Consumers who love the look of hardwoods but not the hassle now have a variety of options for imitating hardwood in their homes. The best on the market are: vinyl plank and wood-look tile flooring, but which is best for you? Both mimic the classic beauty of hardwoods when sitting on the home improvement store shelf, but how do they stack up when put into action?
Vinyl plank and wood-look tile flooring (ceramic and porcelain wood-look tile), each offer benefits for consumers, but they have their drawbacks as well. From appearance to durability, we’ll compare the two flooring types based on 7 factors, helping you make the most informed purchasing decision.
Wood-Look Tile Vs. Luxury Vinyl Planks: Summary of Our Winners
- Durability: Wood-look tile
- Water-Resistance: Wood-look tile
- Sizes, Styles & Colors: Wood-look tile
- Care & Maintenance: Luxury vinyl plank
- Installation: Luxury vinyl plank
- Cost: Luxury vinyl plank
- Resale Value: Wood-look tile
Side-By-Side Comparison
| Vinyl Plank | Wood Look Tile | |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Extremely durable, but heavy furniture may cause denting. Can be prone to rips and tears. | Extremely durable, but can crack over time, especially if installed improperly or misused. |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Cleaning | Clean with a steam mop or a wet mop using mild, non-abrasive cleaning products. | Mild cleaners work well, and mopping is effective. Grout might need scrubbing or restoration. |
| Maintenance | No wax should ever be used on vinyl. No-wax polishes can be used to restore shine. | Grout may need restoration over time, and damaged tiles will require replacement. |
| Pet-Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Styles | Available in various wood styles, including cherry, oak, and mahogany. | Available in various wood styles, including pine, oak, and walnut. Also available in a variety of exotic wood styles. |
| Installation | Floating or peel-and-stick | Traditional installation with mortar and grout |
| Prone to Fading | More prone to fading | Will not fade |
| Sizes | Typically 4-inches to 8-inches wide. Lengths typically up to 48 inches. Can use a utility knife to cut to size. | Widths starting at 4 inches and up to 12 inches. Lengths range from 28 to 48 inches. Needs a tile saw to cut. |
| Colors | Comes in a variety of colors such as white, gray, black, and light or dark wood tones | Available in various colors including white, black, gray, light and dark wood finishes |
| Flooring Guide | Vinyl Plank Flooring Guide | Wood Look Tile Flooring Guide |
1. Durability
WINNER: When compared head-to-head, wood-look tile outshines vinyl plank in durability. It resists fading, scratching, and everyday wear and tear, making it one of the toughest flooring options available today.
Hardwood floors are durable and can easily last for many years with proper care. However, as pet owners and parents know, hardwoods can be scratched and dinged, requiring pricey refinishing or even replacement over time. This is why many households are now turning to hardwood alternatives such as vinyl plank and wood-look tile.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Durability
Manufacturers have created faux wood planks that look similar to expensive hardwoods in the form of LVPs. These types of flooring are designed with several protective layers, including a backing, rigid core, design layer, and a top wear layer that’s supposed to shield the flooring from scratches, dents, and fading due to sunlight.
LVP is highly durable and can withstand everyday use for many years, making it ideal for residential spaces. However, it’s important to note that vinyl planks are generally less resistant to damage from heavy impacts compared to porcelain wood-look tiles.
But while vinyl plank isn’t as tough as real wood, it comes with its own set of advantages: it’s more pet- and kid-friendly. It stands up better to scratches caused by pet claws, active children, or the daily wear and tear of a busy household.
You won’t typically notice signs of wear from daily use on vinyl plank flooring, but it’s not completely damage-proof. Since it’s a softer material compared to wood or tile, it can be torn or cut when you drop sharp objects or drag furniture across the floor. Once damaged, you will need to replace the affected plank.
Prolonged sunlight exposure can also cause vinyl plank flooring to fade over time. To minimize this, homeowners should use blinds or curtains to limit sunlight during the day or opt for area rugs to protect sections exposed to direct light.
