Carpet Vs LVT – Which is Better?

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At a Glance: Carpet and LVT

Carpet Vs LVT: Comfort and Warmth

Durability and Maintenance

Design Choices and Aesthetic Appeal

Installation and Pricing Considerations

Choosing the best for your home

If you’re in the market for a new floor, carpet and LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) are two of the most sought-after choices. The decision between the two simply depends on personal preferences, lifestyle and the purpose of the room.

Here we break down the differences between the two to help you decide which is better for you. Read on for a closer look at how carpet and LVT compare in comfort, cost, design, durability and maintenance.

At a Glance: Carpet and LVT

For decades, carpet has been one of the most widely used flooring options. It’s famous for being warm, soft and for instantly making any room feel extra snug. It is common in living spaces and bedrooms as it offers a warm and soft feel underfoot.

On the other hand, LVT flooring is a relatively new product. It became popular because of its toughness and practicability. Its floors require less maintenance and can mirror natural elements like wood or stone.

Carpet is more forgiving in terms of noise absorption, and gives a warmer feel, while LVT is tough and waterproof.

Both LVT and carpet have pros and cons, and the best solution for you is really about your individual needs and preferences.

Carpet Vs LVT: Comfort and Warmth

There are numerous advantages that carpet provides and likely the number one is comfort. Carpet is soft and cushy underfoot and adds warmth to a room. A soft, plush carpets make walking on them much more inviting, especially in bedrooms and living areas.

If you have small children in the home, or just like to feel cosy, nothing beats carpet. It’s also good at muffling sound, so it is great in spaces where you want a more tranquil, inviting feel.

With LVT flooring, it is harder and denser to the touch. This makes it a better choice for modern homes or in spaces where you want a surface that will be durable and low maintenance. And though it doesn’t have the same airy feel as carpet, many homeowners appreciate the sleek, modern look of LVT.

LVT is practical for spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms or entryways where spills and heavy foot traffic are likely. Some LVT options also come with a cushioned underlay, providing extra softness and sound absorption, but even with this addition, it won’t have the comfort of a plush carpet underfoot.

Durability and Maintenance

Carpet vs LVT flooring durability is an important consideration. Carpet can wear and tear easily, particularly in busy sections. With frequent use over the years, the fabric can become matted, stained, or lose colour or texture. 

If you have carpet covering a decent portion of your house, you know how important it can be to keep it looking fresh with regular vacuuming and professional cleaning solutions. Also, carpet can be a trap for allergens and dust, which can be an issue if you have allergies or pets.

LVT flooring, in contrast, is meant to be extremely strong. Many LVT products are water-resistant, and particular variations such as SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring, are entirely waterproof. This makes it a great choice for spaces that do get a lot of moisture or spills. 

LVT is also easier to clean. A quick sweep or mop does the trick for keeping it looking its best. Because of its durability, LVT can withstand significant foot traffic without much visible wear. So, if durability and low maintenance are your primary concerns, LVT may be what you're looking for when you weigh the two.

Design Choices and Aesthetic Appeal

Carpet and LVT flooring both provide various design options, but the two satisfy different tastes. 

Carpet is available in a variety of textures, colours, and patterns, making it possible to create a soft, inviting feel that can fit into a traditional or modern aesthetic. It also offers the flexibility of selecting a neutral shade that adds warmth to a room, or a statement colour that becomes the focal point of your décor. However, it can also look dated if it’s not chosen carefully or if trends change over time.

LVT flooring does an amazing job of mimicking the appearance of natural materials like hardwood, stone, or ceramic tile all with the benefits associated with vinyl. The design versatility of LVT also means that you can achieve that high-end aesthetic without the expensive price tag often found with real wood or stone. It looks classic, there are many options available, and it has a very modern, sleek appearance. 

Many LVT products have very realistic textures and patterns due to improved printing and embossing technology, which can take the appearance of your home up a level.

Installation and Pricing Considerations

The cost is always an important factor when comparing carpet and LVT flooring. Carpet is generally less costly upfront, particularly if you factor in the more basic options that perform well in many environments. Though, you may have to pay for regular cleaning, or replace them soon, unlike a LVT floor. Carpet can be an easy installation, but some may require professional installation for a seamless appearance, especially in larger spaces.

The price of LVT flooring depends on the type you choose. For example, glue down LVT, click system LVT, and SPC flooring have their own specific installation process. Although LVT can be pricier in the short term, its durability and low maintenance needs can save money over the lifetime of the floor. The advantages of LVT, namely its resistance to moisture, scratches, and stains, make the higher initial cost worthwhile to many homeowners. 

When looking at the two, it’s not only the starting price point that is important but long-term value and how much work you want to put into upkeep.

Indoor Air Quality and Allergens

If you have allergies, the kind of flooring you select can impact the degree to which you suffer from your problem. Carpets are notorious for trapping dust, allergens and pet dander that can cause indoor air pollution if not cleaned regularly. Even if you vacuum regularly, allergens can get trapped in the fibres over time, which may worsen allergies or respiratory issues.

In this regard, LVT flooring provides a cleaner option. Because LVT is smooth, it neither holds onto dust or allergens like carpet. This can help improve indoor air quality and lead to an overall healthier environment in the home for your family.

Because LVT is easy to clean, spills, dirt, and allergens can be removed quickly and will not have the chance to build up over time. When it comes to concerns for any indoor air quality, LVT usually comes out ahead of carpet.

Choosing the best for your home

In the end, whether you choose carpet or LVT flooring is up to your lifestyle, budget, and the needs of your home. If you like a cushy, warm, quiet feel, and don’t mind the additional maintenance or the potential allergy problems it can create, carpet may be the right fit for your living room or bedroom. 

If you need something which handles heavy traffic, moisture, and everyday wear while still having a sleek finish, though, LVT, especially fully waterproof SPC flooring, may be the answer.

Think about how each type of flooring will perform in your space. Consider where the flooring will be installed, how much traffic there will be and what kind of upkeep you are willing to do. 

Ask for a sample of both the carpet and the LVT, so you can see how the options look and feel in your home’s lighting. 

Remember, if you get stuck our flooring experts are here to help. We will be happy to advise you on the best type of flooring to fit your space.