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LVP vs. Engineered Hardwood: Pros and Cons
Remodeling is always exciting and stressful in equal ways. The happiness of shopping strolls and Pinterest inspirations can be tainted by budgeting and hiring contractors. Flooring is no exception, as so many options are available. Choosing your new floor can be an endless comparison: tiles vs. solid wood, LVP vs. engineered hardwood, laminate vs. LVP, etc.
Whether you are in a general home improvement or just replacing the ceramic flooring of your new home, you may be drawn to get an LVP or engineered wood floor. This is normal since these two flooring materials have numerous advantages that will give your home a high-end, enhanced look and last for many years to come, protecting your investment.
So, when eye-shopping for your brand-new floor, consider the benefits of LVP and engineered hardwood over other flooring types.
Why choose LVP vs Laminate floor?
Luxury vinyl plank flooring, mostly known as LVP, is plank-style material made from multiple layers of vinyl. The visible layer is printed with a high-quality image of wood, giving it a convincing look like solid wood after the installation. On the other hand, the laminate floor is also made from multiple laminated layers and wood fiberboard core, while vinyl planks are entirely synthetic.
While laminated floors are more accessible to recycle due to their wood core components, LVP is 100% waterproof, preventing water damage to your floor and making flooring maintenance easier than with laminated floors. However, any water on your floor should be dried as soon as possible to prevent damage to the subfloor with all flooring types.
Luxury vinyl planks are also more resistant to extreme and sudden temperature changes, which are standard in the Treasure Coast all year round. This makes them more durable than laminated ones, which are prone to water damage. Still, both types of flooring have similar lifespans when adequately maintained and are easier and cheaper to install than engineered wood.
However, the ultimate choice in the LVP vs. laminate comparison is up to you and the factors you value most, such as durability, ease of maintenance, aesthetics, and prices. In fact, you can choose to use different materials for different areas of your home. For example, LVP can be used in areas prone to wetness and humidity, like bathrooms, while laminate flooring can be installed in dryer areas, like the living room.
Why choose engineered wood vs solid hardwood?
If you prefer wood flooring, you’ll also find several options. However, the two most popular choices for high-end flooring are engineered wood flooring and solid hardwood.
The main difference between these two lies in their core materials. While hardwood flooring is made from pure and solid wood like oak, walnut, or marble, engineered cores are high-quality plywood or high-density fiberboard with a hardwood cover bent over it. This makes engineered hardwood cheaper than solid hardwood and a cost-effective alternative for homeowners.
Solid hardwood floors are known for their impressive durability, often lasting up to a century. However, they may become damp in humid conditions if not cared for properly. Thanks to their mixed core, engineered flooring can resist water and humidity better than hardwood, making flooring maintenance easier in places with humid and wet climate conditions.
Still, neither solid hardwood nor engineered wood is often recommended for bathrooms and other places prone to humidity and wetness, as their moisture resistance is lower than that of other flooring types.
Besides, engineered hardwood can be installed using different techniques, unlike solid hardwood, which must be nailed down to the subfloor. Engineered wood flooring can be nailed down, glued, or even floating over the subfloor, making labor costs for home improvement more affordable than solid hardwood flooring.
As in the previous flooring comparison, the final choice is up to you, your budget, and your final goal. However, if you’re having a tricky time deciding which flooring material is the best for your property, you can always contact an experienced finish contractor to guide you through the process.
Get the final touch for your house with RJ Interior Innovation
With over 20 years of experience offering top-notch, custom finishing solutions in the Treasure Coast, RJ is the final touch your house needs. From hardwood to vinyl, we’ll ensure the flooring types you choose are good-looking, efficient, and durable.
If you are still looking for a reliable contractor to install your solid or engineered hardwood flooring, look no further than RJ Interior Innovation & Home Improvements. Our crew specializes in diverse flooring materials and will take the matter into their own hands, guaranteeing you a flawless finish that will last for years.
If you live in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Martin County, Jensen Beach or Vero Beach we are definitely the guys you’re looking for. Call us now at 772-621-1088 and see how our experience will make your floor installation a piece of cake.
