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The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang
Whether you're undergoing a full-blown remodel or doing a quick DIY project, a fresh set of tiles can take your bathroom or kitchen’s ambiance to the next level. Made with synthetic materials like fiberglass, vinyl is one of the more durable flooring options, because it is water-resistant and not easily scratched. “Vinyl is one of the easiest floorings to install, which makes it very cost-effective,” says David Steckel, Thumbtack’s Home Expert. “It can be easily maintained with regular cleaning and repaired if damaged.”
Since there are so many materials, styles, and price points to choose from, it can be somewhat overwhelming to find the ideal tile for your space. We spent hours researching the best vinyl tiles on the market, evaluating their style, installation method, thickness, and durability. Our top pick, the Art3d Peel and Stick Floor Tiles hits all the marks with its sophisticated design, durable construction, and easy maintenance. The tile mimics the look of natural wood and comes in a wide variety of colors.
Best Overall
Art3d Peel and Stick Floor Tiles
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Amazon
Different color options
Elegant design
Realistic texture
100% waterproof
Some reports of lifting
The Art3d Peel and Stick Floor Tiles earn our top spot, due to their superior quality and look. They are a low-cost alternative to real wood flooring that looks and feels much like the real thing but without the hefty price tag. These tiles are resistant to water and fire, so they can withstand any potential damage. They are also resistant to scratches and abrasions, making them a good choice for high-traffic rooms like the kitchen and the living room.
Each tile is 36 by 6 inches and 1/8 inch thick, so it will cover a wider area than standard-sized tiles. You can purchase them in quantities of 36, 12, or 6. The price per square foot is less than $2, giving you plenty of bang for your buck. These tiles are available in a nice selection of colors, from light tones to darker hues. You can set them up in a chevron, offset, or 13-step pattern, depending on your preference.
Installation is pretty straightforward. You won't need grout or nails to install the tiles. Simply peel off the adhesive backing, and stick them wherever you'd like on the floor.
Price at time of publish: $90
Dimensions: 36 x 6 inches | Installation Method: Peel and stick | Style: Wood | Thickness: 2 millimeters | Features: Waterproof, Fireproof, Scratch-resistant
Best for Kitchen
MSI White Ocean Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring
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Home Depot
Realistic stone aesthetic
No tools or adhesive required
100% waterproof
Incredibly durable
Pricier than other options
Light color is more prone to showing dirt
Because of their high water resistance, these tiles from MSI are a great choice for the kitchen, bathroom, and even laundry room. Thanks to their poor moisture absorption, water spills can remain on the surface without fast cleanup. Each tile spans 12 x 24 inches and has an impressive five-millimeter thickness, ensuring a comfortable and solid underfoot experience.
These vinyl tiles are designed to create a realistic stone appearance. The muted colors and a subtle linear pattern give off an elegant and cohesive aesthetic. The lighter color is more likely to show dirt, but vinyl flooring is easy to clean and maintain. Thanks to their click-lock edges, these tiles are easy to install, and no tools or adhesives are required. Since they come with an underlayment attached, you can put the tiles over existing hardwood floors.
The tiles are built to resist all kinds of potential damage, including UV rays, fire, fading, and chipping. As if that weren't enough, the product is covered by a solid five-year warranty to ensure years of reliable use. These tiles are pricier than many other options, but their durable, upscale design is worth the splurge in our opinion.
Price at time of publish: $72
Dimensions: 12 x 24 inches | Installation Method: Click-lock | Style: Stone | Thickness: 5 millimeters | Features: Waterproof, UV, fire, fade, chip, and slip-resistant
Best Groutable
TrafficMaster Groutable Slate Peel and Stick Vinyl Tile
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Home Depot
Elegant design
Authentic stone texture
Low maintenance
Several sizes and patterns available
Pricier than other options
Prone to scratches
To make vinyl tiling look even more authentic, consider a groutable vinyl set like the TrafficMaster Groutable Peel and Stick Vinyl Tile. Featuring a low gloss, dark slate finish with rich textures, these tiles have a smooth, stone-like appearance. Although they can be used without grout, the grout ups the authenticity factor. They are more expensive than other vinyl tile options but provide a more realistic look. Grout is used not only for aesthetic purposes but also to prevent peeling and lifting that can occur on vinyl tiles over time.
These tiles can be installed on almost any subfloor, including wood, vinyl, and concrete. Each tile measures 12 by 12 inches, and some patterns are available in a larger 18 x 18-inch version. At 2.54 millimeters, they are slightly thicker than some of our other options, making them a bit more comfortable to walk on.
