How to Compare Hardwood and Vinyl Flooring
While you really can't go wrong with either real hardwood or vinyl planks, we are going to take a look at some of the biggest differences between the two types of flooring. Vinyl and wood look very similar, but there are many things to consider before making the final decision.Real hardwood floors will always be a classic look. There are a lot of advantages when it comes to styling and versatility of real hardwood. Hardwood flooring comes in two types, solid hardwood or engineered hardwood. With solid, it is 5/8 to 3/4 inches thick which allows for it to be sanded and refinished many times. Engineered hardwood is a hardwood veneer with several layers of plywood underneath, which holds up well over time, but can only be sanded and restained a few times.
On the other hand, luxury vinyl is a hardwood look-alike but is actually a rubberized plastic. They come in planks, sheets, and peel and stick options. This flooring material is very popular for those who are DIYers since many are made to click together and can be installed over various surfaces. Another great factor about vinyl is that due to the rubberized nature, it will absorb sound better than natural wood surfaces.
Now that we've given you an overview of hardwood and vinyl, let's compare them to help you pick the better option for your house.
Appearance
Since vinyl plank flooring was created to have that natural wood look, both wood floors and vinyl planks appear very similar. Under the surface though, the two vary. In fact, some people might not realize that vinyl isn’t real wood, but if under close examination someone would be able to tell.Solid wood flooring can be more flexible with style because it can be refinished multiple times. Unlike hardwood, with vinyl, you can't sand and restain it a different color later on. If you want to change the color you will have to replace the whole flooring.
Cost
The cost of these two flooring options is probably the biggest difference and deciding factor for many homeowners. While the materials and quality can vary between the two, vinyl is the less expensive option. By the square foot, it is cheaper to buy and install. Some people will also save on the install by installing vinyl themselves, however, at Quest Interiors, we always recommend hiring a professional for the best selection, price and to make sure your floors are properly installed.Hardwood floors price range can differ depending on the type of wood, stain, and installation. There are cheaper wood types such as maple and more expensive types like mahogany.
To get an idea of how much either hardwood or vinyl flooring will cost, get a quote from us today.
Care & Maintain
When it comes to taking care of and maintaining your floor, hardwood floors require more upkeep. Hardwood needs to be cleaned often. Furniture and pets can also leave scratches in the floor that will have to be sanded down and refinished. Also every 10 years they should be refinished and repaired to keep them looking great.Vinyl is very low maintenance unless it becomes damaged. All it requires is regular sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping. If a vinyl wood plank does get damaged there is no way to fix it without having to replace it. It is recommended with vinyl that you place an area rug over areas with high-traffic and everyday use.
Moisture Resistance
Another big difference between these two types of flooring is how they react to moisture. Hardwood floors don't hold up well to moisture and aren't recommended for high moisture areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, or below-grade basements. With too much moisture hardwood can become damaged.Vinyl, on the other hand, is water-resistant and won't become damaged. This means that it can go anywhere in your house without having to worry about water damage to your floors. All you have to do is clean up the moisture and you're good to go.
Durability
Out of the two options, vinyl is the more durable option since it holds up well with dogs, cats, and young children. As we mentioned above when it comes to water resistance, vinyl is also better than hardwood. However, while vinyl is more durable, hardwood, as noted, is easier to fix and will most likely last you longer because you can refinish it multiple times.Resale Value
Both options have a great resale value and each option really depends on your home. If you are unsure which one would be the best fit for your house, contact Quest Interiors and our expert consultants can advise you on what we think will help you get the most bang for your buck.Hardwood Flooring Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lasts a long time
- Can be refinished multiple times for different looks
- Will never go out of style
- Scratches can be repaired fairly easy
- Is a renewable resource
- A good insulator
Cons
- Price
- Can be damaged by water
- Can be damaged by radiant heat
- Takes longer to install
Vinyl Wood Flooring Pros & Cons
Pros
- Price
- Easier & quicker install
- Can be installed over many surface types
- Very durable
- Absorbs more sound
- Not damaged by water
- Not damaged by radiant heat
Cons
- Can't be repaired like hardwood
- Can't change color
- Not a renewable resource
