LVT vs. LVP Flooring: Which Luxury Vinyl Is Right for Your Houston Home?
A practical guide from Elm Flooring & Remodeling for homeowners in Houston, Cypress, Spring, Louetta, and The Woodlands.
If you’re planning a flooring project and you’ve been looking at luxury vinyl options, you’ve probably seen two terms everywhere: LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank). Both are stylish, durable, and more affordable than many natural materials—but they’re not exactly the same.
At Elm Flooring & Remodeling, we install both LVT and LVP every day in homes across Houston, Cypress, Spring, Louetta, and The Woodlands. This guide walks you through how they differ, where each works best, and how we can help you choose the perfect floor for your lifestyle and budget.
Quick snapshot: LVT is shaped like traditional tile and often imitates stone or ceramic. LVP comes in planks and is designed to mimic hardwood flooring. Both are highly durable and great for busy, real-life Houston households with pets, kids, and constant foot traffic.
What Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Luxury vinyl is a modern flooring material built in layers. Usually, it includes:
- Wear layer to protect against scratches and everyday wear.
- Decor layer that carries the printed design—stone, tile, wood, or other patterns.
- Core layer for stability and structure (sometimes rigid, sometimes flexible).
- Backing layer for added support and comfort underfoot.
This layered structure is what makes LVT and LVP so versatile. They look high-end, feel comfortable, and stand up to moisture better than many traditional floors—an important factor in our humid Houston climate.
What Is Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)?
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) comes in square or rectangular tile shapes and is designed to imitate materials like natural stone, ceramic, or porcelain tile. The printed layer can reproduce veining, texture, and color variations with impressive realism.
LVT is popular in:
- Kitchens and bathrooms where you want a tile look without cold, hard surfaces.
- Laundry rooms and mudrooms that handle plenty of moisture and dirt.
- Entryways and hallways where design and durability both matter.
Many LVT products can be installed with or without grout lines. This lets you choose between a smooth, continuous look or a more traditional tiled appearance, depending on your design style.
What Is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)?
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is shaped like long planks and is created to resemble hardwood flooring. The surface design can capture everything from rustic barnwood to sleek, contemporary oak.
LVP is ideal when you want:
- The warmth and character of wood without the maintenance.
- A consistent, flowing look through open-concept living areas.
- Water-resistant flooring that works in living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and even some bathrooms.
Because it’s more forgiving than traditional hardwood, LVP is a great option for Houston families with pets, kids, and busy lifestyles—but still want a refined, finished look.
LVT vs. LVP: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) | LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) |
|---|---|---|
| Look & Style | Replicates stone, ceramic, or concrete tile looks with or without grout lines. | Mimics hardwood planks with realistic grain, knots, and color variations. |
| Shape | Tile-shaped pieces (square or rectangular). | Long, narrow planks similar to real wood boards. |
| Design Flexibility | Great for patterns like herringbone, checkered, or borders. | Ideal for continuous, flowing floors that visually expand a room. |
| Best Rooms | Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, mudrooms, entryways. | Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, dining rooms, basements. |
| Feel Underfoot | Feels more like traditional tile but usually warmer and softer than real stone. | Feels similar to engineered wood, often slightly cushioned and quiet. |
| Overall Maintenance | Easy to mop and sweep; handles spills well. | Likewise easy to clean; great for busy households and pets. |
Durability & Maintenance in Real Life
Both LVT and LVP are engineered to stand up to everyday life. They generally resist scratches, stains, and moisture better than many traditional flooring choices. That makes them perfect for the mix of humidity, tracked-in dirt, and temperature swings we see in the greater Houston area.
Daily care is simple:
- Regular sweeping or vacuuming to get rid of dust and grit.
- Occasional damp mopping with a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, steam cleaners, or abrasive scrub pads that can damage the wear layer.
When installed and maintained correctly, quality LVT and LVP can keep looking beautiful for years, even in high-traffic spaces.
Where Can LVT and LVP Be Installed?
