When it comes to flooring, few options rival the timeless beauty of hardwood and the versatility of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). These flooring choices not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also provide durability and functionality. However, selecting the perfect flooring for your space can be a daunting task with numerous factors to consider. This comprehensive guide will walk you through some of the considerations you should make when deciding what complements your style, needs, and lifestyle.

Flooring is more than just a surface to walk on; it’s an essential element of your home’s design and functionality. Hardwood and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) are two exceptional options that offer beauty, durability, and versatility. In this guide, we’ll explore the intricacies of selecting the perfect flooring to match your unique preferences.

Comparing Hardwood and LVP

Before delving into the specifics of each flooring type, it’s essential to understand the fundamental differences between hardwood and LVP. Both have their strengths and unique characteristics, and the choice between them can significantly impact your home.

Pros and Cons of Hardwood:

What many homeowners may not know is that there are two different types of hardwood flooring to consider. When choosing to install hardwood floors you have to consider whether you want to use engineered hardwood or natural site-finished hardwoods.

Solid Hardwood Flooring Pros:

• Wide variety of designs and styles
• Durable
• Hypoallergenic
• Can improve the value of your home
• Able to refinish for long-term flooring for your home

Solid Hardwood Flooring Cons:

• Expensive upfront cost
• Requires active maintenance to retain its quality
• Cannot be used in humid, moist areas
• Can be noisier than other flooring types
• Prone to scratches and can experience crowning and cupping

Engineered Hardwood Flooring Pros:

• Lower cost compared to solid hardwood
• Not as sensitive to changes in temperature or to moisture which causes warping
• You achieve the same look and feel of solid wood flooring

Engineered Hardwood Flooring Cons:

• Expensive upfront cost
• More limited resurfacing options than solid hardwood flooring
• Depending on the product the veneer layer may not be thick enough to handle sanding and resurfacing
• Requires active maintenance to retain its quality

Take a look at some of the luxury hardwood flooring products we carry at Preferred Flooring in Raleigh, NC. Or schedule an appointment to tour the hardwood products in our showroom.

Pros and Cons of LVP:

Vinyl flooring is one of the most flexible and versatile flooring options out there. It is extremely affordable and can meet the needs of any style of home or project.

Vinyl Flooring Pros:

• Wide variety of designs and styles
• Water-proof
• Affordable
• Easy to install
• Water and scratch-resistant
• Offers some shock absorbance to create a comfortable feel for your home

Vinyl Flooring Cons:

• Can experience dents, making the flooring less attractive with time
• Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) if you purchase low-end products
• Challenging to remove or replace if a plank or tile is damaged

Take a look at some of the luxury vinyl flooring products we carry at Preferred Flooring in Raleigh, NC. Or schedule an appointment to tour the vinyl products in our showroom.

 

How to Choose between Hardwood and LVP:

While there are many things to consider when choosing flooring materials, here is a very simple way to consider the differences between hardwood and LVP:

Hardwood: If you prioritize a classic and elegant look, don’t mind investing in maintenance, and appreciate the natural feel of wood, hardwood might be your ideal choice.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): For those seeking versatility, water resistance, ease of maintenance, and a wide range of design options, LVP can be a perfect fit.

Home Design & Style

Your flooring choice should seamlessly blend with your home’s design and style. Let’s explore how different interior design styles can influence your selection:

Embrace Farmhouse Charm with Rustic Hardwood:

If you’re drawn to the warmth and charm of farmhouse style, consider hardwood with earthy tones, distressed textures, and wood-look features.

Achieve Modern Elegance with Sleek LVP:

Modern design enthusiasts might opt for sleek and minimalist LVP with neutral colors to create a clean and sophisticated look.

Embody Craftsman Style with Artistic Hardwood:

Craftsman design emphasizes detail and craftsmanship. Choose hardwood with intricate patterns, earthy tones, and handcrafted textures.

Embrace Minimalistic Sophistication with Subdued LVP:

The minimalist design calls for clean lines, solid colors, and subtle patterns. LVP in muted tones creates a serene and uncluttered look. Consider using the same LVP throughout your space, even in kitchens and bathrooms, for a seamless appearance.