Vinyl plank may also dent over time because it is a softer material. This commonly occurs when weight is placed on the vinyl for long periods of time, like underneath furniture or heavy appliances.
Wood-Look Tile Durability
Wood-look tile is ceramic or porcelain flooring that is designed to look like hardwood flooring and is incredibly durable, thanks to the high temperatures at which they are fired, making them resistant to wear and tear.
In addition to its beauty, it also boasts many benefits that make it a preferred option over hardwoods for some homeowners. Durability is one of these benefits.
Tile flooring offers exceptional durability. Its harder composition compared to wood or vinyl plank makes it more resistant to dents, scratches, fading, and other types of wear. These tiles are tough enough to be used in high-traffic areas and can even be installed outdoors. That said, it’s not completely indestructible, much like vinyl.
Wood-look tile easily holds up to daily wear and tear, but it can still crack like any other porcelain or ceramic tile. For instance, dropping a heavy object could cause the tile to chip or break. In such cases, you will also need to remove or replace the damaged tile.
2. Resistance To Water
WINNER: Even though LVPs and wood-look tiles are water-resistant, wood-look tile is the superior choice. This flooring won’t stain, buckle, or warp and it doesn’t have the gaping issues that LVPs have.
Hardwood flooring looks great, but everyone knows that wetness can ruin it. Enter vinyl plank and wood-look tile. When put to the test, which can hold up to water exposure?
Luxury Vinyl Plank Water Resistance
Luxury vinyl planks are 100% water-resistant when you install them correctly. This flooring can become wet without buckling, warping, or staining. You can install it in moisture-prone rooms like bathrooms, kitchens, and sub-grade basements without fear of damage.
However, it is important to note that if there is any gaping in vinyl plank flooring, moisture can seep through. This could lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Adhesive on peel-and-stick planks could also become loose and require a replacement plank.
Wood-Look Tile Water Resistance
Wood look tiles are also highly water-resistant. They can withstand exposure to moisture without sustaining damage. This makes this flooring an ideal option for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. When installed and grouted correctly, tile effectively prevents moisture from reaching the subfloor below.
3. Sizes, Styles & Colors
WINNER: While it’s a close call in terms of color, style, and sizing options, wood-look tile takes a slight lead over vinyl. With more size variations and designs that mimic exotic hardwoods, this flooring option delivers the authentic look of hardwood paired with the durability of tile.
Flooring isn’t “one-size-fits-all.” Consumers want to be able to choose from a variety of colors, styles, and sizes. So, how do vinyl plank and wood-look tile compare to the seemingly endless options offered by traditional hardwoods?
Luxury Vinyl Plank Options
LVP has come a long way in mimicking the appearance of real wood. Advanced printing and embossing techniques now make it difficult to distinguish high-quality LVP from authentic hardwood, offering a realistic wood look that’s both beautiful and durable.
Vinyl plank comes in a variety of colors that resemble the most popular types of wood flooring. This includes oak, pine, and walnut. These floors are available in a variety of colors and styles, including rustic, traditional, and modern.
Sizes range from widths of about 6 inches to 9 inches, with lengths spanning 36 inches to 72 inches or more, depending on the brand.
Vinyl plank is also available in a selection of thicknesses up to over 4 millimeters. Many feature realistic patterns and embossed textures that closely replicate the feel and appearance of natural wood.
Wood-Look Tile Options
Porcelain tiles designed to mimic wood have become highly realistic, with high-definition printing and textures that replicate the grain, color variations, and texture of real wood. They offer a more authentic wood appearance than some lower-quality LVPs, and can closely resemble the look of natural wood without the associated maintenance. The variety of styles available also allows for a wide selection of wood looks from modern to traditional.
Available wood species include oak, walnut, and even more exotic options like Brazilian pecan. Styles range from rustic and shabby-chic to sleek, modern designs.
Size options include widths from approximately 4 inches to 12 inches, with lengths ranging from 28 inches to 48 inches. Similar to vinyl, wood-look tile uses advanced 3D printing technology to create realistic wood grains and textures that mirror the beauty of real hardwood.
