It can be tough to decide which flooring material to choose for your home. Should you go with hardwood or vinyl plank? Both have their pros and cons, but in the end, it comes down to what will work best for your specific needs. Continuing our wood flooring series, we decided to make a detailed comparison of engineered hardwood vs vinyl plank flooring to help you make the right decision. Stay tuned!
Comparison of Engineered Hardwood vs Vinyl Plank Characteristics
There are so many differences and similarities between these floor types, that it can be easy to get confused. Let’s look at each characteristic in detail.
Durability
Engineered hardwood
Engineered hardwood is a type of wood flooring that consists of multiple layers of wood veneer. The top layer is made of hardwood, while the lower layers are composed of plywood or particle board. This construction makes engineered hardwood more stable than solid hardwood, which is why it is often used in rooms with high humidity levels or where the floors will be subject to heavy traffic.
Engineered hardwood floors can also be sanded and refinished multiple times, giving them added durability. In general, engineered hardwood floors have a lifespan of 30-50 years.
However, the exact lifespan will depend on the quality of the materials used and how well the floors are maintained. With proper care, engineered hardwood floors can last for generations.
Vinyl plank flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners because it offers the look of wood floors without a high price tag. But how durable is vinyl plank flooring? In general, vinyl plank flooring is very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
In general, it will last 5-25 years, depending on how heavy is the foot traffic, how often you clean it, and many other factors.
However, it is not indestructible and can be damaged by sharp objects or heavy furniture. Additionally, vinyl plank flooring can fade in direct sunlight, so it is important to keep this in mind when choosing a location for your new floors. Overall, vinyl plank flooring is an attractive and durable option for many homes.
Verdict
When it comes to durability, hardwood is the clear winner. Hardwood floors can last for decades with proper care, while vinyl plank floors will start to show wear and tear after just a few years. In addition, hardwood floors can be refinished if they start to look scratched or dull, but vinyl plank floors cannot be sanded or refinished. For those looking for a durable floor that will stand the test of time, hardwood is the way to go.
Pricing
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood floors can also be quite expensive. The cost of installation will depend on the size of the room and the type of wood you choose, but it is typically between $7 and $12 per square foot. If you are considering engineered hardwood floors for your home, be sure to get several estimates from different contractors to get the best deal.
Trying to cut costs, many homeowners choose to lay the floors themselves. Though the cost of installation may be a bit higher when done by a professional company, it is much more advisable to have them do the work for you.
There are a few reasons for this.
Primarily, if the job isn’t done correctly it can waste the materials. Second, the tools and experience required for a proper installation are generally outside the scope of most homeowners. Finally, most companies that install engineered hardwood will also handle repairs down the line if any problems should arise. In contrast, doing the work yourself will likely void any warranty on the materials used.
For these reasons, we recommend leaving the installation of engineered hardwood to the professionals.
Vinyl Plank Flooring
The cost of installing vinyl plank flooring can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the room, the type of vinyl plank flooring you select, and the complexity of the installation.
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $2 and $5 per square foot for materials, and an additional $2 to $4 per square foot for labor. For a typical 10×10 room, this means that your total cost for vinyl plank flooring will be somewhere between $400 and $1,000.
Of course, your actual costs may be higher or lower depending on the specific circumstances of your project. However, this gives you a general idea of the price range you can expect to pay for vinyl plank flooring.
Verdict
Vinyl plank flooring offers a more affordable alternative that still gives a nice high-end look. It’s also easy to install, making it a great do-it-yourself project. If you’re looking for an affordable way to update your floors, vinyl plank flooring is the way to go.
Moisture Tolerance
Engineered Hardwood
One of the biggest advantages of engineered hardwood is that it is more tolerant to moisture and temperature changes than solid hardwood. The top layer of hardwood is sealed with a special coating that helps to repel water, and the layered construction of the wood makes it less likely to warp or swell in humid conditions.
However, engineered hardwood is not waterproof. It is not as water-resistant as laminate or vinyl flooring, so it is not a good choice for areas that are prone to high moisture and flooding.
Vinyl Plank Flooring
It is designed to look like wood but it is much more durable and easier to care for. One of the main benefits of vinyl plank flooring is that it is water-resistant and waterproof. This means that it can be used in any room of the house, even bathrooms, and kitchens where there is a lot of moisture. Because of this, not only is it useful in these places, but it also simplifies the cleanup of even the most substantial spills. Unlike wood floors, which should never be mopped, you can get the old-fashioned bucket and mop if you need to clean up a huge mess.
Verdict
When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your home, moisture tolerance is an important consideration. Engineered hardwood and vinyl plank flooring are two popular options that offer high levels of moisture resistance. Both materials are typically made with a waterproof core layer that helps to prevent wear and tear from spills and pet accidents. In addition, engineered hardwood and vinyl plank flooring are also resistant to warping and cupping, making them ideal for rooms that experience fluctuating humidity levels.
However, if you’re looking for the most water-resistant, and waterproof option for your kitchen or bathroom, vinyl plank flooring is an excellent choice.
Look and Feel
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood floors provide the same classic look as traditional hardwood, but with added durability and stability.
Walking into a room with engineered hardwood flooring is like being enveloped in a warm embrace. The wood has a natural beauty that is only enhanced by the way it interacts with light. The grain seems to glow, and the texture provides just enough contrast to create a sense of depth.
