Luxury Vinyl Plank or Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Which Should You Choose?

Luxury Vinyl Plank or Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Which Should You Choose?

Want the look and feel of hardwood without the high cost? Then luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and engineered hardwood flooring are your top choices.

But which is the best option for your space?

Understanding the key differences between these two popular flooring materials can help you make an informed choice.

Let’s get started.

What Is Luxury Vinyl & Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is a multilayered form of vinyl flooring. LVP is a wood-look synthetic flooring material which, once installed, looks like real hardwood. This is due to a clear protective layer that covers a printed image of wood, known as the design layer. Plus, these flooring planks come with a coating of aluminum oxide that helps to minimize scratches and dents.

Engineered hardwood flooring is also a multilayered flooring material, but its top layer is composed of real hardwood. This helps it look exactly like solid hardwood flooring, while its plywood base layer provides structural stability and durability.

Luxury Vinyl Plank vs. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

When it comes to your floors, choosing the right material can make a big difference. Not only will it enhance the functionality of the space, but it will have an effect on your overall lifestyle. Let’s compare LVP and engineered flooring.

1. Cost

Budget is always an important factor when it comes to flooring installation. Luxury vinyl plank flooring can cost anywhere from $1 to $10 per square foot. The better the flooring, the higher the price, but, in general, LVP flooring is more affordable than engineered hardwood.

Engineered hardwood flooring can cost anywhere from $3 to $20 per square foot, which is definitely more expensive. The price varies depending on the hardwood used and the size of the planks.

If you are installing engineered wide plank flooring, the price will be on the higher end, so make sure to choose the flooring you can afford. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of installation when making your choice.

2. Ease of Installation

Not all flooring can be installed the same way, and some materials are easier to install than others.

For instance, luxury vinyl plank flooring is easier to install than engineered hardwood. If you have the right tools and some expertise, installing LVP flooring shouldn’t be so hard.

The thinner variants of engineered flooring are also easy to install, but wide plank engineered hardwood flooring requires installation expertise. To prevent future flooring problems, make sure the flooring you select is installed correctly.

Also, both of these materials need to be acclimated at least 48 hours before installation.

3. Maintenance Considerations

All homeowners want flooring that is easy to maintain. The good news is that both luxury vinyl plank flooring and engineered hardwood are easy to maintain, with LVP being slightly easier.

You can keep your floors looking nice for years to come with just a little dusting, vacuuming, and a damp mop. Both materials may sustain damage from harsh chemicals, like bleach. For the best results, consult flooring experts or check with the manufacturer about the type of cleaning products that can be used for this flooring.

4. The Design Factor

Everyone wants good-looking flooring. Luckily, both luxury vinyl planks and engineered hardwood are stylish options. Plus, it can be difficult for the untrained eye to distinguish LVP from conventional hardwood.

Need to create an illusion of space? We recommend using engineered wide plank flooring, as the plank size helps achieve that look.

5. Waterproofing

Do you want waterproof flooring? Then, luxury vinyl plank flooring is your best bet as it is 100% waterproof and can be installed in the wettest areas of your home with ease. This makes it ideal for kitchens, basements, and even bathrooms.

However, this is where proper installation is crucial. Poor or subpar installation can lead to water leaking below the surface of the LVP flooring, causing damage. So, make sure it is installed properly.

On the other hand, engineered hardwood flooring is highly water-resistant but it is not waterproof. While it can be installed in basements with underlayment, this does not make it completely waterproof.

6. Durability

Durability is an important factor when it comes to deciding on flooring. And while both of these flooring materials are quite durable, engineered hardwood flooring tends to last longer. Additionally, it can be refinished once or twice if needed.

That does not mean luxury vinyl flooring is less durable. It is a highly durable material, but like any other flooring, it is prone to wear and tear. On average, you can expect high-quality LVP flooring to last 20 to 30 years.

Regardless of whether you go with LVP or engineered flooring, we advise buying high-quality flooring that lasts.

 
Your personal preference will ultimately determine which option you select. Take your budget, lifestyle, and installation area into consideration when making your choice. Both options are great, and AA Floors offers both high-quality luxury vinyl planks and engineered hardwood flooring at competitive prices.