Pick the floor for each room, not one floor for the whole plan.
How luxury vinyl is built
Luxury vinyl tiles and planks have a wear layer, a print layer, a waterproof core, and a backing layer. The core is stone-plastic composite (SPC) or wood-plastic composite (WPC). SPC is the most durable waterproof vinyl, and it does not dent, warp, or bend over unlevel subfloors. WPC is slightly softer and more comfortable, but it resists dents less well.
The thickness of the wear layer matters more than the total thickness of the plank. For commercial use, our commercial vinyl guide recommends a wear layer of 20 mil or higher.
What carpet tile offers
Carpet tiles were first designed for commercial spaces like offices. Heavy-duty carpet tiles have low-pile fibers that resist crushing and matting. If one tile gets a stain or damage, lift it and put in a new one. With a broadloom roll, you must pull up a full section. Carpet tiles also make less waste than full rolls.
Side-by-side comparison
| Point | LVT / LVP | Carpet tile |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Waterproof core; does not swell or warp | Polyester fiber resists water and stains; check each product |
| Repairs | Hide shallow scratches with a matching floor finishing stain | Lift out the damaged tile and put in a new one |
| Comfort | SPC feels rigid; WPC is slightly softer | Low-pile commercial carpet is rougher than residential carpet |
| Cleaning | Vacuum, then damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner | Vacuum often; deep clean with hot water extraction |
| Looks | Realistic wood and stone looks | Custom patterns from different tile colors |
Tell us which rooms get each floor. We will quote both options side by side.
Install methods for each
- LVT click-lock: leave a 3/8" expansion gap at the walls. Cut planks with a power saw blade of 40 teeth or more.
- LVT with rolling loads: glue the planks to the subfloor with a manufacturer-approved adhesive.
- Carpet tile, commercial: use glue for commercial or permanent installs. Our guide recommends a pressure-sensitive or acrylic adhesive.
- Carpet tile layout: start at the center point of the room and work out to the walls.