Luxury Vinyl Flooring From Cheapest To Most Expensive

Luxury vinyl flooring has become a preferred alternative for many homeowners and businesses, owing to its ability to emulate the aesthetics of natural wood found in engineered wood flooring while surpassing the laminate flooring visuals for a more genuine wood-like ambiance. If you’re considering luxury vinyl flooring, understanding the price points based on types and features can help you make an informed decision. Here, we navigate the landscape of luxury vinyl flooring from the most economical to the most premium options.

From Economical to High-End: Luxury Vinyl Flooring Cores

 

 

Traditional PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) vinyl flooring has been a long-standing choice in the flooring industry. However, technological innovations have led to the introduction of new products tailored to meet the dynamic needs and expectations of discerning consumers. Within these advanced categories of luxury vinyl flooring, WPC (wood plastic composite) vinyl and SPC (stone plastic composite) vinyl have become particularly noteworthy.

PVC vinyl flooring, the pioneer in luxury vinyl flooring options, is also the thinnest, with a thickness of 4mm or less. Its slender profile confers enhanced flexibility and reduces manufacturing costs, making it the most budget-friendly choice.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the SPC variant utilises a core engineered from a blend of limestone and stabilisers. This formulation lends it unparalleled durability and stability, but it also nudges up the price point.

While the PVC core is undeniably the more economical choice, it may be wise to consider the SPC core flooring despite its slightly higher cost. The performance and longevity benefits it provides far outweigh the modest price difference.

Cost Implications of Luxury Vinyl Flooring Thickness

 

 

The thickness of the plank, tile, or herringbone board directly influences the price, ranging from the more cost-effective 2mm to the high-end 8mm thickness, with a top wear layer varying between 0.1mm to 0.6mm. This protective layer safeguards the underlying photographic layer, prolonging the flooring’s lifespan.

Although thickness doesn’t impact the appearance of the flooring, thicker boards (6mm and above) are often deployed in commercial properties where the demand for durability is more pronounced. For residential installations, luxury vinyl flooring of 4mm to 5mm thickness usually meets all requirements comfortably.

Consequently, the thinner 2mm to 4mm options are the most cost-effective, while the 5mm to 8mm alternatives are priced at a premium.

The Influence of Style on Luxury Vinyl Flooring Costs

 

 

Luxury vinyl flooring is available in plank, tile, and herringbone styles, each with its unique aesthetic appeal and cost. The plank style, favoured for its ability to replicate traditional wood aesthetics and suitable for a variety of settings, is the most economical. In contrast, the herringbone style, given its complex manufacturing process, is the priciest.

As such, the cost-effective sequence would start from plank style, proceeding to tile, and ending with the more premium herringbone style.

The Underlay Factor in Luxury Vinyl Flooring Pricing

 

 

An increasing number of luxury vinyl flooring options now come with built-in underlay. Serving as a supporting cushion for your flooring, the underlay offers a multitude of benefits, including soundproofing, cushioning, comfort, insulation, moisture resistance, and floor levelling. Opting for built-in underlay can streamline the installation process, resulting in significant time and cost savings.

Hence, the most budget-friendly option would be luxury vinyl flooring without built-in underlay, with the slightly more expensive choice being the flooring with integrated underlay.

Summarising Your Options

In summary, when seeking budget-friendly options, consider PVC core luxury vinyl flooring with a thickness of 2mm to 4mm, in plank style, without a built-in underlay. For mid-range choices, explore WPC core vinyl flooring, with a thickness of 4mm to 5mm, in tile style, possibly with a built-in underlay. Finally, if you’re looking at premium options, SPC core luxury vinyl flooring with a thickness of 5mm to 8mm, in a herringbone style, and with a built-in underlay would be the choice.

Bear in mind that while cost is an important factor, it shouldn’t compromise the quality, durability, and aesthetics of your flooring, which are key considerations for long-term satisfaction and value. Therefore, even the more expensive options can be viewed as an investment, offering you excellent durability, functionality, and visual appeal.

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FAQ

What is the most budget-friendly core option in luxury vinyl flooring?

The most economical core option in luxury vinyl flooring is PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) vinyl flooring. It is the thinnest among the options and its reduced manufacturing cost due to its slender profile makes it the most cost-effective choice.

What core type should I consider for a balance between cost and performance in luxury vinyl flooring?

While slightly pricier, Stone Plastic Composite (SPC) vinyl flooring provides superior durability and stability, making it an excellent option if you seek a balance between cost and performance.

Does the thickness of luxury vinyl flooring influence its cost?

Yes, the thickness of luxury vinyl flooring does influence its cost. Thinner options ranging from 2mm to 4mm are the most cost-effective, while thicker alternatives between 5mm to 8mm are priced at a premium.

Which style of luxury vinyl flooring is the most economical?

The plank style of luxury vinyl flooring is the most economical. It is favoured for its ability to replicate traditional wood aesthetics and is suitable for a variety of settings.

Does opting for luxury vinyl flooring with built-in underlay increase its cost?

Yes, luxury vinyl flooring with built-in underlay is slightly more expensive than options without underlay. However, the built-in underlay can streamline the installation process, potentially leading to significant time and cost savings.