Changing your interior design presents a daunting challenge. You have so many options from which you can choose, especially when selecting flooring materials. However, you finally landed on two impressive materials.
Engineered hardwood flooring vs. luxury vinyl plank flooring: which works best for your purposes? Since Authentic Hardwood Flooring carries both, we offer professional guidance below.
Understanding Engineered Hardwood Flooring vs. Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Engineered hardwood floors consist of various wooden layers. It features a hardwood top layer with subsequent layers made of fiberboard and plywood. You’ll achieve the same look and feel of pure hardwood with improved durability.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring offers more aesthetic options. It mimics natural materials like stone, terracotta, and hardwood. You can also choose from a diverse range of tile sizes and shapes. As the name implies, these tiles consist of vinyl materials.
The Pros and Cons of Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood has a few advantages over LVP, including:
- Materials that last longer
- Dent resistance
- Longer lifespan
- Added home value
You can also refinish your engineered hardwood floor should it sustain minor damage. This service renews its beauty.
However, you must navigate this material’s pitfalls. While engineered hardwood resists water better than regular hardwood, it can’t withstand constant moisture saturation. You must also choose cleaning products formulated for hardwood for proper maintenance.
Additionally, it typically costs more to install and replace than LVP. However, many homeowners find the material’s longevity makes up for the installation cost and price.
The Pros and Cons of LVP
How does LVP measure up in the engineered hardwood flooring vs. vinyl luxury plank flooring contest?
- Stain and scratch resistance
- Easier installation process
- Lower installation cost
- Moisture resistance
- Tolerant of traditional cleaning formulas
Although engineered hardwood doesn’t dent as easily as LVP, vinyl resists the scratches and stains that hardwood easily incurs. Plus, the diverse aesthetic options make it preferable to those interested in achieving a specific design.
However, you must replace the vinyl plank flooring every five years, and you cannot refinish it to cover up damage. These pitfalls often cause homeowners to choose engineered hardwood instead.
Which Should You Choose?
Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. Which one best suits your home? You’ll find scenarios in which one material outperforms the other below.
Location
Where will you install your new floor? Engineered hardwood is designed for and usually installed on concrete slab foundations. These are most likely found in homes on level lots and in high-rise condominiums.
Meanwhile, luxury vinyl plank flooring will easily withstand spills and humid environments with its exceptional moisture tolerance. Plus, you can use more abrasive cleaning & maintenance products to remove spillage and grime.
Price
How much can you budget for your new floor? If you want to invest in longevity, you can expand your budget to accommodate engineered hardwood. While it costs more to install, it also lasts much longer than luxury vinyl plank flooring.
However, you might prefer a less expensive option that you can replace within a few years. Many people choose to spend less due to lifestyles that may change in the future.
Lifestyle
Do you have children or pets? If so, you might prefer LVP’s scratch and spill resistance. These qualities keep the material looking gorgeous throughout its lifespan. As your children or pets mature, you might opt for engineered hardwood when replacing your luxury vinyl plank flooring.
While engineered hardwood holds up against dents, it can incur stains and scratches over time. However, some engineered flooring with a thick wear layer can be refinished to mitigate this issue.
Contact Authentic Hardwood Flooring for Expert Assistance in Atlanta, Georgia
Engineered hardwood flooring vs. luxury vinyl plank flooring: which option best serves your lifestyle? Authentic Hardwood Flooring encourages you to consider all possible angles before deciding. Contact us for service advice and a free estimate.