Personalize Your Space with Eclectic Flooring:

For eclectic design enthusiasts, mix and match different colors and finishes to create a one-of-a-kind look. Design a unique pattern with the placement of hardwood to showcase your creativity.

Maintenance Considerations

The level of care you are willing to put into your following can impact your decisions on what type of flooring material or finish you decide on.

Maintaining hardwood floors day-to-day is simple because you can just vacuum and use an approved hardwood cleaner with a micro-fiber on it. But then you’ll need to resurface and sand them when they begin to look scratched or worn. The day-to-day is a bit more involved for vinyl and laminate floors to protect their sealants and artificial materials, but you won’t have to worry about resurfacing.

The long-term beauty of your flooring depends on proper maintenance. Here are some tips to keep your hardwood or LVP looking pristine:

• Sweep and Vacuum Regularly: Prevent scratches and maintain shine by sweeping and vacuuming regularly.
• Use a Soft Brush or Sponge: Avoid scratching by using gentle cleaning tools.
• Mop with Care: Mop your floors, but be cautious not to use excessive water that can seep into the seams.
• Thorough Drying: After cleaning, dry your floors completely to prevent water spots.

Selecting the Right Finish for Your Hardwood and LVP Flooring

Finishes play a pivotal role in the overall appearance and durability of your flooring. When choosing a suitable finish for hardwood and LVP, consider how colors and tone can create visual illusions of space. Think about these strategies when selecting the finish and tone of your flooring:

Expanding Horizons with Illusions:

Light-colored flooring with minimalistic patterns can make spaces feel more open.

Patterns that Play with Perception:

Geometric patterns like chevron and herringbone can create an illusion of length and width.

Colors that Expand Horizons:

Light, neutral tones reflect light and open spaces, while dark colors strategically add depth.

Deciding Factors for Choosing Hardwood or LVP Flooring For Your Home

So now you know more about the various flooring types and options. But you might still have questions about deciding on the best flooring for your home. Here are some deciding factors for whether you should install laminate, vinyl, or hardwood in your home.

Your Lifestyle, Environment:

If you have children or dogs, you might want to go with more durable flooring options that are scratch-resistant. That way, you don’t need to replace or resurface your floors as often.

Your Past Experience With Products:

Issues with water damage can dictate the best option for your flooring type. Moist environments, such as basements, kitchens, and bathrooms, are often best served with vinyl floors that stand up well to this moisture.

Your Current Door Casings:

Evaluate how far off the ground your door casings are. If your existing flooring is thick, you’ll have to replace your door casings if you install a thinner flooring option or live with an awkward gap between the casing and the floor. You can always cut casing to meet the needs of thicker floors, but thinner floors can present challenges.

The Cost & Height of Your Existing Floor:

As you transition from one flooring type to another within a home, you’ll need to think about how smooth those transitions will be. Your subflooring height can impact your selection of flooring material.

Waterproofing and Scratch Resistance:

Vinyl and hardwood floors all have their pros and cons when it comes to waterproofing and scratch resistance. Consider your needs on these fronts before choosing your flooring.

Width and length of plank:

Different types of flooring come in different plank widths and lengths. This will impact how the flooring looks and how easily it fits around challenging obstacles within your home.

Overall Look and Feel:

Some home styles just call for a certain type of flooring. Without redoing your entire interior, you need to install a certain type of flooring to meet those requirements. Evaluate your home’s look and feel before making your selection.

Making an Informed Decision

Your choice of hardwood or LVP flooring is a significant decision that impacts the aesthetics and functionality of your home. Selecting the perfect flooring enhances your living space, providing comfort and visual appeal for years.

Whether you lean towards the classic elegance of hardwood or the practicality of LVP, this guide equips you with the knowledge needed to make an informed flooring decision. Your home deserves the perfect flooring that reflects your style and meets your practical needs. Explore your options, consult experts, and take your time to choose the ideal hardwood or LVP flooring for your space.

Schedule an appointment with Preferred Flooring & Tile to discuss your flooring project and explore our wide range of flooring options. Your dream home begins with the perfect flooring choice.