Is vinyl plank flooring better than hardwood?

Author: Andy Lind  |  Last update: Friday, November 24, 2023

Vinyl flooring is waterproof, so it's usable in any area of the home, including bathrooms and low-grade basements where water or moisture is a concern. Yet, hardwood floors can be damaged, warped, or even grow mold when exposed to water or moisture because they soak up liquids easily.

What are the disadvantages of vinyl plank flooring?

Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile. It is also prone to scratching and denting from heavy furniture or objects being dragged across the surface.

Is vinyl plank flooring as good as hardwood?

Durability. Although hardwood floors require more maintenance than vinyl flooring, this means that they typically last much longer than vinyl flooring. Barring any major catastrophes, with regular maintenance and refinishing when necessary, a wood floor can last decades.

Is luxury vinyl plank flooring better than wood?

Luxury vinyl planks are great for kitchens and bathrooms where water is more of a concern because they are much more impervious to water than real wood. We carry 100% waterproof planks so you'll never have to worry about wet shoes, kitchen spills or bathtime.

Does vinyl plank flooring lower home value?

While luxury vinyl flooring has come a long way from its creation and has increased in durability and visual appeal, unfortunately vinyl may decrease your resale value in the long run. It's important to recognize that while you may spend less on vinyl vs.

Hardwood Vs Luxury Vinyl Plank

Does vinyl plank scratch easily?

Vinyl plank flooring offers excellent durability

The excellent scratch resistance you'll find in LVP flooring comes from a protective wear layer that also protects against stains, scuffs, dents, and other forms of daily wear. It's the perfect option for busy rooms, especially with pets and children in the home.

Do high end homes use LVP?

LVP flooring is waterproof, less expensive, and faster and easier to install than wood or tile. Even the high-end residential market discovered LVP floors last year. It works in wet areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms as well as living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, and anywhere in the house except for stairs.

What flooring increases home value?

When it comes down to finding the best flooring to increase home value, it all boils down to your market. Hardwood will likely give you the highest return, but laminate and luxury vinyl plank flooring also offer plenty of perks to buyers.

Should you replace hardwood with luxury vinyl?

If you want to be able to refinish it in 10-20 years, go with hardwood. Hardwood is more upscale and more permanent, hence the higher price. Another way to look at it is: If you want value now, choose luxury vinyl. If you want value later, go with hardwood.

Does luxury vinyl lower home value?

Its durability and water resistance makes it a great material to increase value in rental properties, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. However, we don't always choose luxury vinyl for our properties. While the material is durable and stands up to water well, it's softer than hardwood and tile.

How long does vinyl plank flooring last?

It will likely wear well for many years. Vinyl plank flooring comes in different thicknesses. Many of the thicker vinyl flooring versions may offer warranties on the product for as much as 25 years, while a thinner vinyl choice can last between 5 and 10 years, depending on use.

What is the life expectancy of LVP flooring?

In general, you can rely on vinyl flooring to last anywhere between 10 and 25 years. A lot of it comes down to how well you look after the flooring, but there are some other factors.

Why not to get vinyl flooring?

For a short time after installation, vinyl flooring emits what is known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These are gasses that can have a long-term impact on your health and are also dangerous for the environment. They can be especially hazardous to those with respiratory problems.

What destroys vinyl plank flooring?

These floors can resist scratches, scuffs, stains, and even a certain amount of gouging in their durability. However, extreme heat can damage the luxury vinyl plank. Some of the culprits through which heat damage can occur include hot pans, curling irons, dropped cigarettes, and more.

Why do people like vinyl plank flooring?

With more and more people wanting the look of wood in spaces that are traditionally prone to spills and have the potential for water damage, like a kitchen, vinyl offers an excellent alternative. Vinyl floors are 100% waterproof, which makes them a perfect choice for any room.

What color floors sell house best?

Dark colored hardwood floors are highly sought after by home buyers because they match modern styles. Lighter hardwood floors don't have that same appeal to many buyers, but buying quality hardwood can help.

What type of flooring is best and cheapest?

These 5 Cheap Flooring Options Will Look Awesome And Save You...
  • Sheet Vinyl. Getty. Sheet vinyl costs, on average, between $0.50 to $4.50 per square foot, making it a great affordable option. ...
  • Linoleum. Getty. ...
  • Laminate. Getty. ...
  • Carpet. Getty. ...
  • Polished Concrete. Getty.

What color floors make a house look bigger?

Color: when we think about a spacious room, blonde wood often comes to mind. Floor color plays a major role in making your small space seem larger. We often recommend light colors to give the room an airy feel. For example, blonde, light brown, or whitewashed hardwood can make the room seem more open.

What color LVP is best?

Popular Vinyl Flooring Colors and Comparisons to Hardwood Floors
  • Light grey: works well in smaller spaces, as it gives an open and airy feel.
  • Dark grey: creates a more dramatic and sophisticated atmosphere in larger rooms.
  • Weathered grey: offers a rustic and distressed appearance, perfect for country-style interiors.

Which vinyl plank looks most realistic?

The Primavera Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring has the look of real hardwood, but with a sturdy 20-mil wear layer, it can prevent scratches, scuffs, and even skids, making it our overall pick for the best vinyl plank flooring.

What is the difference between vinyl plank flooring and luxury vinyl plank flooring?

Luxury vinyl is more durable and generally advertised as lasting up to 25 years when well maintained. Standard sheet vinyl flooring is usually seen as a bargain flooring material, and it does nothing to improve real estate value.

Does vinyl plank look fake?

A quality vinyl flooring does a great job of closely resembling the look of real wood. Some versions of LVP even have a raised grain texture. But at the end of the day, vinyl flooring is made of synthetic material so you won't get the same aesthetic or feel of hardwood like you can with engineered wood flooring.

Is vinyl plank flooring a fad?

Luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) is a type of flooring that has gained some popularity in recent years. It is made to look like wood but is more durable and easier to care for. However, the explosion in popularity isn't across the board and some companies are not selling it.

Do dogs scratch vinyl plank flooring?

The outer layer of vinyl flooring is typically scratch-resistant, which means their claws can't scratch it up and their nails won't leave scratches when they get the zoomies. And, scratch-resistant flooring or not, it's always a good idea to trim your pet's nails so they stay comfortable.

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