There’s a reason that wood floors appeal to many homeowners. The time-honored and traditional beauty of wood floors brings an air of elegance to the room, and the versatility allows them to match any dream style you have in mind. That said, solid hardwood floors aren’t always the best option. How do you get the glorious look of wood floors in your home without turning to solid hardwood? Vinyl and engineered hardwood are two of the many alternatives available to you. When choosing between vinyl vs. engineered hardwood flooring, it helps to lay out all the facts. Explore the benefits and drawbacks of both types of flooring with this guide.
Vinyl Flooring: Pros and Cons
Vinyl is a synthetic flooring that replicates the look and feel of hardwood. Modern technology allows manufacturers to design vinyl floors with authentic markings and colors, creating an impressive and often believable appearance. Even more impressive is its durability. Because vinyl consists of synthetic materials, it holds up well against scratches, tears, and dents. If your vinyl flooring does wear out, you can replace single planks, keeping maintenance easy and affordable. That said, vinyl floors don’t last as long as engineered hardwood. You should also keep in mind that vinyl is still a synthetic floor. While vinyl has the appearance of wood flooring, it isn’t authentic wood.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Pros and Cons
Manufacturers make engineered hardwood flooring out of real wood and other natural materials. Each plank consists of a core of plywood or similar materials covered in a hardwood veneer. As such, your floors have all the beauty of genuine hardwood. You can choose between different species, grades, and stain colors to create endless design choices for your home. Engineered hardwood resists moisture better than solid hardwood, though it isn’t as waterproof as vinyl flooring. You’ll also love the long-lasting durability of engineered hardwood flooring. If your veneer layer is thick enough, you can even sand and refinish your floors over time. That said, engineered hardwood is more prone to scratches and dents than vinyl flooring. However, you can help lessen this issue by choosing a scratch-resistant finish or purchasing a hard, durable species, such as engineered hickory flooring.
Once you’ve made your decision between vinyl vs. engineered hardwood flooring, you can start shopping the best styles, colors, and finishes for your project. Visit From the Forest to discover all the natural and beautiful engineered hardwood flooring options available to you.