One of the biggest advantages of luxury vinyl is its flexibility. Depending on the product, LVT and LVP can be installed in almost every room of the house:
- Kitchens & breakfast nooks
- Bathrooms & powder rooms
- Living rooms & family rooms
- Dining rooms & formal spaces
- Bedrooms & guest rooms
- Laundry rooms & mudrooms
- Basements and bonus rooms (where moisture is properly controlled)
- Hallways, entryways, and more
Many products are water-resistant, and some are fully waterproof, making them especially attractive for homes with frequent spills or pet accidents.
Choosing Between LVT and LVP for Your Project
The “better” option isn’t the same for every home. When we help customers at Elm Flooring & Remodeling decide between LVT and LVP, we focus on a few key questions:
1. What look are you going for?
If you love the look of tile, stone, or concrete, LVT is usually the clear winner. If your dream is a wood-look floor that flows throughout your home, LVP will probably be the best choice.
2. Which rooms are you renovating?
Many Houston homeowners choose:
- LVT in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens.
- LVP in living areas, bedrooms, and hallways.
You can also combine both in the same home and still keep a cohesive design.
3. What is your budget?
Both LVT and LVP come in a wide range of price points. Factors that affect cost include:
- Wear layer thickness and overall durability.
- Brand, warranty, and special features (like attached underlayment).
- Complexity of the installation (patterns, subfloor prep, stairs, etc.).
Our team can walk you through pricing options and help you find a solution that fits your budget without sacrificing quality.
4. How much maintenance do you want?
Both LVT and LVP are low-maintenance compared to hardwood or natural stone. If you want a floor that stays beautiful with simple sweeping and occasional mopping, either option will work well.
Why Houston-Area Homeowners Choose Elm Flooring & Remodeling
Flooring choices are about more than just products—they’re about how those products are installed and how they perform in real homes. That’s where Elm Flooring & Remodeling comes in.
We specialize in professional installation of LVT, LVP, and other flooring types for homeowners across:
HoustonCypressSpringLouettaThe Woodlands
When you work with us, you get:
- Personalized design help so you can see how LVT and LVP will look in your space.
- Professional installation by experienced crews who know how to handle subfloors, transitions, and trims.
- Honest recommendations about which product will truly work best for your lifestyle.
- Local support from a team that understands Houston homes, humidity, and how floors behave over time.
Whether you’re updating a single room or remodeling your entire home, we can supply and install the right LVT or LVP to bring your vision to life.
Frequently Asked Questions About LVT & LVP
Is luxury vinyl really waterproof?
Many LVT and LVP products are water-resistant, and some are fully waterproof. That means they can handle everyday spills and splashes, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. We’ll help you choose the right level of moisture protection for each area of your home.
Can LVP or LVT be installed over my existing floor?
In many cases, yes—as long as the existing surface is flat, clean, and stable. We’ll inspect your subfloor and current flooring and let you know whether a “float-over” installation is possible or if removal is recommended for the best long-term results.
Are LVT and LVP good for homes with pets?
Absolutely. The protective wear layer on quality luxury vinyl helps resist scratches from pet nails, and the water resistance is ideal for occasional accidents or spills. Just make sure to wipe up messes promptly and keep nails trimmed to extend the life of your floor.
How long do LVT and LVP floors typically last?
Lifespan depends on product quality, wear layer thickness, and how well the floor is maintained. Many homeowners enjoy their luxury vinyl floors for 10–20 years or more when installed properly and cleaned regularly. We’ll recommend products with warranties that match your expectations.
Can I mix LVT and LVP in the same home?
Yes. A common design choice is using LVP in living areas and bedrooms, and LVT in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and entryways. With thoughtful color and style selections, everything can tie together beautifully.
Ready to Compare LVT and LVP in Person?
If you’re in Houston, Cypress, Spring, Louetta, or The Woodlands, Elm Flooring & Remodeling is here to help you choose and install the perfect luxury vinyl floor for your home.
Let’s look at real samples, talk about your lifestyle, and design a floor that looks amazing and works hard for your family every day. Schedule Your In-Home Flooring Consultation
Please reach out to us for any questions or inquiries, 346-336-6945
