So you want wood flooring?
Selecting the right flooring for your home is a big, oftentimes, consuming decision. We are lucky today that we have so many quality options, but sometimes more options make it harder to come to a decision. The appearance of wood is one many people desire for their homes, but sometimes there are roadblocks such as budget, pets, children, etc. Below we will break down the differences between real hardwood, engineered wood, and luxury vinyl plank, also known as LVP. This post isn’t to try and persuade you in any direction. It is a personal decision for each person and home, rather we are trying to educate and answer some of the common questions around each type of flooring.
Hardwood
Just as you would assume, solid hardwood flooring is made of 100% real wood throughout. You can often find it available in many species such as oak, maple, walnut, and more. The pros of hardwood floor include the following:
- It can be sanded down and refinished throughout its life.
- It is authentic wood so its appearance is 100% natural and genuine. There are limitless options appearance-wise.
- Its lifespan is extremely long relative to other floor choices.
- Easy to clean with a broom and dustpan or Swiffer.
- Better for the resale value of your home.
A few cons of hardwood include:
- For most people, it should be professionally installed because it is nailed down to the subfloor which requires more know-how than the average DIYer.
- Typically, it is the most expensive option.
- Not suitable to areas that are prone to moisture due to the possibility of warping (bathrooms, basements, kitchens).
- Direct sunlight for prolonged periods may fade coloring.
Engineered Wood
This might be a surprise to some of you, but engineered wood flooring does contain real wood! The top layer of engineered wood is a thin layer of genuine wood followed by layers of plywood to make each plank. The pros of engineered wood include:
- Appearance-wise, it still has the genuine hardwood look for a cheaper price.
- It is easier for a DIYer to install.
- Slightly less susceptible to warping than real hardwood, but should still consider as a factor when deciding where to install.
- Easy to clean with a broom and dustpan or Swiffer.
- The resale value of engineered wood is still very appealing.
A few cons of engineered wood include:
- There are not as many options species and appearance-wise with engineered wood.
- The lifespan of engineered wood is shorter because it cannot be sanded and refinished as many times as genuine hardwood.
Luxury Vinyl Plank
Luxury Vinyl Plank may be a new term to some people. It is also known as LVP which is a man-made floor that is designed to look like natural hardwood by replicating the colors and accents of hardwood. It is printed on vinyl planks. The pros of luxury vinyl plank include:
- It is the most cost-effective option for people on a budget.
- Easy to install.
- More resistant to moisture. It can be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, but it is still a good idea to discuss your specific flooring choice with a consultant at the showroom you are purchasing your flooring from.
A few cons of luxury vinyl plank include:
- It is a fabricated flooring so it will not have as genuine of a hardwood look as real hardwood or engineered wood will.
- It cannot be refinished.
Overall, there is not a one size fits all option for homeowners. What may work in my home, might not work for my neighbor. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each flooring choice and select samples to take home before making your final decision.
