Your bathroom is one of the hardest-working spaces in your home, and the flooring you choose must handle moisture, resist wear, and continue looking great for years to come.
With luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and tile both vying for the top spot, how do you know which is right for you? One is warm and budget-friendly, the other tough and timeless—but the differences go deeper than that.
Before you commit, let’s break down the key factors that will help you make the smartest decision.
Luxury Vinyl Planks vs. Tile
Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are a synthetic flooring option designed to mimic hardwood. They are becoming more and more popular in professional bathroom remodels and DIY bathroom makeovers.
Made from multiple layers, including a durable wear layer, a high-resolution image layer, and a waterproof core, LVP is known for its resilience and ease of maintenance.
Unlike traditional hardwood, LVP is water-resistant or waterproof and is available in various colors and finishes. Many options feature textured surfaces for a more realistic wood feel. Installation is easy whether you choose click-lock or glue-down options.
Tile flooring, commonly made from ceramic or porcelain, is a durable and water-resistant option widely used in bathrooms.
Ceramic tiles are made from clay and baked at lower temperatures, making them slightly more porous, while porcelain tiles are denser and more water-resistant due to their high-temperature manufacturing process.
Both types are available in a vast range of colors, patterns, and textures, including options that mimic stone or wood. Tile flooring is highly durable, scratch-resistant, and long-lasting, making it a popular choice for wet areas with heavy foot traffic.
Appearance
LVP closely resembles hardwood, featuring realistic wood grain patterns and textures. It comes in various plank sizes, colors, and finishes. Modern LVP can convincingly mimic oak, maple, or exotic hardwoods.
Tile offers a timeless aesthetic and more variety in design, ranging from traditional stone and ceramic looks to wood-look tiles that replicate real planks. Unlike LVP, tile can have intricate patterns, glossy or matte finishes, and decorative mosaics.
Comfort
Luxury vinyl planks are softer and more forgiving underfoot compared to tile. Their layered construction provides slight cushioning, which reduces foot fatigue and makes standing for long periods more comfortable. LVP also stays warmer than tile, especially in colder climates.
Tile is a harder, more rigid flooring option, which can be uncomfortable to stand on for long periods. It also tends to feel cold, especially in winter, unless paired with radiant heating.
However, tile’s solid structure makes it ideal for high-traffic areas, and it does not compress under weight like vinyl.
Durability and Lifespan
Luxury vinyl planks are highly durable, with wear layers that protect against scratches, stains, and general wear. However, they can dent under heavy furniture or sharp objects. LVP lasts 10–25 years with proper care, but it may show wear faster in high-traffic areas.
Tile is one of the most durable flooring options and is resistant to scratches, dents, and moisture. Porcelain tiles, in particular, have superior longevity, lasting 50+ years with minimal maintenance.
However, grout lines can stain or crack over time, and individual tiles may chip if heavy objects are dropped on them.
Water and Heat Resistance
Most luxury vinyl planks are water-resistant, and many options are labeled fully waterproof. However, if water seeps through seams, it can damage the subfloor. LVP withstands moderate heat but may warp under extreme temperatures or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Tile is naturally waterproof, making it one of the best choices for wet environments. Porcelain tiles are particularly impervious to moisture. Additionally, tile is highly heat-resistant, making it a great option for bathrooms with radiant heating systems or homes in hot climates.
Ease of Installation
Luxury vinyl planks can be installed over existing flooring and are easier to install than tile, often featuring a click-lock system that allows for floating floor installation without adhesives. DIY installation is common, as LVP requires minimal specialized tools.
Tile installation is labor-intensive and requires mortar, grout, and precise cutting. Subfloor preparation is essential, and tiles must be carefully laid to avoid uneven surfaces.
Professional installation is recommended, making it more expensive and time-consuming than LVP. However, the result is a highly durable and long-lasting floor.
Cost
Luxury vinyl planks are generally more affordable than tile, with prices ranging from $2 to $7 per square foot. Installation costs are lower, especially for DIY projects, making LVP a budget-friendly choice. Higher-end LVP can be more expensive but still costs less than tile.
