqf). Installation and repairs aren’t as difficult either. Simply replace the damaged plank.
Installation Costs and Methods
Installing sheet vinyl typically costs $3-5 per square foot, thanks to the precision required for seamless, whole-room application. LVP is often more budget-friendly for DIY enthusiasts, with click-lock planks costing $1.50-$4 per square foot to install professionally. While LVP has higher material costs, the easier installation often balances the overall project budget.
Maintenance Requirements
Both sheet vinyl and LVP are low-maintenance flooring options:
- Sheet vinyl: Be mindful of the seams, as water can seep through and cause damage.
- LVP: Individual planks make cleaning and replacing damaged sections a breeze.
🚫 Avoid this mistake: Skip steam mops and harsh cleaners to maintain your warranty and protect your floors' longevity.
Vinyl Plank vs Vinyl Sheet Flooring — The Takeaway
So, which one should you choose? In the end, the decision between the plank flooring vs vinyl sheet will be based on your personal requirements and your budget. Vinyl plank flooring can be a better, upgraded option if you want a flooring solution that is durable, and simple to install and maintain. Vinyl sheet flooring, on the other hand, can be the best alternative if you’re seeking a waterproof flooring option that is waterproof and your budget is extremely tight. At Simple Flooring, we would definitely recommend the luxury vinyl plank vs vinyl sheet flooring. If you are making an investment in your flooring, you should certainly choose the better-quality option.
