Luxury vinyl flooring is one of the most popular choices for homeowners and designers looking for durability, waterproof performance, and style flexibility. But once you’ve narrowed your search to luxury vinyl, you’re faced with a common question:

What’s the difference between LVT and LVP—and which one should I choose?

In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), where each works best, and how they perform with radiant floor heating.

What Is LVT?


Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is designed to mimic the look of natural stone, ceramic tile, or even concrete. It comes in square or rectangular tiles and is often used in rooms where traditional tile would normally go—think bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms, or laundry rooms.

Key Features of LVT:

  • Comes in tile-like formats

  • Mimics stone, slate, or ceramic aesthetics

  • Installs via glue-down or floating click systems

  • Works well in moisture-prone areas

What Is LVP?

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is built to resemble natural hardwood flooring. It comes in long, narrow planks that echo the size and grain patterns of real wood—making it a great fit for living rooms, bedrooms, basements, and open floor plans.

Key Features of LVP:

  • Designed to replicate wood grain and texture

  • Installed as floating, glue-down, or loose lay

  • Adds warmth and realism to larger spaces

  • Popular for whole-home flooring consistency

Side-by-Side Comparison: LVT vs. LVP

Feature

LVT

LVP

Appearance

Stone, slate, concrete

Hardwood—oak, maple, hickory

Format

Tile-shaped

Plank-shaped

Best Rooms

Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas

Bedrooms, hallways, living rooms

Installation

Glue-down or click-lock

Click-lock, glue-down, or loose lay

Surface Feel

Cooler, more rigid

Softer, more resilient underfoot

Design Style

Modern, industrial, or classic tile

Warm, rustic, traditional, or contemporary

LVT and LVP with Radiant Floor Heating

The good news? Both LVT and LVP work beautifully with electric floor heating—as long as you follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines.

✅ Compatible with WarmlyYours systems

✅ Fast and even heat distribution

✅ Comfortable underfoot—especially in colder climates

Note: Always check your flooring’s max temperature (usually 80–85°F surface) and use a thermostat with a floor sensor to avoid overheating.

How to Install Radiant Floor Heating Under LVT or LVP

Radiant heating works seamlessly under luxury vinyl flooring when installed correctly. Your subfloor type determines the materials and steps needed for a successful and long-lasting installation.

Subfloor Installation Requirements

Subfloor Type

Heating System

Embedding Layer

Additional Requirements

Concrete Slab

TempZone™ Mat or TempZone™ Cable

Self-Leveling Cement (SLC)

Use ThermalSheet™ insulation for better energy efficiency

Wood

TempZone™ Mat or Cable

Self-Leveling Cement (SLC)

Damming required around perimeter and in-floor air vents

💡 Tip: Always confirm that your LVT or LVP flooring is compatible with embedded radiant heat and check maximum allowable temperatures.

Best Practices for Installing Radiant Heat with LVT or LVP

Follow these steps to ensure a safe, effective, and code-compliant installation:

1. Allow an Acclimation Period

    • Let your luxury vinyl flooring acclimate to the environment (usually 48 hours) before installation.

    2. Test the Heating System Before Embedding

    • Use a Circuit Check to test your system before, during, and after embedding. Never skip this step.

    3. Use Self-Leveling Cement (SLC) to Encapsulate the Heating System

    • Fully embed the cable or mat system in SLC to ensure heat transfers evenly.

    • Follow the moisture guidelines of your SLC product and read the mixing instructions carefully.

    4. Avoid Exceeding Heat Limits

    • Most vinyl flooring has a max surface temperature limit of 80–85°F. Use a thermostat with a floor sensor to prevent overheating.

    5. Maintain Proper Cable Spacing

    • Use consistent spacing for even heating:

      • 3″ spacing provides more warmth

      • 4″ spacing is ideal for moderate comfort and efficiency

    ✅ Want expert help with layout, spacing, and electrical planning? Get a free custom SmartPlan™ to design your entire system from start to finish.

    Which One Should You Choose?

    Choose LVT if…

    • You want a tile or stone look

    • You’re installing in a high-moisture area

    • You’re matching to existing tile

    Choose LVP if…

    • You want a wood floor look

    • You’re flooring a bedroom or living space

    • You want a warm, consistent aesthetic throughout

    Final Thoughts

    Whether you choose LVT for its modern tile appeal or LVP for its timeless wood look, you’ll get a flooring solution that’s durable, waterproof, easy to install—and radiant heat ready.

    Want help designing your radiant floor heating system for vinyl floors?

    👉 Get a free SmartPlan layout and quote from our team.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you put radiant floor heating under LVP?

    Yes, most LVP is compatible with radiant heat as long as installation guidelines are followed. Be sure to use a thermostat with a floor sensor.

    Does LVT conduct heat well?

    LVT conducts and retains heat efficiently, making it a great match for radiant floor heating—especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

    What’s the best luxury vinyl option for bathrooms?

    LVT is often preferred in bathrooms because it resembles tile and pairs well with wet environments and radiant heating systems.

    How warm does vinyl flooring get with radiant heat?

    Vinyl flooring typically has a surface temperature limit of 80–85°F. Using WarmlyYours thermostats with sensors helps maintain safe heating levels.