Tiles vary widely in cost depending on the material. Ceramic tiles range from $3 to $10 per square foot, while porcelain and natural stone tiles can exceed $15 per square foot. Installation costs are also higher due to labor and materials.
Maintenance
Luxury vinyl planks are easy to maintain with regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping. They don’t require sealing or grout cleaning, so upkeep is simple. However, sharp objects and harsh cleaners can damage the wear layer over time, and deep scratches are difficult to repair.
Tile is also low-maintenance but requires more effort to keep grout lines clean, as they can stain or develop mold. Porcelain and ceramic tiles resist moisture and stains, but natural stone tiles need periodic sealing. Regular sweeping and mopping keep tiles looking their best.
Impact on Resale Value
Luxury vinyl planks enhance a bathroom’s aesthetic appeal but may not add as much resale value as tile. While high-quality LVP can attract buyers, it’s still considered a lower-cost option compared to tile, which is often viewed as a more premium flooring material.
Tile is a sought-after flooring choice that can boost home value, especially if you choose high-end porcelain or natural stone. Homebuyers often associate tile with durability and luxury, making it a strong investment.
Environmental Concerns
Luxury vinyl planks are made from synthetic materials, including PVC, which raises environmental concerns. Some LVP products emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and are not biodegradable.
Tile is an environmentally friendly flooring option, especially those made from natural materials like clay. They do not emit VOCs and have a long lifespan, thus reducing waste.
Luxury Vinyl Planks: Pros & Cons
The affordability, appearance, and comfort of luxury vinyl planks are appealing, but they also come with some drawbacks.
Pros:
- Water-resistant or waterproof
- Comfortable underfoot
- Easy to install
- Affordable
- Low maintenance needs
- Realistic wood appearance
Cons:
- Less durable than tile
- Can be damaged by prolonged water exposure
- Lower resale value
- Environmental concerns
- Not as heat-resistant
Bathroom Flooring Tiles: Pros & Cons
Tile flooring has long been a go-to choice for bathrooms due to its durability, water resistance, and timeless appeal, but it does have some drawbacks.
Pros:
- Highly durable
- Completely waterproof
- Heat-resistant
- Boosts resale value
- Wide variety of styles
- Eco-friendly option
Cons:
- Hard and cold underfoot
- Difficult and expensive to install
- Grout maintenance required
- Higher upfront cost
- Can crack or chip
How To Decide Which Is Right For You
If you prioritize comfort, affordability, and easy installation, luxury vinyl planks may be the best choice. LVP provides a warm, cushioned feel underfoot, is budget-friendly, and allows for DIY installation. However, while water-resistant, it’s not as waterproof or long-lasting as tile.
If you want a highly durable, waterproof, and premium flooring option, tile is the superior choice. It excels in longevity, resale value, and moisture resistance. However, it has higher upfront costs, needs professional installation, and requires grout maintenance.
Choosing between the two can be hard, but ultimately, your decision should align with your budget, design preferences, and long-term goals.
Related Questions
Which is better, luxury vinyl tile or luxury vinyl plank?
Both have similar benefits, but luxury vinyl plank (LVP) mimics hardwood, while luxury vinyl tile (LVT) replicates stone or ceramic. LVP is often preferred for a warmer, softer feel, while LVT offers a more traditional tiled look. The best choice depends on your style and design preferences.
What lasts longer, vinyl or tile?
Tile generally lasts longer than luxury vinyl, with a lifespan of 50+ years compared to 10–25 years for vinyl. Porcelain and ceramic tiles resist wear and moisture exceptionally well, while vinyl can wear down faster, especially in high-traffic areas, though proper care can extend its longevity.
What are the disadvantages of LVT in bathrooms?
LVT is softer than tile, making it more prone to dents and scratches. It also has a shorter lifespan and may not add as much resale value. If not properly sealed, water can seep through seams, potentially damaging the subfloor, especially in high-moisture areas like bathrooms.
What happens if water gets under luxury vinyl plank flooring?
If water seeps under LVP, it can cause mold, mildew, or subfloor damage, especially if the planks aren’t waterproof or were not properly installed. While some LVP is water-resistant, prolonged exposure to moisture can weaken adhesives and cause planks to shift or lift over time.