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Flooring may not seem as challenging during a home improvement project, especially compared to full remodels. Although personal taste is the main driving factor when choosing any flooring material, there are other things to consider when getting a new floor to ensure it lasts for years, no matter if comparing LVP vs. engineered wood or ceramic vs hardwood.
If you’re about to renew your flooring, consider factors like the room’s humidity, the final price (including material and installation), and how easy flooring maintenance would be. Also, if you have kids or pets, remember that their claws and games may damage the floor if it is not resistant enough.
Considering the pros and cons of LVP and engineered hardwood flooring will ensure your floor looks good and can withstand your daily routine without you having to call a flooring contractor three months after re-flooring because a floorboard loosened.
4 questions to answer during a flooring comparison
#1. Do you need flooring for pets?
If you answer yes, you should look for resistant flooring types that can withstand your pet’s claws and avoid scratches. Some options include vinyl, whether in luxury planks or sheets or laminate flooring. Solid and engineered hardwood are generally not recommended for pets since their surfaces easily get scratched. However, they can be refinished if the wear and tear is too noticeable.
If you don’t have pets or durability is not your main concern, hardwood flooring can be an option. But continue your research before taking a final decision.
#2. Do you need flooring for a high moisture or prone-to-wetness area?
While moisture is not a limiting factor, it is better to choose a water-resistant material if you plan to put your new floor in a space with high moisture levels, such as bathrooms, attics, or basements. This will ensure that flooring maintenance is easier and less demanding since you won’t have to worry about completely drying the floor.
In this aspect, LVP surpasses engineered and solid hardwood floors, which may get warped if exposed to excessive moisture for long periods.
If your remodel plan doesn’t contemplate any of these areas, you can still upgrade your home by considering all flooring types.
#3. Do you need a low-maintenance floor?
Flooring maintenance is essential if you choose a high-demand floor type. Whether you hire someone or reserve the time to do it yourself, you will need the resources to care for it. If reserving one day per week to apply wax on your solid hardwood floor is not enticing, then LVP and other vinyl flooring is your best option.
Since they’re highly water resistant, vinyl planks can be cleaned whether mopping, vacuuming, or sweeping. However, they still can dent under heavy weights. Thus, while you don’t always need to stress about your LVP floor, you must still be careful when moving heavy furniture.
On the other hand, engineered hardwood floors can look better than vinyl ones, but they’ll require more careful maintenance due to their risk of scratches and warps.
If flooring maintenance is not your primary concern and you are sure you can keep up with hardwood maintenance, then go for it! But be sure to call an expert contractor to help you with the installation.
# 4. What is your budget for the floor material?
Budget is essential to any home improvement project, whether installing a new floor in your house before selling it or replacing a few tiles in your shower. Knowing how much you are willing to spend on your new floor can make the purchase easier by reducing the options in flooring types.
Remember that flooring materials are measured and sold by square footage, so you’d need to multiply the flooring prices by the square footage of the area you want to remodel while on a flooring comparison.
$2 – $5 per square foot: Most available flooring options are in this price range. Here, you can find high-quality LVP and other vinyl flooring mimicking the most common wood. You can also find some domestic solid and engineered hardwood in this range, but don’t expect to see much imported or rare wood.
$5 and above: Increasing your budget will allow you to explore harder or rarer engineered and solid woods, like mahogany or Brazilian cherry, enhancing your property’s curb appeal. You will also find premium-quality LVP flooring options in this range.
Answering these questions before you start your home improvement project can guarantee that your flooring won’t become a source of stress in the future because it warps or scratches and needs refinishing or replacement.
Revamp your home with R&J flooring services
Sometimes, a new floor is all your house needs to look brand-new again. Choosing the best fit for your spaces can make them look cleaner, brighter, and broader without tearing down a wall. At R&J, we specialize in the most durable and stylish flooring types, such as vinyl and hardwood floors.
With over 25 years of experience in home remodeling, our team is qualified to assist you in all the processes, from resolving the LVP vs. engineered hardwood comparison to the finishings. Whether you feel it is time for a change or your kids got a new dog, and now your white tile is covered in hair, R&J will ensure your new flooring is exactly what you need.
Contact us and get your free quote today!