4. Care & Maintenance
WINNER: While both wood-look tile and vinyl are relatively easy to maintain, LVP has the edge here. Cleaning and restoring dirty grout requires extra effort, which puts wood-look tile at a disadvantage in this category.
Maintaining hardwood floors is one of their biggest downsides. You can’t get water on it, and you need to clean it with special products. You need to wax it to retain its shine. If the floor is old or damaged, it will need to be refinished, which can easily cost thousands of dollars. This is why more homeowners are turning to other bare flooring types like vinyl plank.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Care & Maintenance
Vinyl plank is one of the easiest flooring types to care for and maintain, requiring no special procedures or products to keep it looking its best.
You can clean luxury vinyl plank daily with just a dust mop or broom. You can also use a vacuum designed for bare floors to remove dust, dirt, and debris. For heavier cleaning, you can use a no-wax cleaner with a wet mop.
If your vinyl plank floor starts to lose its shine, avoid using wax. Wax can create a buildup that you’ll eventually have to strip away. Instead, opt for a no-wax polish specifically made for vinyl floors.
For stubborn marks like ink that regular cleaners can’t tackle, try acetone or nail polish remover. These will lift the mark without harming your floor.
Wood-Look Tile Care & Maintenance
Wood-look tile is also easy to clean. For everyday messes, simply sweep, dust mop, or vacuum bare floors. When dealing with larger spills, a mild cleaner and warm water paired with a sponge, cloth, or mop will do the trick.
However, grout can be a bit trickier. The grout lines between tiles can trap dirt and require additional cleaning. Mopping alone often won’t cut it when it gets grimy. To keep it looking fresh, use a mild cleanser or a mixture of white vinegar and water, applying it with a scrub brush for a deeper clean. (Tip: Sealing the grout can help prevent staining and simplify maintenance.)
Over time, grout (especially lighter shades) can become stained and noticeably dirty. If that happens, there are products designed to restore its original color. Grout pens are also an option if you want to refresh or even change the grout color altogether.
5. Installation
WINNER: For installation, vinyl plank clearly wins. Most homeowners can easily install this flooring themselves. On the other hand, professionals usually need to install wood-look tile. That can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the cost of flooring.
When considering the costs of flooring, one of the expenses that should be calculated is installation. This is why many homeowners opt to do the job themselves, potentially saving thousands of dollars. When it comes to vinyl plank versus wood-look tile, which offers the easiest installation process?
Luxury Vinyl Plank Installation
LVP is known for its ease of installation, particularly for DIY homeowners. Many varieties of LVP come with a click-lock system, where one plank fits into the next, making it simple to install without the need for special tools. Additionally, LVP does not require extensive subfloor preparation, and its flexibility makes it easier to cut, ensuring a smoother installation process compared to porcelain tiles.
That said, there are two different types of vinyl flooring:
Flooring LVP Flooring
The first kind is a floating floor. This is similar to laminate in that people do not glue or nail it down, but instead click it together piece by piece.
This type of flooring has a tongue-and-groove design that allows installers to easily snap the planks together. You can easily cut and score each flooring piece using a utility knife. Other than measuring and ensuring you lock the planks into place, there are very few installation steps you need to follow.
Peel-and-Stick Planks
The other type of vinyl plank is peel-and-stick. These planks come with a paper backing that you peel off to reveal adhesive. You cut the planks using scissors or a utility knife, then apply them directly to the subfloor underneath.
Peel-and-stick planks are one of the easiest flooring types to install. Even homeowners with no experience in remodeling can tackle this project in just a few hours. Likewise, with a little know-how, installing a floating floor is also fairly simple and straightforward.
Wood-Look Tile Installation
On the other side, ceramic and porcelain tile installation can certainly prove to be a difficult DIY project. First, ensure the subfloor is properly prepped. If not, the tiles may become uneven and crack shortly after installation. The subfloor must be thoroughly prepared and leveled before installation, and special tools such as a wet tile saw and tile spacers are necessary.
