Vinyl or Hardwood Flooring: A Comparison Guide

Vinyl or hardwood flooring? 

This is the age-old question most people ask when they are looking to update their floors. Vinyl and hardwood both offer many benefits, but also come with some drawbacks. 

This guide will help you decide which type of flooring is best for your home.

The Spruce

Considerations When Choosing Between Hardwood and Laminate

We'll look at each type of flooring and explore its:

  • Look and Feel

  • Durability

  • Maintenance

  • Environmental Impact

  • Price & Investment

Flooring Look and Feel

Vinyl is a synthetic product, and looks like plastic, but it has the advantage of being able to mimic several different materials such as wood or stone. In addition it can be made to look just about any color you want which allows for some creativity on your part when designing with vinyl flooring. 

Hardwood looks and feels like real wood. Its look can vary depending on the type of hardwood you choose, but most have a natural color with variations in grain style.  

Flooring Durability

Laminate flooring is often marketed as being very durable. However, laminate can be damaged by simple things such as boiling water and even high heels! 

Hardwood floors are sturdy and long-lasting if they are properly taken care of. They will last for many years with the proper installation and maintenance.

Flooring Maintenance

Vinyl should only be cleaned occasionally using a damp mop or other cloth to wipe up spills or dirt on the surface of the flooring. Laminate floors comes pre-sealed so it does not require sealing like hardwood might need periodically depending upon your environment (excessive moisture may cause problems over time). 

Hardwood, on the other hand, requires more frequent cleaning but this gives you an opportunity to refinish every few decades which keepsCompare the durability of hardwood and vinyl flooring.

Environmental Impact

Because hardwood is made from natural wood, it's a renewable resource, meaning it has a low environmental impact. They can also be easily recycled if removed.

On the other hand, vinyl flooring is made mostly from PVC resin, making it much less environmentally friendly. Some environmentalists are concerned about vinyl flooring's emission of volatile organic compounds. When removed, vinyl typically cannot be recycled.

Price & Investment

Vinyl flooring is less expensive than hardwood. It usually starts at around $1 per square foot, while the cost of real wood floors starts at about $6 per square foot.

Hardwood looks better and has more natural character, but it also costs more to install, which makes vinyl the best choice if you are on a tight budget. 

That said, hardwood flooring increases a home's value. CNN reports that hardwood floors can increase a home’s value by at least 3-5%, depending on a number of factors. It's unlikely vinyl flooring will improve a home's resale value by much.

Vinyl Flooring Pros and Cons

MyMove

Pros:

  • Nearly half the price of hardwood

  • Can mimic different materials

  • Lots of color options

  • Fairly low maintenance

  • Relatively easy to install

Cons:

  • It's not real wood

  • Usually less durable

  • Won't last as long as hardwood

  • Won't improve resale value of a home

Hardwood Flooring Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • More attractive appearance

  • Lasts longer than vinyl

  • Improves resale value of homes

  • Can be repaired and refinished

Cons:

  • More expensive than vinyl

  • Requires more maintenance and upkeep

  • Can be difficult to install

Choose Flooring that Works for You

When choosing between laminate or hardwood flooring, each type has its own advantages that may suit your needs. 

If you have an active household with children or pets – or if you're on a tight budget – then look into putting in vinyl  as it will be able to withstand some wear and tear. 

However if you prefer the look and feel of real wood without having to do any work yourself, hardwood floors may well be worth the investment.

If you have any questions about what type of flooring is best for you, and you live in Southern New Hampshire, talk to the flooring experts over at FloorMe! for a free estimate.

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