While laminate is not impervious to water damage, it does a much better job of holding up against moisture because it has a water-resistant layer and underlayment. For this reason, laminate flooring is a much better choice for kitchens and bathrooms than hardwood flooring.
Best for water, heat and environment:
Laminate tends to be better than hardwood in lightly moist areas because some parts—the top wear layer and the bottom underlayment—are completely waterproof. By contrast, all parts of hardwood flooring except the top finish are not waterproof or even water-resistant.
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.
While engineered wood flooring isn't waterproof, it has better performance in humid locations compared to hardwood. Because plywood construction is more stable, this flooring is less susceptible to warping and swelling.
“Tile is the highest-rated flooring among the categories we test,” says Enrique de Paz, who leads flooring testing at Consumer Reports. “It doesn't wear out, scratch, or stain. Its color doesn't fade, it's waterproof, and it is surprisingly slip-resistant, even when wet.
Hardwood Flooring
what's better than hardwood flooring? It's beautiful, it's durable, and it never goes out of style. Not to mention all of your friends, family, and neighbors aspire to have it, so you'll have your entire network envying your home's flooring design.
Healthier flooring options include solid wood, natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, tile and stone. A key feature of all of these is that they are easily cleaned of dust and dirt.
Most other disadvantages of engineered hardwood are also characteristics of solid hardwood. Engineered wood is susceptible to wear and tear. All wood is susceptible to scratches and dents, whether engineered or not, over time. The hardwood species and the finish you choose will determine resistance to wear and tear.
Cons of Engineered Wood Floors
Require special care: These floors cannot be cleaned the same way hardwood floors can be. Only use engineered specific cleaning products. Not as Thick: With only a single thin layer of true hardwood, they can scratch and become damaged more easily.
Prone to Fading: Engineered wood is prone to fading in the sun. While this is true of many hardwood varieties as well, it's of greater concern for engineered floors due to refinishing limitations. VOCs: Because engineered flooring is constructed with adhesives and chemicals, there is a risk of VOC off-gassing.
Many homeowners, interior designers, and builders are opting for Luxury Vinyl Flooring as a substitute for other vinyl-type options due to its hardwood style. Compared with other hardwood flooring it is an attractive choice for those who want some classic hassle-free flooring without high-price tags.
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.
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.
Con: LVP May Dent
Luxury vinyl flooring can dent and even scratch or scuff, especially from heavy appliances, furniture, or other weighty objects. Just because it's resistant to something doesn't mean it's impervious to it. However, do know that LVP resists scratches better than real hardwood.
If you find yourself asking, “What flooring looks the most like wood?”, it's time to consider engineered hardwood floors. This type of floor not only looks exactly like wood, but it feels like wood too because it is!
If you would like to increase the value of your home, hardwood floors will be require a large initial investment but can pay off greatly in the long run. However, if you simply need new, affordable flooring and you aren't looking to make a huge investment, vinyl floors may be the way to go.
Engineered hardwood floors do not need to be refinished and maintained the way authentic hardwood does over time. At the same time, they offer the same look as authentic hardwood, increasing the value of your home at a fraction of the cost.
Engineered floors are generally very durable and if properly maintained will last for decades. Engineered wood flooring consists of plywood, HDF, or softwood, combined with a layer of hardwood. The durable nature of engineered wood means that it should last for at least 25 to 30 years before needing replaced.
Solid wood is by far a much better choice for homeowners. It may cost more than furniture made out of engineered wood, but will last much longer making it much better value for money.
The Swiffer® WetJet Wood™ system features a unique dual-nozzle sprayer that will coat your Hearthwood engineered hardwood floor evenly with an ultra-fine mist. This will loosen dirt so that you can maneuver the flexible swivel head and microfiber-like pads to absorb and lift dirt, grime, and germs off of your floor.
Given that the actual surface of engineered wood flooring is the same as that of solid hardwood flooring, the two are both equally resistant to scratching. Instead, the main factor in their scratch-resistance is how they're treated.
Solid hardwood flooring is considered the safest and least toxic option as it's completely natural and free from any toxins. Solid hardwood floors are made of planks milled from a single piece of timber, which makes it a healthy flooring option.
Ceramic, Porcelain & Glass Tile
Tile is a safe, non-toxic flooring option that is easy to maintain. Ceramic, porcelain and glass tiles are all durable options for solid-surface flooring and are a great option for rooms with moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens.
✔️ Health and sustainability: Some floors are better for you and for the planet. As a rule, the fewer synthetic materials they contain, the better. That's why solid wood flooring is a better option than engineered or laminate. Likewise, all-natural linoleum and cork are superior to vinyl.