Once the subfloor is ready, you stick tile to the floor using mortar. Place spacers in between tiles so that you can apply grout between them. You will then apply and clean off the grout, which can prove to be a very messy process.
You will have to cut tile throughout the installation, and you will need to do this using a wet tile saw. These saws can be expensive, although renting one from a home improvement store can cut down on cost. While cutting, tiles can chip, crack, or break, resulting in the need for more tiles to finish the job.
While it isn’t impossible for someone inexperienced in flooring installation to install tile flooring, it’s important to note that this job can be very tedious and time-consuming. If done improperly, tiles can break and you will need to pry them up and replace them. This is why most homeowners opt to hire a professional.
6. Cost
WINNER: In terms of price, vinyl plank flooring is the winner and offers the best value. It typically ranges from $3.00 to $7.00 per square foot often with an attached underlayer while wood-look tile can reach up to $12.00 per square foot.
Hardwood floors are generally considered at the top end, which means expensive, and you can find hardwoods out there that cost as much as $15.00 per square foot. But there are also much cheaper options, starting from as little as $3.00 per square foot. However, if you are looking for something of reasonable quality, don’t expect to pay less than $4.00-$7.00 per square foot.
You will probably also need the services of a professional contractor to install hardwoods. You need to take account of things such as expansion and contraction of the wood, so there is a lot more to it than just wielding a nail gun. This can add an additional $3.00-$7.00 per square foot.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Cost
Vinyl plank flooring will set you back anywhere between $3.00-$7.00 per square foot. This represents good value when you consider that it usually comes with an underlayer attached, and is simple enough that anyone with reasonable DIY experience should be able to do the install themselves. This price range is also competitive when compared to other flooring options, and LVP also tends to be more affordable in terms of installation costs, especially if you take the DIY route.
Wood-Look Tile Cost
Wood-look tile flooring can cost anywhere between $2.00 and $12.00 per square foot depending on the style that you choose. While cheaper options are comparable to LVP in some cases, the cost of installation and additional materials (such as grout and underlayment) can increase the overall expense.
Bear in mind that you will most likely need the services of a professional to install. Their skills will be required both to prepare the substrate, ensure that the tiles are laid evenly, and ensure the individual tile patterns are aligned for the best overall aesthetic.
7. Resale Value
WINNER: When it comes to resale value, wood-look ceramic tile surpasses vinyl plank. When the right flooring is selected, this could add thousands of dollars to the value of a home.
While selling their home might not be in the immediate future of a homeowner, it’s always a wise move to consider how a renovation might affect future resale value. After all, anyone spending a lot of time and money to update their home would like to see a return on this expense in the future.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Resale Value
Vinyl flooring has gotten a bad rap in the past. Because it’s one of the most affordable flooring types, it’s often viewed as cheap and thought to drop the value of a home.
However, today’s vinyl is still affordable but isn’t like the cheap, tacky vinyl of past years. Instead, this flooring looks elegant and beautiful with many added benefits such as being kid-friendly for families. In fact, many home builders are even using this type of flooring in new construction.
That said, despite its improved appearance, homeowners generally should not expect to see much of a return on the resale value. While value may go up slightly, it wouldn’t be as drastic as with homes that are upgraded with hardwoods or ceramic tile.
Wood-Look Tile Resale Value
On the other hand, the return on porcelain or ceramic tile is quite significant. Because tile is so durable, long-lasting, and timeless, homeowners can expect this type of flooring to add value to their homes.
However, it is important to note that choosing an overly trendy flooring style could have the opposite effect. Very trendy styles could look dated after a short period of time, leading to lower offers when trying to sell.
Homeowners who plan to stay put for a while can certainly choose whatever flooring they like, but homeowners who do see a sale in their future should stick with classic and traditional styles.
FAQs
Whether vinyl plank or wood-look tiles are a better choice for achieving a wood look in your home depends on what you are looking for.
Wood-look tiles far outperform vinyl when it comes to durability and ease of cleaning and maintenance. But tiles can be very cold and hard underfoot, which means they don’t always work well in colder climates or in places where people will spend a lot of time on their feet, such as kitchens.
