LVP or Ceramic Tile in Kitchen?

[Ara Abrahamian]

We’re starting a remodel of a rental apt and considering using LVP for the first time. Typically, we do ceramic tile in kitchens/baths and laminate floors in common areas and bedrooms.

Was looking for some input before deciding whether to switch to LVP throughout the whole unit.

- What would be the benefit of doing LVP instead of ceramic tile? Tile is more durable and only marginally more expensive. Assuming $6/ft for tile and $4/ft for LVP (labor and materials), this only comes out to a $500 difference on our 250 sq ft of kitchen/bath space. In the big picture of a $20k remodel, this isn’t major. The LVP we would use would be ~6mm thick and have a 20 mil wear layer. The place will probably rent out for $2300-$2400.

- If we do go with LVP, is it ok to install it wall to wall and have the cabinets sit on top of the tile? One flooring store said this might cause the planks to buckle due to seasonal temperature changes (didn’t realize we have seasons in Los Angeles, but decided not to bring that up!). We typically like to take the flooring all the way under the cabinets so that if there’s ever a leak, it comes forward and does not just pool under the cabinets and lead to mold/rot. Any thoughts here would be appreciated.

Another thing I’m considering is using tile in the kitchen/baths and LVP in the living and bedroom to avoid water damage from mopping, but then I’ll need to add cork under the LVP to raise the finished surface to be more flush I’m with the ceramic tile.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[Jody Sperling]

In my experience, you'd be best off with tile in the kitchen and bathrooms, but not for water proofing. LVP is waterproof and can survive nuclear holocaust. It's extremely durable, and I have and will continue to use it for all the common living and dwelling rooms in my investment properties.

LVP would work fine in bathrooms and kitchens, but it does look a bit strange. Tile has a more traditional appearance. Prospective tenants seem to gravitate toward tile in kitchens and bathrooms.

From what I've seen and done, I don't think you need to worry about cork beneath your LVP. You might consider the products that have a built-in underlayment, but otherwise, use simple transition pieces to account for the height difference of tile and LVP. It looks great, wears great, and saves you money.