Two Very Different Products
Despite sharing the word “vinyl,” vinyl sheet flooring and vinyl plank flooring (LVP) are fundamentally different products designed for different applications. Understanding these differences will save you from choosing the wrong floor for your Melbourne home or business.
What Is Vinyl Sheet Flooring?
Vinyl sheet comes in continuous rolls — typically 2 metres wide and up to 30 metres long. It’s laid in one piece (or minimal seams in larger rooms) and either glued directly to the subfloor or loose-laid with perimeter adhesive. This creates a virtually seamless, waterproof surface.
Commercial-grade vinyl sheet from brands like Polyflor and Armstrong is the standard choice for hospitals, schools, aged care facilities, and retail environments across Melbourne.
What Is Vinyl Plank Flooring (LVP)?
Vinyl plank flooring consists of individual planks — typically 1200mm x 180mm — designed to look like timber flooring. LVP comes in two main types: glue-down planks (used commercially) and click-lock planks (popular for residential use). Brands like Karndean and Polyflor Expona offer premium LVP with realistic timber textures.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Waterproofing
Vinyl sheet wins on waterproofing. With heat-welded seams, it creates a fully watertight surface — essential for hospitals and wet areas. Vinyl planks have seams at every joint. While the planks themselves are waterproof, water can seep between joints if left standing.
Appearance
Vinyl planks win on aesthetics. The individual plank format creates a realistic timber look with natural variations between boards. Vinyl sheet can mimic timber patterns, but the repeating print pattern is more noticeable over large areas.
Installation
Click-lock vinyl planks are faster to install and can be a DIY project. Vinyl sheet requires professional installation with specialist tools for cutting, fitting, and heat-welding seams. In Melbourne, professional installation for vinyl sheet typically costs $15-25/m² on top of material costs.
Maintenance
Vinyl sheet is easier to maintain in commercial settings — no joints for dirt to collect in, seamless mopping. Vinyl planks can trap dirt in click-lock joints over time, though modern products with tight-fit locking systems minimise this issue.
Cost
Vinyl sheet ranges from $25-80/m² depending on specification. Vinyl planks range from $35-120/m². For large commercial areas, vinyl sheet is generally more cost-effective. For residential spaces wanting a timber look, vinyl planks offer better value than engineered timber.
When to Choose Vinyl Sheet
- Commercial environments with hygiene requirements (healthcare, food service)
- Areas needing safety flooring (R10-R12 slip resistance)
- Large open-plan commercial spaces where seamless installation matters
- Wet areas requiring fully waterproof flooring
When to Choose Vinyl Plank
- Residential homes wanting the timber look without the timber price
- Retail and hospitality where aesthetics are the priority
- Renovation projects where floating-floor installation suits the existing subfloor
- Rental properties needing durable, attractive flooring that’s easy to replace
Need Help Choosing?
At One Stop Floors, we stock both vinyl sheet and vinyl plank flooring from leading brands. Our Melbourne team can assess your space and recommend the right product for your needs. Contact us or call 03 4052 3930 for a free consultation.