Vinyl vs. Tile: which is the better purchase?

This used to be no argument; however, advancements in vinyl flooring have now made it one. Vinyl vs. tile, which is the better purchase? We will discuss durability, appearance, installation, cost, and resale value. Hopefully, by the end, you will have made your flooring decision.

Vinyl vs. Tile, Round 1: Durability

A multi-layered composition makes vinyl plank flooring fairly durable. The flooring flexes upon impact, enabling it to withstand impacts, even big ones. Its prime layer is a wear layer. The wear layer protects the floor from scratching and marking. Because it’s soft and flexible, it’s ultimately very hard to damage. In addition, moisture has a hard time reaching the core of the plank because it has to move through all layers in order to do so.

Ceramic tile is known for its strength. It is a hard surface that doesn’t get affected by changing climates or home accidents. However, if at any point a crack does occur in the ceramic, the tile can be tough to restore. Unlike vinyl, ceramic is not flexible. The flooring type doesn’t have the ability to bend at the point of impact. This can make it easier to damage, regardless of its hardness.

As a final point…

Ceramic tile doesn’t earn its title until it has a water absorption rate of <0.5. 0.5 is not 0, that means water can seep through the floor and cause problems. This is just not as mcuh of an issue with vinyl. In fact, some vinyl plank flooring is offered at 100% waterproof.

Durability Winner: Vinyl

Vinyl vs. Tile, Round 2: Appearance

Vinyl is more of an acquired taste. It’s not that it doesn’t look good, it’s just that some homeowners can take issue with it not being real hardwood. Though, if you can get your mind past that, vinyl plank flooring is usually a steal for good looks. The resemblance of vinyl in comparison to hardwood is only getting better. The planks are wider than a typical hardwood flooring, but as far as look go, vinyl doesn’t suffer much. Vinyl shares the same versatility as hardwood. It could be selected to immitate virtually and type of true hardwood. It can also immitate almost any tile type.

Obviously, ceramic tile carries a totally different look than vinyl. Ceramic is more of a timeless look that blends in more than it stands out. It is consistant and can act as a nice compliment to kitchen cabinetry and overall home furnishings. As long as you’ll be able to keep the tile grout clear, ceramic can hold up a consistent clean look over time.

Appearance Winner: It’s a matter of taste. You choose! Though, vinyl’s versatility could be the kicker.

Vinyl vs. Tile, Round 3: Installation

Do-it-yourself is an option with vinyl flooring installation. The flooring type can be glued or nailed simply to a subfloor. As long as the subfloor is clean and flat, you’ll be in for an easy installation. You can install vinyl flooring by using the click-lock technique. This technique makes it to where the vinyl planks fit together like a puzzle.

Ceramic tiles require mortar and grout in order be laid. This can be messy and precise. Thus, the installation of ceramic is best left to a professional installation company. The ability to install the tile precisely is extremely necessary. If it isn’t laid properly, it is going to be more vulnerable to cracking.

Installation Winner: Vinyl

Vinyl vs. Tile, Round 4: Cost

Vinyl is traditionally cheaper than ceramic. Quality ranges with all flooring types; due to this fact, you can find each vinyl and ceramic on the low-end and the high-end. With that said, vinyl flooring is more inexpensive across the board.

Top quality ceramic will cost significantly more than vinyl. Add in the cost of installation and you will be paying far more. Basically, the thicker the ceramic tile, the more expensive.  

Cost Winner: Vinyl, it’ll get you more bang for your buck.

Vinyl vs. Tile, Round 5: Resale Value

Vinyl is bought more for functional purposes than for visual purposes. While it does look good, it’s ultimately a flooring type that homeowners can easily maintain and prevent damage to. Due to its functional purposes and low cost, home evaluators don’t value vinyl flooring very highly.

Ceramic holds a more timeless, long-term appeal. Therefore, it carries more weight in resale value. It won’t add the type of value that you’d get from hardwood or natural stone flooring, however you should see at least a slight increase in home value with ceramic tile.

Resale Value Winner: Ceramic

In all, vinyl outscores ceramic tile 4 to 1. Does this mean that you should choose vinyl over ceramic? Not necessarily. At the end of the day, it’s up to your personal taste, along with the needs of your home. Ceramic can go a long way in look, however vinyl offers more for its price. Good luck with your choice!

Whichever flooring type you decide on, know that you can find it at Stone Expo Inc! We offer every type of vinyl and ceramic flooring. We can also install your new flooring for you. Contact Stone Expo Inc. at  (949) 425-8600. Lastly, please visit our blog for more helpful home remodeling input.