Whether you’re replacing old flooring or laying down brand new tile, you know that the choices are vast. If you’re considering VCT flooring, which stands for vinyl composition tile or vinyl composite tile, you need to know what initial cost you can expect.
The total cost of VCT flooring is made up of the cost of the floor tile itself, the cost of installation, and any labor costs you might accrue. You can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $2,000 for VCT, or an average cost of about $1,200. This price depends on the scope of your project and the type of VCT you choose to use.
While this is quite a range, the key takeaway is that VCT is one of the more affordable flooring materials. Its low-cost and high durability make it a great choice for all kinds of flooring projects. Keep reading below for a more detailed breakdown of vinyl composite tile cost.
What Is VCT Flooring?
Vinyl composite tile flooring is a kind of tile flooring popular for its durability and low average cost. VCT contains the binder polyvinyl chloride, which is where it gets its vinyl distinction. VCT flooring is created by combining the following materials:
- Limestone
- Filler materials
- Color pigments
Those in the market for stain- and moisture-resistant tiles often choose 12-inch VCT because it holds up under heavy foot traffic. This resilient flooring often appears in grocery stores, corporate offices, schools, and other commercial buildings where people will walk frequently.
However, VCT is more popular than ever now in residential spaces. Homeowners who want to protect their floors against frequent house foot traffic can choose VCT flooring installations to save money and maintenance costs. VCT is also great for garages.
How Much Does VCT (Vinyl Composite Tile) Flooring Cost?
Vinyl composition tile comes in various types, including different textures, thicknesses, and qualities. The type of VCT you decide is best for your project will determine its upfront cost. Additionally, the number of tiles you need for your vinyl tile flooring project will affect the overall cost.
Before finalizing the cost of VCT, calculate the square footage of tile you’ll need to buy and determine whether you will pay for professional installation or install the tile yourself. You should also have a contingency for any unexpected expenses since these usually arise during home renovation projects.
VCT Tile Cost per Square Foot
The average cost per square foot of VCT is about $2. This number can increase depending on the style and texture you buy. While a plain, budget VCT option may only cost $1 per square foot, a brighter, more complex, and comfortable option that suits your aesthetic goals could cost as much as $4 per square foot.
Below is a table that shows how much you might pay per square foot to tile different areas of your home with these vinyl floors. These estimates do not include basic labor if you plan to hire outside help.
| Square Footage | Basic VCT Cost | Complex VCT Cost |
| 100 sq. ft. | $100-200 | $300-400 |
| 300 sq. ft. | $300-600 | $900-1,200 |
| 700 sq. ft. | $700-1,400 | $2,100-2,800 |
How Much Does It Cost to Install VCT Flooring?
If you are hiring professionals to install your vinyl composite tile flooring, you’ll have to factor in the cost of labor along with the cost for materials.
When it comes to vinyl composite tile flooring, there are two types of installation options:
- Peel-and-stick vinyl floor tile
- Gluedown vinyl floor tile
Peel-and-stick vinyl composition tile flooring can be installed either with or without a professional. This adhesive type is simpler to work with and, therefore, costs less to purchase.
To install this type of VCT, just peel off the backing and press the sticky side of the tile to the subfloor. Improper installation of peel-and-stick VCT can cause it to peel up.
Glue-down vinyl composition tile flooring costs a bit more and requires the installation work of a professional. Glue-down VCT is, by far, the more common choice.
Average installation costs for VCT range from $2 to $5 per square foot. Below is a table that shows how much you might pay per square foot to tile different parts of your home with VCT. These estimates include both cost per square foot and installation costs.
| Square Footage | Basic VCT Cost | Complex VCT Cost |
| 100 sq. ft. | $300-700 | $500-900 |
| 300 sq. ft. | $900-$1,200 | $2,400-2,700 |
| 700 sq. ft. | $2,100-$2,800 | $5,600-6,300 |
While these numbers look high, it’s important to keep in mind that most residential projects that utilize VCT will be 200 square feet and below.
For accurate cost estimates from your local professional flooring installers, it’s important to call them for a quote or meet for a consultation.
What’s the Difference Between VCT and LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)?
LVT, or luxury vinyl tile, is a newer type of vinyl flooring and is growing in popularity. While VCT has been around for decades, LVT is far more modern.
- LVT is composed of 100% vinyl while VCT is composed of vinyl, limestone, and other filler material.
- LVT provides more layout pattern options for the discerning designer. VCT options are more confined due to its construction.
- VCT is porous and does require some maintenance while LVT’s fully-vinyl makeup means it has a harder core and wear layer.
You can consider LVT an advanced or improved version of VCT. However, as its name suggests, LVT is more expensive than VCT. In many cases, the tried-and-true VCT is a great choice due to its low cost, ease of installation, and simple maintenance regiment.
How Long Does VCT Last?
A well-maintained VCT floor can last as long as 20 years. While VCT is low maintenance, it does require some commitment to keep it performing its best and lasting as long as possible.
The porous surface will need waxing so that it does not absorb moisture. However, with the right care, VCT is still an excellent option for affordable, durable flooring.
Proper maintenance includes:
- Keeping the floors clean so dirt and debris doesn’t accumulate (sweeping, mopping, vacuuming)
- Applying wax when floors are new and scrubbing/re-waxing when they are lacking shine (twice a year, approximately)
- Stripping and re-waxing if floors need restoration (less likely with residential floors)
Commercial VCT flooring will see far more foot traffic than residential floors. Thousands of people walk around grocery stores and schools daily while only a few people are likely to walk on the floors of your home. This means your residential floors are far less likely to wear out or require intensive maintenance.
VCT Tile Prices by Brand
Common VCT brands and their tile prices are as follows:
| Brand | Collection | Example | Price |
| Congoleum | Alternatives – Butter |  |
$0.86/sq. ft. |
| Tarkett | 1328 Black White |  |
$1.17/sq. ft. |
| Armstrong Flooring | Standard Excelon Imperial Texture |  |
$1.30/sq. ft. |
| Forbo | Twilight Colorex EC |  |
$6.91/sq. ft. |
| Roppe | Cumulus White ESD Static Control |  |
$9.06/sq. ft. |
