Ceramic & Porcelain Tile vs. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

By Desiree Weatherly | December 4, 2025 | Comments Off on Ceramic & Porcelain Tile vs. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Choosing new flooring is one of the most critical design decisions a homeowner can make, and it comes with big questions. One of the most common comparisons people ask us about at Color Tile & Carpet of Salem is ceramic and porcelain tile vs. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). These three options often top the list when you seek durability, style, waterproof performance, and long-term value.

Both ceramic/porcelain tile and LVT offer significant benefits, but they serve slightly different purposes. The former offer unmatched durability and long-term value, but they come with a higher upfront cost and require a longer installation time. The latter is more budget-friendly and faster to install. It has a softer underfoot feel, making it a great choice for busy family homes or other spaces.

So the big question becomes: Which one is right for your home? Let’s break it down.

Understanding Ceramic and Porcelain Tile vs. LVT

Let’s examine what each flooring type actually is and what makes it popular.

Ceramic & Porcelain Tile

Ceramic and porcelain tile are classic choices with long-lasting durability, offering:

  • High moisture resistance
  • Timeless style, look, and feel
  • High-performance in kitchens, bathrooms, mud/laundry rooms, and entryways

Ceramic tile is made from clay baked at high temperatures. Porcelain tile is a denser, harder version of ceramic tile, fired at even higher temperatures, making it exceptionally durable and water-resistant.

Porcelain tile is often chosen for high-traffic areas. It can also be used in more applications than ceramic tile, such as backsplashes and showers. Both options come in an almost endless range of colors, sizes, shapes, and textures (from smooth, sleek finishes to natural stone looks).

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Luxury Vinyl Tile is becoming a popular flooring option for both homes and businesses. Stylish, Versatile, and Budget-Friendly. LVT is made with vinyl, but replicates stone or tile patterns with impressive realism.

  • Waterproof protection
  • Softer underfoot comfort
  • High performance
  • Easier installation
  • Lower cost

Many Salem homeowners love LVT because it holds up well to Oregon’s wet weather and everyday life with pets, kids, or heavy foot traffic.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile vs. LVT

Let’s address the cost, value, and budget.

Upfront Flooring Cost

Ceramic & Porcelain Tile

  • Tile prices vary widely, often ranging from budget-friendly basics to high-end, premium styles.
  • Installation is more involved with thinset, grout, cutting, and leveling, which increases labor costs.
  • Real tile can be harder to install, so we recommend against doing it yourself unless you have experience.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

  • Lower material cost in many cases.
  • Faster and more straightforward installation leads to lower labor costs.
  • Great for DIYers who want to save even more.

Long-Term Value

Ceramic and porcelain tile generally add more resale value than LVT because they’re seen as permanent, premium surfaces. Tile can last for several decades, making it an ideal choice if you plan to stay in your home for a long time or even sell. LVT offers beautiful designs at a more budget-friendly price. Still, most homeowners replace it sooner than tile, which is typically every 10 to 20 years, depending on wear.

If you’re choosing based on long-term investment, real tile wins.
If affordability and convenience matter most, LVT shines.

Durability & Everyday Performance

Both flooring types are durable, but how they remain durable differs.

Ceramic & Porcelain Tile Durability

Tile excels in durability because it:

  • Resists scratches
  • Handles heavy foot traffic
  • Performs well in wet environments
  • Handles heat and works well near fireplaces or in kitchens

Tile rarely dents or scratches. Its main vulnerability is cracking from heavy impacts, like dropping something large or sharp.

Grout may require occasional maintenance (cleaning or sealing), but the tile itself will stay looking great for decades.

LVT Durability

LVT flooring is scratch-resistant, fully waterproof, easy to clean, and ideal for homes with kids and pets. It doesn’t chip like tile, but it can dent or gouge under heavy furniture or dropped objects.

Comfort & Daily Living

Comfort matters in your home or space.

Tile is Cool, Strong, and Low-Maintenance

Ceramic and porcelain feel cool and solid underfoot. This cool feel can be particularly beneficial in warm climates or areas with high moisture levels. Tile works beautifully with radiant floor heating, which many Oregon homeowners love for bathrooms or basements. However, tile can also feel hard on your feet, get chilly, and offer little cushioned comfort.