Price at time of publish: $65
Dimensions: 12 x 12 inches | Installation Method: Peel and stick, grout | Style: Stone | Thickness: 2.54 millimeters | Features: Water resistant
Best Wood
TrafficMaster Seashore Wood Peel and Stick Vinyl Tile Flooring
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Amazon
Realistic wood pattern
Sound-absorbing material
Water-resistant
Easy to clean and install
Mixed reviews on adhesive quality
Bond enhancer recommended for concrete
If you're looking for an affordable alternative to traditional wood flooring, consider the TrafficMASTER Seashore Vinyl Tiles. With subtle grains reminiscent of natural wood and an attractive parquet pattern, these tiles have an authentic look and feel. The simple peel-and-stick installation process makes them a breeze to apply. Each tile is 12 by 24 inches, and the design is repeated to create a seamless finish.
The tiles are water-resistant, making them an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms. They can be easily cleaned with any type of mild household cleaner. The tiles are made with sound-absorbing materials, so they are a must-have for noisy households. If you are installing these tiles on a concrete subfloor, a bond enhancer is recommended.
Price at time of publish: $28
Dimensions: 12 x 24 inches | Installation Method: Peel and stick | Style: Wood | Thickness: 2.03 millimeters | Features: Water-resistant
Best Peel and Stick
FloorPops Medina Peel & Stick Floor Tile
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Amazon
Stylish and unique patterns
Affordably priced
Water-resistant
Easy to install
Difficult to remove
Thinner than other options
With their eye-catching ironwork pattern, the FloorPops FP2942 Medina Peel & Stick Floors are an easy solution to give any space a new look and feel. Each tile measures 12 x 12 inches and is sold in packs of 10. The vinyl material they’re made from is water-resistant and has a low-shine finish for a classy, realistic-looking tile finish. For that reason, they’re an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. FloorPops has a wide range of stylish patterns and prints on vinyl flooring, like this one in gray and white.
A utility knife is all that's needed to cut the tiles to size before peeling off the backing and sticking them to the floor. Even though the tiles are easy to install, they give the impression that a professional did the job.
Price at time of publish: $13
Dimensions: 12 x 12 inches | Installation Method: Peel and stick | Style: Patterned | Thickness: 1.5 millimeters | Features: Water-resistant
Best Marble
TrafficMaster Carrara Marble Peel and Stick Vinyl Tile
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Home Depot
Elegant design
Natural aesthetic
Wear layer for durability
Easy to clean
Light color tends to show dirt
These vinyl tiles from TrafficMaster do an excellent job of replicating the elegant look of marble. By combining a low-gloss textured finish with a subtle grain pattern, you can achieve a high-end look at a surprisingly low price. Each tile measures 12 inches in length and width, with a 2-millimeter thickness. A no-wax vinyl wear layer makes them durable and easy to clean. Regular sweeping and damp-mopping are all that’s needed. Since they are a light color, they tend to show dirt and scuff marks, which is to be expected.
With a peel-and-stick application process, installation is fairly straightforward. These tiles can be installed over most types of subfloors, including wood, vinyl, and concrete. Be sure to take advantage of the extensive warranty if you encounter any problems or defects. The tiles are backed by a 30-year residential wear-through warranty for added peace of mind.
Price at time of publish: $42
Dimensions: 12 x 12 inches | Installation Method: Peel and stick | Style: Marble | Thickness: 2 millimeters | Features: Water-resistant
Best Stone
Achim Home Furnishings Spanish Rose Nexus Self Adhesive Vinyl Floor Tiles
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Amazon
Authentic stone appearance
Easy installation
Many patterns to choose from
Strong adhesive
Thinner than other options
Unlike natural stone, which is delicate and prone to damage from mixtures, these tiles from Achim Home are resilient, easy to maintain, and significantly less expensive. Installation is a simple peel-and-stick approach using a strong self-adhesive on the back. No grouting is needed, which is a big plus. Unfortunately, these tiles feature seams, so they must be properly aligned to create a uniform appearance.
Each tile measures a standard 12 x 12 inch with a 1.2-mm thickness. These tiles are the thinnest option on our list and may lack some comfort and stability when compared to the competition. They come in a variety of patterns, including rustic slate and quartose granite, to complement almost any interior decor. We have read some reports of tiles arriving broken or damaged, so be sure to inspect all the tiles thoroughly before installation.
Price at time of publish: $18
Dimensions: 12 x 12 inches | Installation Method: Peel and stick | Style: Marble | Thickness: 1.2 millimeters | Features: Scratch-resistant, stain-resistant
Best for Basement
Armstrong Imperial Texture VCT Commercial Vinyl Tile
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Home Depot
Extremely durable
Excellent selection of colors
Compatible with commercial floor polishes
Low-VOC and eco-friendly
Some reports of damaged tiles
Glue required for installation
Offering superior durability, this vinyl floor from Armstrong Flooring is an excellent choice for a basement. Compared to porous flooring, which can be damaged by the humidity and moisture in subterranean spaces, vinyl composition tiles are much more resilient. They are also widely used for commercial construction projects, due to their long lifespan and simple installation. However, the design is simple enough to work in just about any room of your home. These tiles come in an impressive array of colors—you can choose from over three dozen options. All of the tiles have subtle patterns and grains to create a richly textured finish. Each tile measures 12 x 12 inches and is 3 millimeters thick.
