What is better rigid vinyl plank or luxury vinyl plank?

When it comes to choosing new floors, two popular options are rigid vinyl plank (RVP) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Both provide the look of wood or tile with the durability and water resistance of vinyl. But how do you decide which is the better option for your home?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare RVP and LVP on factors like durability, cost, installation, styles and more. Read on to learn the key differences between these two flooring types so you can make the best choice for your needs.

Rigid Vinyl Plank (RVP) Overview

Rigid vinyl plank flooring, sometimes called rigid core vinyl plank, is composed of vinyl layers fused onto a solid, waterproof PVC core. This creates an extra rigid and durable flooring option compared to other vinyl planks.

Here are some key features of RVP floors:

• Rigid, solid PVC core is highly waterproof and dent-resistant
• Top vinyl wear layer resists scratches and stains
• Backed by warranties of 15 years or more
• Can be floated over substrates or glued directly to subfloors
• Wide range of wood and tile looks available
• Typically costs $2-$6 per square foot installed

The rigid core construction gives RVP floors superior indentation and moisture resistance compared to other vinyl plank options. They can better withstand impacts and movement without warping or gapping.

While thicker and more durable than other vinyl, RVP floors are still lightweight and easy to install either by floating or with adhesives. The vinyl surface resists scratches, stains and fading while providing a realistic wood or stone appearance.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Overview

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is similar to rigid vinyl plank, but is composed of multiple vinyl layers fused onto a flexible PVC or composite core rather than a 100% solid PVC core.

Here are some key features of LVP flooring:

• Flexible core allows for easier installation around contours
• Top vinyl layer resists scratches, stains and moisture
• Backed by warranties of 10-25 years
• Always installed by floating, not glued down
• Wide array of wood, tile and stone looks
• Typically costs $3-$8 per square foot installed

The multi-layer construction of LVP gives it added flexibility while maintaining good indentation and moisture resistance. LVP can better handle imperfect subfloors and installs easily around irregular floor plans.

LVP shares the same vinyl wear layer benefits as RVP when it comes to durability and realistic appearances. With warranties up to 25 years, LVP provides lasting beauty and performance for busy homes.

Comparison of RVP and LVP Flooring

Now that we’ve covered the basics of rigid vinyl plank (RVP) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), let’s directly compare the two on the most important factors for your flooring decision.

Durability

Durability is a key consideration for any flooring purchase. You want something that will stand up to foot traffic and everyday wear and tear. Here is how RVP and LVP compare:

• RVP: The rigid, 100% PVC core makes RVP the most durable and dent-resistant vinyl plank option. It holds up better under heavy furniture and impact. RVP won’t warp or expand as easily as LVP.
• LVP: LVP is durable enough for most homes, but can be prone to dents and scratches compared to RVP. The composite or softer vinyl core is vulnerable under extremely heavy objects. LVP can expand and contract more with temperature changes.

Winner: RVP is the clear winner for durability, making it a better choice for high-traffic areas.

Water resistance

Whether it’s a flooded basement or leaking appliance, moisture resistance is a key benefit of vinyl plank floors. Here is how RVP and LVP stacks up:

• RVP: The 100% solid PVC core of RVP makes it completely waterproof. Even when fully submerged, it will remain intact without warping or swelling.
• LVP: LVP is highly water-resistant and its seams are sealed to minimize moisture penetration. However, the composite or attached underlayment can absorb water over time, leading to damage.

Winner: RVP is the clear winner when it comes to waterproofing. Its solid PVC core can withstand standing water without issue.

Cost

Flooring cost is always an important factor, especially if outfitting a large home. Here is how RVP and LVP compare on cost:

• RVP: RVP costs $2-$6 per square foot installed on average. The exact price depends on the quality, thickness and style chosen. RVP is moderately priced for a durable vinyl floor.
• LVP: LVP costs $3-$8 per square foot installed. It sits at the higher end for vinyl plank flooring. You’re paying for the added flexibility and premium styles of LVP.

Winner: RVP wins for affordability. You can get a quality rigid vinyl plank floor for under $3 per square foot in many cases.

Installation

Installing new floors can take time and expertise. Here is how LVP and RVP compare for installation:

• RVP: RVP floors can be floated over floor levelers or glued directly to the subfloor. Glue-down provides the most stability but floating is easier for DIYers. RVP requires perfectly smooth, flat subfloors.
• LVP: LVP is always installed as a floating floor, never glued down. The planks click together over underlayment for an easy floating floor. LVP can flex to handle imperfect subfloors better than RVP.

Winner: LVP wins for easiest installation. The floating clicks system allows DIY installation without adhesives or subfloor prep.

Styles

Style is important when picking floors for your home’s decor. Here is how LVP and RVP compare for styles:

• RVP: RVP offers convincing wood looks like oak, maple, mahogany and more. Stone visuals like slate, travertine and marble are also available. Colors range from natural tan and brown to grey and black.
• LVP: LVP provides the most extensive range of wood species visuals from rustic hickory to modern walnut. Exotics like bamboo along with slate, limestone and concrete visuals are common. The color options are nearly endless.

Winner: LVP offers the widest range of plank sizes, thicknesses and colors for unmatched design flexibility.

Warranties

A good warranty provides peace of mind on your flooring investment. Here is how RVP and LVP warranties compare:

• RVP: Most RVP floors come with a 20 to 30 year residential warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship, but not improper installation or indentations.
• LVP: LVP warranties range from 10 years to limited lifetime coverage. Terms are similar to RVP, covering manufacturing issues but not improper installation or regular wear.