As a result, engineered hardwood floors have a visual appeal that is both inviting and comfortable. In addition, the wood feels warm underfoot, making it an ideal choice for rooms where you want to relax and unwind.
Whether you’re looking for a classic or contemporary look, engineered hardwood floors provide beauty and durability that will last for years to come.
Vinyl Plank Flooring
There are so many vinyl plank styles to choose from! It gives the appearance of real wood, but it is much easier to care for and more durable. Additionally, vinyl plank flooring is softer and quieter than some other types of flooring, making it more comfortable to walk on.
Verdict
Both choices are visually pleasing, appear genuine, and are available in a wide range of designs.
Installation
Engineered Hardwood
In short: it’s relatively complex.
This type of flooring consists of a thin layer of real wood veneer atop a core of plywood or other composite material. Engineered hardwood is not very easy to install. However, with the right skills and equipment, it can be done as a do-it-yourself project.
- The first step is to choose the right product for your needs. There are many different types of engineered hardwood available on the market, so it’s important to select one that is compatible with your subflooring and that has the right thickness and wear layer for your needs.
- Once you have the right product, you’ll need to acclimate it to your home by letting it sit in the room where it will be installed for at least 48 hours. This will help prevent the boards from shrinking or expanding once they are installed.
- Once the flooring is acclimated, you can begin installation by starting at one end of the room and working your way towards the door.
- It’s important to leave an expansion gap around the perimeter of the room to allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity changes. You can cover this expansion gap with baseboard or quarter-round molding.
- Once all of the boards are in place, you can install any transition strips that may be necessary. Finally, you’ll need to clean up any excess glue or other debris and then enjoy your new floor!
Vinyl Plank Flooring
Installing vinyl plank flooring is a fairly simple DIY project that can be completed in a weekend.
- The first step is to remove any existing flooring and ensure that the subfloor is clean and level.
- Next, you will need to calculate the amount of vinyl plank flooring needed and purchase accordingly.
- Once you have the materials, you can begin the installation. Start by laying down a vapor barrier, then use a cove base adhesive to secure the first row of planks to the subfloor.
- Continue installing the planks in a staggered pattern, starting from the center of the wall, and moving to the sides. Make sure to use an adhesive designed for vinyl flooring.
- Once all the planks are in place, allow the adhesive to cure for 24 hours before walking on the new floor.
- Install the trim moldings.
- With these simple steps, you can successfully install vinyl plank flooring in your home.
Verdict
For the DIYer, there are few home improvement projects as gratifying as a successful floor installation. Engineered hardwood floors have always been one of the most popular choices for homeowners looking to update their space, but they can be notoriously tricky to install.
Vinyl plank floors are our favorite thanks to their easy installation process. Unlike engineered hardwood, which often requires special tools and expertise, vinyl plank flooring can be cut and laid with little more than a utility knife and a straight edge. What’s more, vinyl plank flooring is often designed with interlocking edges, which means that no nails or glue are required for installation.
As a result, vinyl plank flooring is a great option for anyone looking to update their floors without the hassle of a complicated installation process.
Cleaning And Maintenance
Engineered Hardwood
Though they are designed to be tough, they still require special care when it comes to cleaning.
To clean your engineered hardwood floors the right way, follow these simple steps.
- To begin, pick up any leftover dirt or debris using a broom or vacuum.
- After that, mop the floors using a soft microfiber mop and a gentle cleaner designed for hardwood floors. Be sure to avoid getting the floor too wet – too much water can damage the wood.
- Finally, give the floor a quick once-over with a dry towel to remove any remaining moisture.
When cleaning engineered hardwood floors, it is important to avoid using harsh cleaners or excessive amounts of water, as this can damage the flooring. Instead, use only a gentle cleaner and a soft mop to remove dirt and debris.
With just a little bit of care, you can keep your engineered hardwood floors looking like new for years to come.
Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is very easy to clean, but it can be susceptible to dirt and grime. It is important to clean it on a regular basis. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to clean vinyl plank flooring:
- Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any loose dirt or debris.
- Mix a solution of mild soap and warm water.
- Mop the floor with the soap solution, being careful not to saturate the floor.
- Rinse the floor with clean water.
- Dry the floor with a soft towel or cloth.
Verdict
Vinyl plank flooring is typically resistant to stains, and moisture. As a result, it requires very little regular maintenance. In most cases, sweeping or vacuuming is all that is needed to keep vinyl plank floors looking like new. However, if they do become stained or dirty, they can be easily cleaned with a damp mop or cloth.
Engineered hardwood is more susceptible to scratches and stains than vinyl plank floors, but they can be cleaned using the same methods – sweeping, vacuuming, and damp mopping. However, engineered hardwood floors may also require occasional deep cleaning with a wood cleaner to remove built-up dirt and grime.
Overall, both vinyl plank flooring and engineered hardwood floors are both relatively easy to clean. However, vinyl plank flooring has the advantage of being more resistant to moisture damage, making it the better choice for homes with pets or small children.
Conclusion
There is no definitive answer when it comes to choosing between vinyl plank flooring and engineered hardwood. Both have their own unique benefits that make them ideal for different situations.
For instance, engineered hardwood is more durable and resistant to scratches and wear, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.
On the other hand, vinyl plank flooring is easier to install and typically costs less than engineered hardwood. It is also waterproof, making it a good choice for rooms that are prone to spills or moisture.
Ultimately, the best flooring option for your home depends on your budget, skills, and the space where you plan to install the floors.