LVP vs Tile Flooring — Which Wins in Kitchens and Bathrooms?

Yes — quality SPC vinyl plank is 100% waterproof and perfectly suited for bathroom floors. Use a product with a textured surface and a COF (coefficient of friction) rating of 0.6+ when wet for slip safety. It is not recommended for inside showers or anywhere water sits for extended periods without drainage.

Yes — this is one of LVP's major advantages. Provided the existing tile is firmly bonded, flat, and the height difference at transitions is manageable, LVP can float over tile without demo. This saves $3–$6/sf in tile removal costs, making LVP even more cost-effective.

Without in-floor heating, tile in an unheated bathroom can feel very cold in a BC winter — particularly in the morning. This is the most common complaint about tile in bathrooms. The solution is electric in-floor heating (a mat system runs $200–$500 for a typical bathroom) or a quality bath mat.

Yes — grout should be sealed every 1–3 years (epoxy grout is an exception; it requires no sealing). Unsealed grout stains easily and can harbour mould in wet areas. The annual maintenance cost of sealing is a common hidden cost of tile that LVP avoids.

Tile generally has a higher resale perception in primary kitchens and bathrooms — buyers in Metro Vancouver's market associate tile with quality construction. In secondary spaces (laundry rooms, basement bathrooms), LVP is perfectly acceptable and buyers rarely differentiate.