When it comes to flooring options for your home, choosing between luxury vinyl plank and hardwood floors can be a tough decision. Both materials offer a beautiful aesthetic, but there are a few key differences you should consider.
Luxury vinyl flooring is a great budget-friendly option that still delivers a high-end look. Hardwood floors offer timeless beauty and durability that can last for decades with proper maintenance. Before you make your decision, it’s important to know the differences between these two flooring options.
Appearance and Customization Options
When it comes to appearance and customization options, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and hardwood flooring are very different. Hardwood floors offer a unique, natural beauty. The grain patterns and color variations of hardwood create a warm and inviting feel that can add charm to any home. Hardwood floors can also be sanded and refinished multiple times, allowing for a variety of customization options.
On the other hand, LVP floors can mimic the look of hardwood, but they offer a wider range of design options. The advanced embossing technologies used in LVP production make it possible to create a vast range of colors, patterns, and textures. Additionally, LVP offers many customization options, such as mixing and matching different plank sizes and creating unique designs that can fit any space. With LVP, homeowners and designers can achieve the look and feel of high-end flooring without the high cost and maintenance efforts.
Home Resale Value
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and hardwood are dissimilar when it comes to home resale value. While both are popular choices among homeowners, hardwood flooring typically adds more value to a home than LVP. Hardwood floors are considered a timeless, classic choice that adds a touch of elegance and luxury to a home. They are also more durable and long-lasting than LVP, making them a valuable investment that can withstand years of wear and tear.
LVP is a more affordable and practical alternative to hardwood that can still create a beautiful and realistic appearance. However, it may not add the same level of perceived value as hardwood when it comes to resale.
Maintenance
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and hardwood require vastly different maintenance techniques as well. Hardwood flooring requires more maintenance than LVP to keep its beautiful appearance. It needs to be swept and vacuumed regularly to prevent dirt and debris from scratching the surface. Additionally, it needs to be polished every few years to maintain its shine and protect it from damage.
In contrast, LVP is a low-maintenance flooring option that is easy to clean and maintain. It can be swept, vacuumed, or mopped to remove dirt and stains. LVP is also resistant to scratches, dents, and water damage, making it a durable and practical choice for high-traffic areas and households with children or pets. While both flooring options require some level of maintenance, LVP is a more convenient and hassle-free choice than hardwood.
Environmental Friendliness
Hardwood flooring is considered more eco-friendly than LVP because it is a natural, renewable resource that can be sustainably harvested and replanted. Hardwood can also be recycled or repurposed at the end of its life, reducing waste and environmental impact. However, the production and transportation of hardwood can have negative environmental effects, such as deforestation and carbon emissions.
LVP is made from synthetic materials like PVC and fiberglass, which are not biodegradable and can release harmful chemicals during production and disposal. However, LVP can be made with recycled materials and can last longer than hardwood, reducing the need for replacement.
Durability
Hardwood flooring is known for its natural beauty and durability, but it can be vulnerable to scratches, dents, and moisture damage. Over time, hardwood can also fade, warp, or crack due to exposure to sunlight, humidity, or temperature changes.
LVP is designed to be highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. It is scratch-resistant, dent-resistant, and waterproof, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas. LVP is also fade-resistant and does not require sanding or refinishing like hardwood, making it a more low-maintenance flooring option.
Ready to replace your flooring with luxury vinyl or hardwood?
Ultimately, the decision between luxury vinyl plank and hardwood floors comes down to personal preference and budget, but either choice will provide a beautiful and functional addition to your home. With lots of luxury vinyl planking and hardwood options, Re/Defined Flooring is here to help you refresh your flooring for the springtime. Contact us today to learn more about how you can elevate your home with brand-new floors!