Vinyl is all the rage these days.
No, we’re not talking about records; we’re talking about flooring. In recent years vinyl flooring has created quite a groundswell among those purchasing a new home or completing a renovation.
Hardwood floors have long been the gold standard when it comes to home décor, but with new technology and a quantum leap in quality, vinyl is giving the reigning champ a run for its money. So, which one is better for your home? That’s a highly subjective question so we’ve broken down the details on both floor materials to help you decide for yourself.
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Costs: Hardwood Floors vs. Vinyl Floors
One of the first things consumers look at is cost. Putting in new flooring is a significant investment and there’s going to be a wide range of pricing whether you’re looking at real hardwood, engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl flooring (LFV).
As you might expect, hardwood is your most expensive option. It’s going to vary depending on factors like detail, thickness, and composition, but on average you’re looking at somewhere in the range of $12-20 per square foot installed for hardwood, and $2-8 per square foot installed for vinyl.
Installation
For both vinyl and hardwood, you have the choice of hiring a professional or doing it yourself when it comes to floor installation. One of the main reasons people love vinyl is because of the ease of installation compared to hardwood.
Vinyl planks have a sticky bottom that can be glued onto a wood or concrete floor with relative ease. However, remodelling can be a bit of a challenge when trying to remove them. With hardwood, you’re going to have to make sure the existing subfloor or cement foundation is completely level because it is not as forgiving as vinyl and can bend over time.
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Appearance
Nothing quite beats the beauty of a rich, elegant hardwood. It is usually made of solid oak or maple and the splendor of the colors and grains is hard to beat. Vinyl has come a long way in recent years and can look fantastic, but still takes a backseat to hardwood when it comes to overall appearance.
Maintenance
Vinyl flooring is incredibly simple to maintain. You can sweep, mop, or vacuum the flooring without having to worry about causing much damage. When looking after hardwood, you will want to sweep often to avoid a buildup of materials that can scratch the surface. It’s also important to only use cleaning products approved for wood to avoid moisture damage.
Durability
A well-maintained hardwood floor can last for decades and still look great. With proper upkeep and refinishing when needed, a solid hardwood floor can span generations and add value to your home.
Vinyl is also very durable and has the advantage of being water-resistant, making it ideal for areas like bathrooms and kitchens. However, if a vinyl plank or tile becomes badly scratched or damaged, it will need to be replaced as it cannot be repaired.
Decide What Is Best for Your Needs
When choosing between hardwood floors and vinyl it all comes down to what suits your lifestyle best. If you have a young family and pets, vinyl could be the better option because of the ease of maintenance and the forgiving nature of the product. But if you live on your own or have a less chaotic household, then a classic hardwood might be ideal for you.
Hopefully this post helped identify some of the key differences between flooring options for you. Be sure to check out the rest of our helpful articles on home, health, travel, and all things lifestyle to keep you up to date on the latest news and trends.
