VINYL PLANK VS. CARPET: A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
Homeowners are always on the lookout for ways to update their homes that won’t break the bank. Flooring is high on the list, and with today’s options, we often wonder which one is best. We’re here to break it down for you between carpet or vinyl flooring and will look at costs, installation, comfort, and other factors.
Cost: Carpet Flooring vs. Vinyl Flooring
When comparing carpet vs lvp cost, it’s important to look beyond the initial price tag and consider long-term costs. Carpet prices can range from $3 to $7 dollars or more per square foot. For carpets, ongoing upkeep can be pricey over the lifetime of the carpet. Carpeting, especially in busy households with children and pets, should be professionally cleaned every six months. One of the many highlights of vinyl flooring is its ease of maintenance and longevity.
Carpet Flooring
Vinyl Flooring
- High upkeep and replacement costs.
- Very expensive to install.
- More expensive than vinyl over the lifetime of the floor.
- More expensive at installation.
- Less expensive over the lifecycle of the floor.
- Minimal upkeep costs.
Installation: Carpet Flooring vs. Vinyl Flooring
Both carpet and vinyl flooring installation require a certain level of skill and professional tools. Installing carpet typically involves preparing the subfloor, laying down padding, and then stretching and securing the carpet itself. This process demands precision to avoid wrinkles, bumps, and lumps. Vinyl flooring also requires precision but is usually less labor-intensive preparation.
Carpet Flooring
Vinyl Flooring
- Requires subfloor preparations.
- Involves laing down, padding, stretching, and securing the carpet down.
- Generally more labor intensive.
- Requires professional maintenance.
- Subject to wear and staining.
- Not resistant to moisture.
- In some cases, it can be installed over existing flooring.
- Typically, it involves a click-lock system for planks or tiles.
- Less labor intensive.
- No professional maintenance is required.
- Highly durable and resistant to moisture, scratches and stains.
Resale Value: Carpet Flooring & Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl flooring can add value to a home. Oftentimes, if the carpeting is old, a complete face-lift will be needed at the time of sale.
Carpet Flooring
Vinyl Flooring
- Requires face-lift prior to sale to bring value.
- Adds value and attracts more buyers.
Versatility of Carpet & Vinyl Flooring
Carpet and luxury tile can add a high degree of versatility to a home. Luxury vinyl flooring can replicate
the natural look of wood or stone due to 3D printing technology. Design options are practically
unlimited, and vinyl flooring can create different looks for a home. Carpets should not be used in high
moisture environments and rooms such as bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens.
Carpet Flooring
Vinyl Flooring
- Not Suitable for high-moisture areas.
- Wears down and flattens over time.
- Available in thickness & color variations
- Very well suited to high-moisture areas.
- Available in a natural look of wood or stone.
Industry Applications & Appearance
Carpet and vinyl flooring each have areas where they excel. Carpeting can provide a quiet, comfortable option for corporate offices, meeting rooms, and executive spaces. Carpet is often used in retail settings and boutiques where comfort and luxury are prioritized. Carpet is not recommended for healthcare settings due to hygiene and maintenance concerns.
Carpet Flooring
Vinyl Flooring
- Wears down and flattens over time.
- It is not suitable for some professional environments (such as healthcare)
- Luxury appearance
- Modern trending looks
- Scratch & water resistant
Cleanliness & Care
Luxury tile flooring and carpet will require different upkeep. Certain spills on the carpet can be notoriously hard to remove. Red wine and colored drinks, blood, oil-based stains, pet urine, and body fluids can be very difficult to remove and oftentimes require a professional cleaning. Luxury flooring has easy maintenance. Often, sweeping, mopping, or vacuuming are all that is needed.
Carpet Flooring
Vinyl Flooring
- Dirt and bacteria hide in the carpet
- Hard & expensive to clean.
- Dirt is easily visible and cleaned.
Hypoallergenic Choices
For homeowners with allergies or those concerned about allergens choosing the right flooring is crucial to comfort and wellness. Carpet fibers will trap dust, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens. These can then be easily released back into the air through everyday activities. For those with allergies, vinyl flooring is often considered a better choice than carpet
Carpet Flooring
Vinyl Flooring
- Develop allergy-causing microbial load.
