Vinyl flooring is much cheaper than hardwood floors, but offers less quality and durability in the long run. In this blog post, we'll go over some of the major differences between vinyl floors and hardwood floors to help you figure out which one is the right choice for you.
Costs. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and planks cost a lot less than real wood, with glue-down being the most cost-effective materials over floating LVP. Including installation, LVP prices range from $2 to $7 per square foot.
The estimated material, installation cost, and labor necessary to install vinyl plank floors for 1,000 sq ft (93 m2) are approximately $9,500. In most cases, the total cost is within a range from $3,000 to $16,000.
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.
You can technically install vinyl plank over laminate flooring, but it's not advised due to the physical properties of the vinyl plank and laminate and the methods with which both are installed. If you install it on top of laminate, the vinyl plank flooring will end up uneven and look unprofessional.
Vinyl floors can last anywhere from 5 to 25 years, depending on their quality and how they're installed and maintained.
Vinyl has a longer lifespan and better overall durability than laminate. Don't forget to factor in your budget, however. Vinyl flooring may be more expensive than laminate flooring, especially if you choose luxury vinyl flooring.
For professional installation of luxury vinyl plank flooring, you should expect to pay anywhere between $1 and $5 per square foot.
Vinyl plank flooring costs approximately $2.50 to $5 per square foot, and luxury vinyl plank flooring costs between $5 and $12 per square foot. Vinyl plank flooring is considerably more expensive than other vinyl sheet flooring that can run from $0.50 to $2 per square foot.
The one area where vinyl floors outshine hardwood floors in terms of durability is moisture resistance. Vinyl floors are virtually impervious to moisture damage, whereas hardwood floors will have to be completely replaced if they sustain major water damage.
Sheet vinyl is the most cost effective material at $0.50 to $2 per square foot. Tiles and planks are similar to each other in price, ranging from $2 to $7 per square foot. Hardwood, on the other hand, ranges widely in price according to the type of wood desired.
Hardwood flooring is a natural, durable but expensive flooring option for homes. Vinyl flooring is cheaper, but a less durable, synthetic alternative. Hardwood floors are usually favored for their durability, better aesthetic and resale value.
Vinyl plank flooring is versatile and all, but it will never be real wood. Despite vinyl's popularity, hardwood is still the most popular and desirable flooring type. If you're looking to change the floors to increase your home's resale value, investing in vinyl might not be worth it.
Vinyl flooring is highly durable. If installed and maintained correctly, it can last upwards of 10-20 years. That said, vinyl is a great choice for the rooms in your house that get the most foot traffic. Additionally, most vinyl flooring has a wear layer on its surface that resists scratches and stains.
LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) are two different types of luxury vinyl flooring. LVT is vinyl flooring designed in a tile shape, whereas LVP is vinyl flooring designed in planks to resemble traditional hardwood floor planks.
If you consider installation and upkeep costs, carpet is more expensive than vinyl. Our prices range from $30 to $100 per square metre at Carpet One. High-quality brands tend to be more expensive, but there are cheaper options too.
Both flooring types are compatible with underfloor heating, although vinyl is slightly more efficient. Vinyl floors have the lowest thermal resistance of all Pergo flooring solutions and act as excellent thermal conductors.
Vinyl and laminate flooring are similar in cost. They're both less expensive than other flooring materials like hardwood or porcelain tile. However, vinyl can get more expensive as you explore the luxury flooring options. Most laminate flooring can be purchased for about $1-5 per square foot.
Laminate and LVT/LVP flooring are both extremely durable, but they have their weaknesses. Laminate is prone to scratches and chipped corners over time, so vinyl is probably a better choice for your home if you have pets. LVT/LVP is scratch-resistant, but it's more vulnerable to denting and tearing.
A single vinyl plank can hold up to 500 pounds. Since most furniture will not go under just one plank, it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances' weight due to its strong durability.
If you have pets and kids causing a ruckus in the house, vinyl does not scratch easily, chip or suffer any kind of major damage that is going to make it look bad. Cleaning and maintenance of vinyl plank flooring is easy. Sweeping or vacuuming is all that's needed for daily maintenance.
One of the best vinyl plank flooring cleaners is a cup of apple cider or white vinegar in a gallon of hot water. Dampen your mop, and mop your vinyl plank flooring in the direction of the planks. The vinegar will tackle dirt, grime, and stains without leaving behind streaks or a sudsy mess.