Vinyl flooring has become one of the most popular flooring choices for modern homes, and for good reason. It’s stylish, durable, and available in many options that suit different budgets and room types. Whether you’re considering luxury vinyl plank, sheet vinyl, or even waterproof peel-and-stick tiles, there’s a type of vinyl flooring for every space. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common types of vinyl flooring, their pros and cons, and what you can expect in terms of cost.
What Is Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a synthetic flooring option made primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It falls under the category of resilient flooring, meaning it’s flexible and can return to its original shape after compression. With improvements in manufacturing, vinyl now comes in various textures and finishes that resemble natural wood, stone, or ceramic — making it an affordable alternative for stylish interiors.
1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is designed to mimic the look of hardwood floors. Each plank has a high-resolution photographic layer, a tough wear layer, and a waterproof core, which is often made from SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) or WPC (Wood Plastic Composite).
Pros:
- Realistic wood appearance
- Waterproof and durable
- Great for high-traffic areas
- Easy click-lock installation
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than basic sheet vinyl
- Can feel hard underfoot without proper underlayment
Average Cost:
£20–£45 per square metre (installation not included)
2. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Flooring
Luxury vinyl tile flooring replicates stone or ceramic tile and is usually installed in a similar fashion — either with grout lines or interlocking edges.
Pros:
- Visually identical to real tile
- Softer and warmer underfoot than stone
- Suitable for bathrooms and kitchens due to moisture-resistant flooring
Cons:
- Grout maintenance (if used)
- Not as warm as carpet or natural wood
Average Cost:
£25–£50 per square metre
3. Sheet Vinyl Flooring
Sheet vinyl flooring comes in large, continuous rolls and is one of the most affordable vinyl options. It’s popular in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility areas.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Seamless installation reduces water infiltration
- Comes in many colours and styles
Cons:
- Difficult to replace if damaged
- Requires smooth subfloor preparation
Average Cost:
£12–£30 per square metre
4. Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT)
VCT is often seen in commercial settings like schools or hospitals. It’s made from limestone, filler materials, and a vinyl binder.
Pros:
- Highly durable and easy to replace tile-by-tile
- Ideal for high-traffic areas
- Long lifespan with proper maintenance
Cons:
- Requires regular waxing and polishing
- Not suitable for wet areas without sealing
Average Cost:
£10–£25 per square metre
5. Rigid Core Vinyl Flooring
Rigid core options like SPC flooring are a newer development. These floors offer outstanding dent resistance and are ideal for uneven subfloors.
Pros:
- High resistance to dents and scratches
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Built-in underlayment in many products
Cons:
- Less flexible than traditional vinyl
- May require subfloor preparation
Average Cost:
£25–£55 per square metre
6. Waterproof Vinyl Flooring
Many types of vinyl flooring today are built with waterproof features. Both LVP and LVT offer this benefit, especially when using SPC or WPC cores.
Ideal For:
- Bathrooms
- Basements
- Kitchens
- Homes with pets or young children
Waterproof vinyl is often used interchangeably with rigid core products, offering scratch-resistant flooring that can handle spills with ease.
7. Peel and Stick Vinyl Flooring
Peel and stick vinyl tiles are a DIY favourite. These tiles come with an adhesive backing and are pressed directly onto a prepared subfloor.
Pros:
- Simple DIY installation
- Affordable option
- Available in many styles
Cons:
- Adhesive can weaken over time in humid conditions
- Not as durable as click-lock or glue-down options
Average Cost:
£8–£20 per square metre
8. Glue-Down Vinyl Flooring
Glue-down vinyl is installed using adhesive spread across the subfloor. It’s commonly used in commercial spaces and larger residential projects.
Pros:
- Strong, permanent bond
- Suitable for large or irregularly shaped rooms
- Can handle heavy furniture and equipment
Cons:
- Labour-intensive to install
- Difficult to remove or replace
Average Cost:
£15–£35 per square metre
9. Floating Vinyl Flooring
This is a term used for vinyl floors that are not fixed to the subfloor with glue or nails. Instead, they “float” and are often installed using a click-lock system.
Benefits:
- Faster installation
- Easier to replace or upgrade
- Can be installed over some existing flooring
Choosing the Right Vinyl Flooring
When deciding between the different types of vinyl flooring, consider the following:
- Room Type: For moisture-prone areas like bathrooms or kitchens, go with waterproof LVT or SPC.
- Budget: Sheet vinyl is the most cost-effective. Luxury options like LVP come at a higher price.
- Installation: Peel-and-stick and floating floors are DIY-friendly. Glue-down options may require a professional.
- Durability: Look for thicker wear layers if you have pets, kids, or heavy foot traffic.
- Sustainability: While vinyl is synthetic, some brands now offer eco-friendly vinyl options made from recycled materials.
Vinyl Flooring Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Affordable and cost-effective
- Water and scratch-resistant
- Wide design and texture variety
- Comfortable and warmer than ceramic or stone
- Low maintenance
Cons:
- Not biodegradable
- Prone to fading in direct sunlight
- Subfloor must be clean and smooth
- May not add as much resale value as hardwood
Final Thoughts: Is Vinyl Flooring Worth It?
For many homeowners, vinyl flooring offers the perfect balance between affordability, style, and durability. Whether you want the timeless look of hardwood with luxury vinyl planks, the modern appeal of rigid core vinyl, or the simplicity of peel-and-stick tiles, there’s an option to suit every space and budget.
Make sure to assess your needs — moisture resistance, ease of installation, cost, and maintenance — to choose the best type of vinyl flooring for your home. As always, consult a flooring specialist if you’re unsure about subfloor preparation or which option is best for your lifestyle.
If you’re ready to upgrade your floors with something stylish, easy to maintain, and tough enough for real life — vinyl might just be your perfect match.
