If you’re replacing floors in a Central Florida home, there’s a good chance you’ve narrowed it down to two options: luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile. They’re the two most popular choices we install, and for good reason. Both handle Florida humidity, both come in great-looking wood and stone styles, and both are easy to keep clean.

So which one is right for you? After more than four decades of installing both in homes across Seminole and Volusia counties, here’s how we help customers decide.

LVP vs. Tile at a Glance

  • Water resistance: Porcelain tile is essentially waterproof. Many LVP products are waterproof too, though some are only water-resistant.
  • Durability: Porcelain tile is the harder, longer-lasting surface. Quality LVP resists scratches and dents well but can be gouged by heavy, sharp objects.
  • Comfort: LVP is softer, warmer and quieter underfoot. Tile is hard and cool, which many Floridians love in summer.
  • Installation: LVP usually installs faster, often floating over the subfloor. Tile takes longer because it’s set in mortar and grouted.
  • Repairs: A damaged LVP plank can often be swapped out. Cracked tile can be replaced too, but matching grout and tile from an older batch is harder.

When Luxury Vinyl Plank Is the Better Choice

You want comfort and quiet

LVP has a little give, so it’s easier on your feet and joints when you’re standing in the kitchen, and it’s much quieter than tile. That makes it a favorite for families, home offices and upstairs rooms.

You have kids and pets

Dropped cups are less likely to shatter on LVP, and it’s kinder to little knees and paws. Waterproof LVP shrugs off spills and accidents. Read more in our guide to the best flooring for pet owners.

You want the look of wood throughout the house

LVP lets you run one continuous wood-look floor through the kitchen, living areas and bedrooms, with fewer transitions. It’s a popular choice for open floor plans in newer homes across Lake Mary, Oviedo and DeBary.

See the options we carry, including Shaw’s waterproof Floorté Pro collection, on our vinyl flooring page.

When Tile Is the Better Choice

You want the most durable floor possible

Porcelain tile can last for decades. It won’t scratch from sand the way softer floors can, and it stands up to heavy furniture, rolling chairs and high traffic.

You’re near the beach or have a pool

If wet feet, sand and pool traffic are part of daily life, tile is hard to beat. It’s our top recommendation for coastal homes in places like New Smyrna Beach.

You want a cool floor in the Florida heat

Tile stays noticeably cooler underfoot, which many homeowners appreciate during long Florida summers.

You love stone, marble or bold patterns

Large-format marble-look porcelain, hexagons, herringbone layouts and decorative patterned tile give you design options that vinyl can’t fully match. Learn more on our tile flooring page.

What About Wood-Look Tile?

Wood-look porcelain plank gives you the look of hardwood with the toughness and water resistance of tile. It’s a great middle ground for homeowners who want wood style in a kitchen, entryway or living area but prefer tile’s durability. It does feel like tile underfoot, so it’s harder and cooler than LVP.

Can You Mix Them?

Absolutely, and many homeowners do. A common approach is tile in bathrooms, laundry rooms and entryways, with LVP or carpet in the living areas and bedrooms. With the right transitions, the two look great together, and we can help you plan where each floor makes the most sense.

Which One Fits Your Budget?

Costs vary widely based on the product you choose, the size of the space and the condition of your subfloor. In general, LVP often costs less to install because it goes in faster, while porcelain tile involves more labor but may last longer. The only way to compare accurately is with a measured estimate for your home.

Let Us Help You Decide

The easiest way to choose is to see both side by side. Visit our showroom in Sanford by appointment, or have a Pace professional bring LVP and tile samples to your home. We’ll measure your rooms, walk you through the options and give you a free estimate. Every installation is backed by our warranty.

Call (407) 509-6812 or request your free estimate online. We serve Sanford, Oviedo, Deltona, DeBary and communities across Central Florida.