One of the biggest renovation myths is that if you want to save money, IDs will tell you to just use vinyl flooring.
Not entirely wrong, but this is definitely a half truth.
Watch our tiktok if you lazy to read.
The reason vinyl is usually “cheaper” and “saves money” is not because vinyl itself is cheaper.
It's because in many cases, vinyl can be directly laid over your existing flooring.
No hacking, no screeding, no major preparation work. That's where the savings come from.
Vinyl vs. Tiles
Before we get into cost, vinyl and tiles are 2 very different products.
Vinyl
Softer underfoot and generally more comfortable to walk on.
Slightly warmer to the touch, especially in air‑conditioned rooms.
Tiles
Harder, more durable, and generally lasts longer.
More resistant to scratches, dents, and heavy wear.
Better suited for wet areas such as bathrooms and some kitchens.
Why Vinyl Is Not Always Cheaper
The moment you decide to hack your flooring, the cost difference becomes less significant regardless of whether you choose tiles or vinyl.
In fact, there are instances where vinyl will be more expensive than tiles.
To illustrate this, we must understand the difference in works done. Let us use a master bedroom of 150sqft.
Option A: Pure vinyl overlay ($990)
Homeowners pay
$5 - $8 psf depending on the type & quality of vinyl chosen, we take $6 psf
Total cost (with 10% wastage): $990
Option B: Hack & redo tiles ($3,010)
Homeowners pay
Hacking cost: ~ $1,000
Tiling labour cost (screed, materials, labour): $9 psf = $1,350
Actual tile cost (with 10% wastage): $4 psf = $660
Total cost of ~$3,010
Option C: Hack & relay vinyl ($3,640)
Hacking cost: ~ $1,000
Tiling labour cost (screed, materials, labour): $9 psf = $1,350
Actual vinyl cost (with 10% wastage): $990
Potential self-levelling: $2 psf = $300
Total cost of ~$3,640
What’s This Self-Levelling Vinyl Cost?
Because vinyl is soft, and cement screed is done with labour, any unevenness underneath can be felt.
Some people care, some people don’t.
To solve this, tilers need to apply a self-levelling solution before laying the vinyl.
You don’t have to pay for this when doing tiling.
What Homeowners Should Know
This is why we always tell our homeowners, if you want to save cost, the key is to see if the flooring of the flat you buy is in good condition. If you don’t have to hack living room & bedroom floor, the cost savings will go up significantly.
While vinyl can be cheaper than tiles, the context is even more important. What are the actual works that needs to be done?
TLDR
Don’t assume vinyl is always cheaper than tiles.
Many IDs will say this without explaining the context.
If you can keep your existing flooring, for pure overlay, yes it is cheaper 100%.
The moment you hack your floor, their prices are roughly the same already.
What then matters is really your preference, not so much the price.
Lastly, if you need reliable IDs/contractors recommendations, enquire here. It’s free with no obligations.