These tiles are certified for low-VOC emissions, which makes them an eco-friendly option. They feature a unique factory finish that's compatible with most commercial floor polishes and can be shined to like-new condition as needed. Since these tiles need to be glued down with an adhesive, installation is a bit more complex.
Price at time of publish: $90
Dimensions: 12 x 12 inches | Installation Method: Glue (adhesive) | Style: VCT | Thickness: 3 millimeters | Features: Stain-resistant, water-resistant
Combining a realistic wood aesthetic with superior durability, the Art3d Peel and Stick Floor Vinyl Tiles earn the top spot in our roundup. If you’re looking to replicate the look of stone without breaking the bank, we recommend the Achim Home Furnishings Nexus Self Adhesive Floor Tiles. These standard tiles have an authentic stone look and require no special tools to install.
What to Look for in Vinyl Tiles
Style
Vinyl flooring can be purchased in a wide variety of styles, with the most common being those that attempt to replicate the look of natural materials like wood, stone, and marble. For instance, the texture, color, and finish of our top choice for best wood, the TrafficMaster Seashore Wood Peel and Stick Vinyl Tile Flooring, replicates the natural grain of hardwood without the expensive price tag. Depending on the cost and brand, some look more realistic than others.
Installation Method
Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are as simple to set up as their name suggests. Many of these tiles can be trimmed to fit with a utility knife and placed over existing wood, vinyl, or concrete flooring. Damaged tiles can be easily removed and replaced, making repairs equally painless. Although vinyl tiles are a favorite among DIYers, they are more prone to lifting and peeling than vinyl plank flooring, which requires specialized tools and installation techniques.
Certain vinyl tiles have a click-lock installation method that uses an interlocking tongue-and-groove system. Underlayment is commonly advised for this flooring, to prevent the locking mechanism from slipping apart. The underlayment also reduces noise, improves comfort, and keeps the tiles in place. Our best pick for kitchens, the MSI White Ocean Luxury Vinyl Tile, comes with a pre-attached underlayment for convenience.
Thickness
The standard thickness range for vinyl tiles is between 2 and 8 millimeters. Thicker tiles tend to be sturdier, more comfortable, and quieter underfoot. Although they are usually reserved for commercial use, they are worth considering for a high-trafficked area or homes with children and pets. Thicker vinyl tiles also help with minor subfloor defects during installation. Our top pick for basement flooring, Armstrong Flooring Imperial Texture VCT Commercial Vinyl Tile, is one of our thicker options at 3 millimeters.
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How do you install vinyl tiles?
Vinyl tiles are easy to install, thanks to their simple peel-and-stick backing or click-and-lock systems. Self-stick tiles can be directly applied to various subfloors, including plywood, concrete, and sheet vinyl. However, it is important to prepare the subfloor before placing the tiles. It should be clean and free of any old adhesive, dampness, dirt, or debris. A latex floor primer may be necessary for a porous surface like concrete or wood.
Once the subfloor is prepped, trim molding should be removed to ensure a seamless transition between the tile flooring and the walls. We recommend laying out the tiles in advance with the adhesive backing still on to prevent mistakes. Once you’ve properly measured and mapped out the floor, stick the tiles on. Keep in mind that some tiles may require trimming to fit right against the wall. The last step is to use a roller to securely bind the tiles to the floor and keep them from shifting.
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How long do vinyl tiles last?
According to David Steckel, Thumbtack’s Home Expert, “If regularly maintained and cared for, a vinyl floor can last at least 20 years, but in most cases, you will change it out for aesthetic reasons.” Because they’re water-resistant, vinyl tiles can withstand spills and a basement's high-moisture environment. Although not 100% scratch-resistant, vinyl tiles have a protective layer that prevents them from scratching easily. All of these durable features contribute to years of reliable use.
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What is the difference between vinyl and ceramic tiles?
Luxury vinyl flooring has come a long way in recent years, and now it can be nearly impossible to distinguish from ceramic tiles just by looking at it. According to Steckel, thickness and durability are two key differences between the two materials. Vinyl is significantly thinner than ceramic and is typically “dry laid," which means no glue or mortar is required to set it. The lack of additional adhesive makes vinyl tile significantly thinner.
Although costly, ceramic will last longer than vinyl flooring due to the quality of the material. Ceramic is highly stable, and moisture or general environmental changes won't affect its quality. On the other hand, vinyl is significantly less expensive than ceramic, but you’ll need to replace it throughout the lifespan of your home.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a home and lifestyle writer who has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019. To select the best vinyl tiles for this roundup, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their style, installation method, thickness, and durability. She also took hundreds of customer reviews and write-ups from third-party websites into consideration. For expert insight on vinyl tiles, she interviewed David Steckel, Thumbtack’s Home Expert.