LVT is Softer, Warmer, and More Comfortable

LVT offers a warmer, more forgiving feel underfoot. It’s softer, better at absorbing sound, and more comfortable for long periods of standing.

Installation Time, Complexity, and Disruption

When you’re choosing between tile and LVT, one of the most significant differences lies in the installation process (e.g., how long it takes, how much disruption it causes, and how complex it becomes). Here’s how it breaks down at Color Tile of Salem.

Tile

Opting for ceramic or porcelain tile means you’ll invest more time and effort upfront:

  • Subfloor and flooring removal: Your existing floor may need to be removed, and the subfloor must be carefully prepared. Color Tile’s installers take this seriously to ensure durability.
  • Mortar and setting: Crews mix mortar, apply it with a trowel, then lay each tile meticulously—using spacers to ensure uniform placement and proper edge treatment.
  • Grout, sealing, and cleanup: After tile placement, the team grouts, seals (if required), and thoroughly cleans up. Then, we perform quality control to ensure everything meets standards.
  • Waiting time: You’ll need to let everything settle. We recommend avoiding foot traffic on new tile for at least 24 hours.

Each flooring type has different installation times and methods. The installation method is one of the most significant differences among flooring types.

LVT

By contrast, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) offers advantages when you value speed and minimal downtime:

  • Faster installation timeline: Many LVT systems are click-lock or glue-down and can be installed over existing hard surfaces (when level), reducing prep time.
  • Less mess, less waiting: You’ll have fewer delays waiting for mortar to set or grout to cure, which means the room becomes usable again more quickly.
  • Lower labor complexity: The installation workflow is more straightforward and can often be DIY-friendly or handled by a smaller crew, resulting in less disruption and mess in your space.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Both tile and LVT are known for being low-maintenance, but in different ways. Tile is easy to clean, but grout requires periodic cleaning or sealing. It is also resistant to stains, moisture, and dirt. A simple sweep and mop keep tile floors looking great. LVT flooring is easier to clean and waterproof. Regular sweeping and mopping keep it looking nice.

Best Rooms for Each Flooring: A Quick Guide

Not sure which flooring is best for which room? Here’s a shortcut.

Best Places for Ceramic & Porcelain Tile

  • Bathrooms
  • Laundry rooms
  • Kitchens
  • Mudrooms
  • Entryways
  • Commercial lobbies
  • Restaurants
  • Covered outdoor spaces (when outdoor-rated)
  • Anywhere moisture, spills, or long-term durability are required, tile excels.

Best Places for LVT

  • Living rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Hallways
  • Offices
  • Retail spaces
  • Basements
  • Multi-level homes (for sound absorption)
  • Busy households with kids and pets

If you want comfort, durability, and easy upkeep, LVT fits the bill.

How to Decide

Choosing between tile and LVT all comes down to your lifestyle, timeline, and budget.

Choose Ceramic or Porcelain Tile If:

  • You want a premium, long-term investment
  • You prefer flooring that adds resale value
  • You need maximum moisture resistance
  • You want a durable “forever floor”
  • You don’t mind the upfront cost

Choose Luxury Vinyl Tile If:

  • You want a stylish but affordable flooring solution
  • You prefer a softer, warmer feel underfoot
  • You need a quick installation
  • You want an option that’s ideal for pets and kids
  • You’re remodeling on a budget

Why Choose Us?

At Color Tile of Salem, we help clients select flooring that fits their lifestyle, budget, and goals. With a wide selection of tile and LVT options, we can guarantee you’ll find a style that suits your needs. We’re here to provide expert recommendations from experienced flooring specialists and professional installations.

Use our room visualizer to upload a photo of your space and preview flooring options before you visit the showroom, or schedule a Shop At Home appointment.

Get a FREE Estimate

At the end of the day, choosing ceramic and porcelain tile vs. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) isn’t about which product is “better,” but what’s better for you.

If long-term value, durability, and a premium look matter most, Tile is the winner.
If comfort, budget, and easy installation matter most, LVT is an excellent choice.

No matter which flooring you choose, Color Tile & Carpet of Salem is here to guide you every step of the way.

📍 Visit our showroom on Lancaster Drive
📞 Call or email us for your free in-home estimate

Flooring should fit your lifestyle, and we’re here to make sure it does.

Posted in Uncategorized