- Requires regular deep cleaning.
- SPills may never be completley removed.
- Anti-microbial: Often backed by lifetime guarantees.
- Allows for regular, quick cleaning.
Pet Friendly Floors
We love our pets, but our furry friends can wreak havoc on flooring. Carpet is more comfortable for pets
and is a soft place for napping. Pets can tear up carpet, making it unsightly. As mentioned above, carpet
can trap pet dander, which can become a health concern for those with allergies. In addition, pet
accidents can be extremely hard to get out of carpet
Carpet Flooring
Vinyl Flooring
- Provides more comfort for pets.
- Will become soiled with pet waste and muddy, dirty paws.
- Less comforts for pets.
- Scratch-resistant, waterproof, and much easier to clean spills and accidents.
Insulation & Noise Reduction
Carpet is best known as a way to reduce noise in rooms and hallways. Luxury flooring uses
underlayment for substantial noise reduction. The thicker the underlayment, usually made of cork or
foam will provide better sound absorption than thin, plastic underlayment
Carpet Flooring
Vinyl Flooring
- Soft, and therefore quiet.
- Underlayment to reduce noise and insulation.
Enviornmental Impact & Sustainability
Carpet, especially when made from synthetic fibers, presents environmental challenges because of its non-biodegradable nature. Recycling programs for carpets are emerging across the country to help mitigate the waste. Luxury vinyl flooring, while durable and low-maintenance, is not biodegradable, and recycling can be complex. However, there are eco-friendly options and recycling initiatives that aim to reduce their environmental footprint
Carpet Flooring
Vinyl Flooring
- 5-7 years replacement is not environmentally friendly.
- Increases petroleum-based landfill volume.
- Lifetime vinyl flooring is environmentally friendly.
- Reduces landfill volume.
Comfort
Carpet flooring has obvious comfort levels for both people and pets. Warm to the touch on cold nights,
it also offers a soft touch at any time of the day. Vinyl flooring, with its modern underlayment
technology, can help increase comfort underfoot and reduce noise.
Carpet Flooring
Vinyl Flooring
- Most carpets are made from soft materials.
- More comfortable to lie down on.
- Hard surface material, not as comfortable to lie down on.
- Underlayment layer of plank flooring cushions floor for some comfort.
Durability
Vinyl flooring is highly durable, can withstand foot traffic, and is scratch and water-resistant. It is ideal in
busy homes with pets and children. Carpet in busy areas of a household or business can wear down over
time due to heavy foot traffic, may cause discoloration and has the potential for tears and other signs of
we
Carpet Flooring
Vinyl Flooring
- Vulnerable to tears & discoloration.
- Wears down and flattens over time.
- Spilla can never be completely removed.
- Scratch and moisture-resistant.
- Often backed by lifetime guarantees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is better, carpet or vinyl flooring?
A: The choice between carpet and vinyl flooring depends on your priorities. Vinyl flooring is durable,
easy to maintain, and resistant to moisture, making it ideal for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas.
Carpet offers warmth and comfort underfoot, suitable for creating a cozy environment.
Q: Should I put carpet or vinyl flooring in my living room?
A: For living rooms, the choice depends on lifestyle and preference. Vinyl flooring is a good option for
durability and easy cleaning, especially in homes with pets or children. Carpet can enhance comfort and
sound insulation, making the space feel warmer and more inviting.
Q: Is it better to have carpet or vinyl in bedrooms?
A: Bedrooms often benefit from the softness and warmth of carpet, especially since it provides a
comfortable surface underfoot. However, if allergies are a concern, vinyl flooring might be preferable
due to its hypoallergenic properties and ease of cleaning.
Q: Does replacing carpet with vinyl flooring increase home value?
A: Replacing carpet with vinyl flooring can increase home value, especially if the vinyl is of high quality
and in line with current design trends. Vinyl flooring’s durability and low maintenance appeal to many
homebuyers, potentially making it a worthwhile investment.