Winner: RVP warranties tend to be a bit longer, though LVP has some lifetime options. Both cover functional defects but not cosmetic damage from use.

Rigid Vinyl Plank vs. Luxury Vinyl Plank Comparison Chart

Here is a helpful comparison chart summarizing the key differences between rigid vinyl plank (RVP) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP):

Factor	Rigid Vinyl Plank (RVP)	Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Durability	Most durable vinyl option; solid PVC core withstands heavy impacts	Durable but softer core can dent; more prone to damage than RVP
Water Resistance	100% waterproof solid core	Highly water-resistant, but composite core can absorb moisture over time
Cost	$2-$6 per sq. ft. installed	$3-$8 per sq. ft. installed
Installation	Glued down or floated; requires flat, smooth subfloors	Easy floating click-together planks; handles imperfect subfloors
Styles	Good range of wood and stone looks	Widest plank options and most extensive colors and styles
Warranties	20-30 years	10 years to lifetime

Rigid Vinyl Plank vs. Luxury Vinyl Plank: Which is Better?

So when comparing rigid vinyl plank (RVP) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), which comes out on top? Here are some key considerations:

• If your top priority is durability, waterproofing and budget value, go with RVP. Its rigid construction better withstands furniture, moisture and foot traffic.
• If you want maximum flexibility for installation and a wider range of styles, LVP is the better choice. It provides the most options for visuals and plank formats.
• For heavy commercial applications like restaurants or offices, always choose RVP. It will better handle constant wear and tear.
• For residential use, LVP provides great durability along with easy installation and tons of colors, textures and designs to match your decor.

In summary:

• RVP is best for: durability, waterproofing, high-traffic, heavy-use floors.
• LVP is best for: residential use, ease of installation, wider plank sizes and styles.

So consider how you plan to use the floors and what factors matter most. This will help you decide whether rigid vinyl plank or luxury vinyl plank is the right choice for your home renovation or commercial space.

The Pros and Cons of Rigid Vinyl Plank Flooring

Let’s take a closer look at the specific pros and cons of rigid vinyl plank floors:

Pros of Rigid Vinyl Plank

• Extremely durable: The 100% solid PVC core can withstand heavy impacts and traffic without denting. Holds up better than LVP.
• Completely waterproof: Rigid core prevents moisture damage from spills, leaks and flooding.
• Easy to clean: Just needs sweeping and damp mopping occasionally to keep clean.
• Resists scratches: Vinyl wear layer protects against scratches from pet nails and furniture movement.
• Affordable: Lower cost than LVP, laminate or hardwood flooring.
• Long warranty: Many brands offer 20+ year residential warranties.
• Good for radiant heat: Handles in-floor heating systems well.
• Attractive appearance: Mimics looks of real wood or stone.

Cons of Rigid Vinyl Plank

• Rigid installation: Subfloor imperfections must be smoothed and floor must be completely level. No distortions or flexing.
• Glue-down can be tricky: Professional installation advised for glue-down RVP to avoid issues down the road.
• Prone to gapping: Rigid planks can separate or gap if not properly spaced during install.
• Can show indentations: Though durable, heavy static loads can cause the rigid core to compress and show imprints over time.
• Not suitable for all rooms: Avoid bathrooms and rooms with moisture issues. Floating floors can fail if water gets under planks.
• Can feel hollow underfoot: The lightweight rigid core doesn’t absorb sound as well, resulting in hollow-sounding steps.

The Pros and Cons of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Next let’s look at the unique pros and cons of luxury vinyl plank floors:

Pros of Luxury Vinyl Plank

• Easy installation: Floating floors click together over underlayment without glue or nails.
• Fits any subfloor: Flexible construction allows installing over uneven or imperfect subfloors.
• Extensive style options: Hundreds of plank looks from natural woods to exotics, stones and abstract visuals.
• Realistic appearance: Wood grain patterns and textures look authentic.
• Comfortable underfoot: Composite core absorbs sound better than rigid core.
• Durable: Vinyl layer resists scuffs, stains and moisture damage.
• Low maintenance: Only needs occasional sweeping and damp mopping.

Cons of Luxury Vinyl Plank

• Less durable than RVP: Softer core can indent and scratch more easily.
• Less waterproof: Vinyl layers resist moisture but core material can swell or degrade over time if saturated.
• Expansion and contraction: Planks can separate slightly with temperature changes.
• Higher cost: More expensive than rigid vinyl options and laminate flooring.
• Prone to damage from too much water: Moisture that gets under the floor can cause planks to warp or fail.
• Not good for commercial use: Can’t withstand extremely heavy foot traffic and rolling loads.

Conclusion

Both rigid vinyl plank (RVP) and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) provide durable, attractive vinyl flooring options for homes and businesses. RVP offers maximum toughness and waterproofing at a lower cost. LVP provides easier installation and more style choices for a moderate upgrade in price.

For high-traffic residential or commercial use, rigid vinyl plank is the best choice for lasting performance without damage. In most home settings, luxury vinyl plank offers the perfect blend of durability, comfort and design flexibility for an affordable vinyl floor solution.

Just weigh your own needs and priorities to decide if rigid or luxury vinyl plank is better suited for your space and lifestyle. Either option provides beautiful, practical floors that can enhance your decor for years to come.