The kitchen can be considered as a semi-moist area. Although it does not face the same level of moisture as a laundry room or bathroom does, it endures some tough challenges of its own. Some common problems are the steam, spills, and splashes while cooking and washing the dishes. You need to choose flooring for the kitchen that is good enough to face all these conditions. We will do a comparison of tile and LVT flooring to find out which one is the best to use in the kitchen.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl is a popular flooring these days. They are ideal for the kitchen because they are durable. There are a lot of spills, moisture, and heat and LVT flooring is an ideal option to endure it. It is easy to install and does not expand.
It is strong enough to deal with the hurdles in the coming years. You can choose any type of flooring such as wooden flooring, ceramic, or stone. It is easier to maintain than the actual materials. One swipe on the floor will clean the spills, making it as good as new. You can even go for the LVT flooring that comes with a warranty for your peace of mind.
Tile Flooring
Tiles flooring is a perfect option if you want a reliable floor for your kitchen. But, the tiles and stones are quite expensive than their replica materials such as laminate or LVT flooring. If you are someone who likes to keep up with the new trends, it can be heavy on your budget. People used to choose tiles because of their authenticity, but nowadays, the production of LVT flooring is quite impressive. Tile flooring has fantastic durability and stability.
Tile Vs LVT Flooing: Which is Better for the Kitchen?
Looks And Styles
Tile floors last for many years. But from an interior designer’s point of view, it might be a flaw. Flooring trends keep on changing. Changing ceramic tiles can be quite expensive over time. Tiles are messy, time-consuming, and expensive to install and remove.
Vinyl floors come with many customization options. Tiles require professional cutting tools to cut them, while LVTs can be cut using a knife. With the vast selection of styles and looks, vinyl tiles that look like actual tiles are an ideal option for the kitchen.
Moisture Resistance
Tile flooring does not face any problems with moisture. They are waterproof and easy to maintain. The grouts maintain the tiles in their place. Luxury vinyl tiles show great resistance to water on the surface level, but if the water shrinks under the tiles, the adhesives tear away. So if you want tiles that are water and moisture resistant then you should choose tile flooring.
Durability
The durability of luxury flooring tiles has improved a lot in the previous years. It has become famous for its scratch-resistant properties. It is a perfect choice for family homes with children and pets. The top layer of this flooring also helps with stains and fading. They are great for rooms that receive a lot of natural light.
On the other hand, the durability of tiles can vary depending on their type. Some are very tough while others can easily break with a drop of plate. So if you want to choose tiles, you should know about their type before making a decision. A benefit of tile flooring for the kitchen is that it helps with temperature fluctuations.
Cost
The costs of tile flooring and luxury vinyl tiles are similar at some levels and unequal at others. The ceramic tiles are quite expensive depending on their size, quality, and colors. With such high prices, people buy tiles only for their authenticity and durability. However, with the advanced technology designers have been manufacturing vinyl tiles that are copies of tile flooring at very affordable rates. LVT flooring is not only affordable but it also offers a high value.
Installation
LVT floors are very easy to install. Make sure that the surface is clean and prepared before the process of installation. Whereas tiles often require professional installation because they are quite complex. You can install the LVT flooring by a simple click-lock method or bond-down method as a long-term solution. In most cases, you can lay down level flooring on an already existing floor.
While installation of ceramic or porcelain tiles is time-consuming and complex. They are hard to cut through and require professional tools. Unless you have the tools ready, it is going to be very hard to install the floor yourself. You may also need to sand, depending on the tiles you choose.
Conclusion
It is a tough decision to choose flooring for your new kitchen. Ceramic tiles and LVT floors both are great options for the kitchen. They are durable, stable, and highly resistant to water and moisture. Tiles are an expensive flooring. So if you want a more affordable option, luxury vinyl tiles are an ideal option for you.