While vinyl is less durable, it is still relatively durable and waterproof, plus it is warmer, can be laid over ambient heating, and is relatively soft underfoot. The other big advantage is that it is cheaper than tile. Not only are the planks less expensive on average, but the installation costs are significantly lower.
Does Vinyl Plank Flooring Increase Home Value?
While replacing any floor that has buckled or looks like it has been through a war can add some value to your home, generally speaking vinyl is not the floor of choice when it comes to adding value.
Hardwoods and tile are the best floorings when it comes to adding value to your home. They have a very long lifespan, and they are considered classic floors that will never go out of style.
Vinyl simply does not have the same prestige in terms of style, and while it might have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, wood and tile can last a hundred years.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Vinyl Plank Flooring?
While vinyl plank flooring is an excellent new technology that provides attractive and durable floors at an affordable price, there are drawbacks. Primary among them is that vinyl flooring has a relatively short lifespan, of only around 15–20 years, and vinyl floors also do nothing for the resale value of your home.
But there are other concerns as well. First of all, as the look of the vinyl is achieved with a photographic layer, the floor is quite susceptible to fading in the sun, just like any photo. Also, while it will hold up well under pet claws and shoes, it can certainly be dented and damaged by heavy objects such as furniture. And once a plank is damaged, there is no way to rejuvenate or resurface it. It will have to be replaced.
Vinyl flooring is also not great for the environment, either in terms of manufacture or disposal. Most vinyl flooring is not biodegradable, so once you pull it out, it will sit in landfill forever. The chemicals used to make the planks can also be released into the air during installation, some of which can be harmful.
Do Vinyl Tiles Look Cheap?
There is some great technology out there to make vinyl flooring that looks genuinely like real hardwood. The print can even be textured to make it feel like hardwood under your toes. But, as with most things, you get what you pay for.
If you go for the cheapest possible option, at around $3.00-$4.00 per square inch, you can’t necessarily expect your floor to look like real hardwood. Expect to pay at least $5.00-$7.00 per square foot if you want top quality.
Which Brand Of Vinyl Flooring Is Best?
There are a lot of really great vinyl flooring brands currently on the market. It is quickly becoming a popular option, so manufacturers are invested in producing quality options. But our favorite brands that we recommend are Karndean Korlok, Armstrong PRZYM, and COREtec Plus.
Karndean Korlok is currently the gold standard as far as vinyl flooring is concerned. It comes with a 20 mil wear layer and a lifetime warranty and is relatively affordable at around $4.00-$5.-00 per square foot.
PRYZM is great when it comes to options, as there are more than 20 shades to choose from. It comes with an easy-to-use click-lock installation method and is also designed to absorb sound and shock so that it’s comfortable underfoot.
COREtec Plus is a little pricey, but it delivers on quality. You get a 20-mil wear layer and lifetime warranty, and it is incredibly simple to install as a floating floor.
Can You Put Heavy Furniture On Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl flooring can be sensitive to heavy furniture. Its flexibility means that it can also buckle under extreme weights, and heavy objects certainly shouldn’t be dragged across the floor. Use felt furniture pads to act as a barrier between furniture and the floor.
The Verdict
Vinyl plank and wood-look tile are both viable alternatives to hardwood flooring for anyone looking for something that stands up better to scratches and water exposure.
Which is best depends on what you need. When it comes to durability, water resistance, and adding value to your home, wood-look tile is the hands-down winner. But it is expensive and difficult to install and can be very cold and hard underfoot, which means that it is not ideal for all environments.
Vinyl is less durable than tile and will add nothing to the resale value of your home. However, it is inexpensive, easier to care for and install, is soft and warm underfoot, and can also be installed on top of ambient heating.
Both are viable alternatives to hardwood floors. Which is right for you depends on your specific needs.
If you have any comments or firsthand experiences with vinyl or wood-look tile flooring, please post them below or share your pictures via our social media.
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