Anyone buying or renovating a home in Spain will sooner or later face the same choice: do you choose a tile floor or a PVC floor?
Both options are widely used on the Costa Blanca but differ greatly in comfort, appearance, and use.
In this article, we explain the main differences so you can make an informed choice.
Tiles in Spain: the traditional standard
Tile floors have been the most used floor covering in Spain for many years. They are standard in existing homes and new construction projects.
Advantages of tiles
- very wear-resistant and durable
- good resistance to water and moisture
- suitable for warm climates
- long lifespan
Disadvantages of tiles
- cold and hard underfoot
- limited sound insulation
- less comfortable in living spaces
- labor-intensive installation
Tiles are practical and strong but offer less comfort in daily use.
PVC floors (LVT): the modern solution
PVC floors, also known as LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile), are increasingly chosen in homes on the Costa Blanca, especially in renovations and new builds.
Advantages of PVC
- comfortable and warm underfoot
- sound-absorbing
- water-resistant
- easy to maintain
- available in various designs such as wood and concrete
Disadvantages of PVC
- subfloor must be perfectly flat
- leveling is often necessary
- slightly more sensitive to damage than tiles
PVC combines comfort with appearance and is therefore very suitable for living spaces.
Comfort and use
The biggest difference between PVC and tiles lies in daily use.
- Tiles feel hard and cold
- PVC feels warm and soft
For living rooms and bedrooms, this makes a big difference in comfort.
Costs of PVC vs tiles
The cost of a floor consists of several parts: materials, installation, and preparation.
- PVC floors are often cheaper in materials
- Tiles generally have higher labor costs
- With PVC, leveling is often necessary
In practice, the total costs are often closer than expected, depending on the situation.
Also read our article about
what a new floor costs in Spain
for a detailed explanation.
Installation and renovation
Installation plays an important role in renovations.
PVC:
- can often be placed over existing tiles
- less demolition work needed
- faster installation
Tiles:
- existing floor often needs to be removed
- more labor and time needed
For renovations, PVC is often the most practical choice.
Also read
Laying PVC over tiles in Spain
for more information.
Suitability for underfloor heating
Both tiles and PVC are suitable for underfloor heating.
- Tiles conduct heat very well
- PVC feels more comfortable
The choice depends on the desired combination of efficiency and comfort.
Sound and acoustics
In apartments and multi-story homes, sound plays an important role.
- Tiles amplify sound
- PVC dampens sound
This often makes PVC more suitable for apartments.
What is most chosen in Spain?
Traditionally, tiles are the most commonly used.
In recent years, however, a clear shift is visible:
- PVC is increasingly chosen in living areas
- Tiles remain popular in bathrooms and outdoor spaces
Conclusion: PVC or tiles?
The best choice depends on your situation.
Tiles are suitable if you choose durability and a cool floor.
PVC is the better choice when comfort, appearance, and ease of use are important.
More and more people choose PVC in living areas, while tiles often remain in wet areas.
Advice on flooring in Spain
Are you unsure between PVC and tiles for your home on the Costa Blanca?
In our showroom in Altea, we help you make the right choice based on your home, usage, and preferences.
Port of Altea supplies and installs floors throughout the Costa Blanca region, including Altea, Albir, Benidorm, Calpe, Moraira, Jávea, Denia, and Alicante.