Luxury Vinyl Flooring vs. Engineered Flooring

September 17, 2024

Picking the right flooring for your home isn’t an everyday task—it’s about creating a walking atmosphere you want to feel. With so many materials available, the decision could be overwhelming at first. But fret not! We’ll present two of the most popular options: luxury vinyl plank and engineered hardwood. While both offer durability and an aesthetic feel, they each have unique pros and cons that could make or break them. Stay tuned to discover what makes luxury vinyl plank and engineered hardwood so popular. And if you’re looking for a trusted flooring remodel contractor, SemBro Design & Supply has your back.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a durable flooring made from synthetic materials. It has five layers:

UV Layer: Protects from discoloration and bacterial growth.
Wear Layer: Protects from scratches and general wear.
Decorative Layer: Mimics the appearance of wood.
Core Layer: Provides water resistance.

Sound-absorbing Layer: Enhances acoustic comfort by reducing noise.

As a flooring material, it’s renowned for its durability. Thanks to its tough wear layer, it can withstand high traffic, scratches, dents, and other wear. This makes it an ideal choice for households with pets and children. Another key characteristic is water resistance. LVP has high moisture resistance which is perfect for rooms like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

Its comfort is unmatched as it provides a softer foundation compared to other flooring options which are typically quite hard. Lastly, it’s less expensive than engineered flooring, offering a budget-friendly option with similar characteristics.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Pros and Cons

Before deciding whether you think LVP is the right choice, it’s better to take in all the pros and cons. Below is a list we’ve compiled highlighting the pros and cons of LVP.

Pros:

Inexpensive: Cheaper compared to engineered hardwood.
Moisture-Proof: Great for areas with high moisture.
Low Maintenance: Only requires sweeping and mopping.

Easy Installation: Click-lock system for simple DIY installation.

Cons:

Less Authentic: While it copies wood, it doesn’t match the texture of real hardwood.
Non–Refinishable: Once damaged, you’ll need to replace LVP rather than refinish it.

Potential Wear: Signs of wear might appear in the long run.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Unlike luxury vinyl flooring, engineered hardwood flooring is made from a few layers of maple, oak, or walnut wood veneers with a real wood veneer on top. Due to the construction, it provides a natural hardwood feel while being quite sturdy.

As a material, engineered hardwood flooring is among the most durable flooring options out there. It provides much better stability than solid hardwood, making it ideal for environments where there’s a moisture barrier. Its natural appearance adds authenticity to your household. Additionally, you can do an engineered hardwood flooring remodel at any grade level, on grade, above grade, and below grade.

Compared to solid hardwood, it is much more resistant to expansion and contraction. While it is more expensive than LVP, it’s an investment worth making if you want a durable option with a better aesthetic.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring Pros and Cons

To best compare both floorings, it’s ideal to also take in the pros and cons on engineered hardwood. Here’s a list of the engineered hardwood pros and cons:

Pros:

Real Wood Look: Engineered hardwood is the real deal for an authentic wood aesthetic.
Refinishing Option: You can sand and refinish engineered hardwood multiple times.

Enhanced Stability: More stable than solid hardwood, suitable for any condition.

Cons:

Higher Cost: It’s a more expensive option.
Moisture Sensitivity: Less resistant to moisture than LVP.

Maintenance: Requires maintenance more often.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring vs. Engineered Flooring: Head-to-Head

For some design inspiration, wood flooring remains among the top five interior design trends, and for good reason. Let’s compare LVP vs. engineered flooring based on looks, durability, moisture, costs, installation, and maintenance.

Category	Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)	Engineered Hardwood
Looks	Mimics natural wood but lacks the authentic texture	Made from real wood veneers, offering a more authentic, natural appearance
Durability	Highly resistant to wear	Sturdy, but more prone to scratches and gouges
Cost	$2.50 to $5 per square foot, more affordable	$4 to $10 per square foot, more expensive
Installation	Easy to install with a click-lock system	May require professional installation
Maintenance	Low maintenance just swipe and mop	Needs occasional refinishing and specific cleaning products

Luxury Vinyl Flooring vs. Engineered Flooring vs. Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood is another popular flooring option made from a single piece of thick natural wood. It’s generally more durable than luxury vinyl and engineered flooring. This is because it’s made from one, solid piece of wood rather than multiple stacked layers. As for looks, it’s the most authentic of them all as it’s 100% natural wood. One of its downsides is the moisture resistance. It is very prone to warping in humid and wet areas. Additionally, it’s more expensive than luxury vinyl flooring and engineered hardwood, with prices ranging from $7 to $25 per square foot. And while you can sand and refinish it as much as you want, it requires special care. As for installation, you can’t install it yourself and thus will need professional assistance.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring vs. Engineered Flooring: Which One To Go For?

SemBro Design & Supply is here to help you make your decision. We can provide you with expert advice and numerous LVP and engineered flooring options. With over 500 remodeled kitchens and a reputation for quality, here is what we ask our clients to consider when looking to do a flooring remodel. Luxury vinyl flooring and engineered hardwood are both flooring options worth considering. It’ll depend on which one of the characteristics above you want to prioritize for your home. LVP is the way to go if you want a durable and moisture-resistant yet budget-friendly option. For that aesthetic wood look and generally sturdier construction, engineered hardwood should be your choice.

Besides practical considerations, one can’t let the feel of the overall atmosphere and style pass by. Flooring doesn’t just provide a functional aspect of your home, it also sets the mood for you, your family & guests. Each flooring option caters to different aesthetic preferences and functional needs. Luxury vinyl plank offers more versatility with many styles available. Engineered flooring, being made from wood, adds a touch of warmth. Whether you want a specific aesthetic or a more natural look, you can choose accordingly

Making the Right Choice: Luxury Vinyl vs. Engineered Flooring

Choosing between luxury vinyl flooring and engineered hardwood involves more than just comparing aesthetics and price; it’s about aligning the flooring with your home’s needs and your personal style. At SemBro Design & Supply, we understand the importance of this decision and are dedicated to helping you navigate through the options to find the perfect fit for your space. Whether you’re drawn to the cost-effectiveness and moisture resistance of luxury vinyl or the authentic, natural appeal of engineered hardwood, we’re here to provide expert advice and quality installation.