Start asking homeowners what flooring they chose, and they'll tell you what they love. Ask what they'd do differently, and you'll get a very different answer. After all, hindsight is always 20/20. But when you're comparing hardwood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), the decision comes down to a few lifestyle questions. And if you think hardwood is the only answer, you might find yourself surprised.
We tapped the flooring experts at Empire Today on the pros and cons of vinyl versus authentic hardwood floors, so if you're thinking about replacing your flooring but can't make a decision, here's what you should know.
Quick verdict: Luxury vinyl vs. hardwood
One type of flooring might not be the best choice for every single homeowner. Instead, your choice of LVP or hardwood depends on your lifestyle
and varying personal needs.
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Key takeaways: Which flooring is best?
Both hardwood and luxury vinyl are solid choices for your flooring needs. Whereas hardwood is a classic flooring option with high durability, lasting beauty and a long lifespan, luxury vinyl is a more affordable, water-resistant choice that is comfortable underfoot, easy to clean and aesthetically pleasing.
- Best for homeowners on a budget: Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a cheaper alternative to authentic wood, but that doesn't mean it looks cheap. "Today's vinyl flooring is not your grandma's old linoleum," states the expert from Empire Today.
- Best for long-term character and authenticity: Hardwood is more of a natural, valuable material and has more extensive refinishing material.
- Best for families with children: When you have children, you need a flooring that is resistant to spills, scratches and dents. LVP is a good option because it's affordable but can withstand the heavy use it may see from households with kids.
- Best for pet owners: Resistant to claws, accidents, mud and everyday wear and tear, LVP can be one of the best flooring for homeowners with pets.
- Best for high-moisture areas: "Luxury vinyl plank always wins out over hardwood flooring in kitchens and bathrooms, and any areas where possible water damage is a concern," shared the Empire Today flooring expert.
Pros of luxury vinyl
Luxury vinyl has come a long way in the past few decades. "Many new flooring shoppers underestimate how convincing luxury vinyl plank can be as a hardwood substitute," says the flooring expert. "Not only does LVP outperform hardwood in ease of maintenance, moisture resistance and, in many cases, wear resistance, but it can also look and feel almost indistinguishable from genuine wood."
- Lower upfront cost
- Water-resistant and spill protection
- Practical for pets and children
- Easy cleaning
- Good for high-traffic households
- Wood appearance without the same upkeep
Cons of luxury vinyl
LVP is a great option if you want wood-look on a tighter budget, but if it's authentic wood and the corresponding character you need, it may not fit the bill. "The best LVPs really do a great job of mimicking the look of real wood, but if character is the main driver, you can't beat the authenticity of genuine hardwood," says the expert flooring consultant at Empire.
- Doesn't perfectly replicate hardwood
- Less character than real wood
- Furniture dents
- Difficult to repair individual sections
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Pros of hardwood flooring
Hardwood is a timeless flooring material that brings inherent charm, long-term value and refinishing ability. When taken care of, it's not unheard of for hardwood floors to last up to 50 or 100 years. "When water and wear resistance are less of an issue, and we're consulting with a homeowner who is driven more by pure aesthetics or intangibles like character, we will enthusiastically recommend hardwood," admits Empire's expert.
- Timeless look
- Natural material
- Character and warmth
- Refinishing potential
- Long lifespan up to 100 years
Cons of hardwood flooring
Hardwood floors are expensive, are susceptible to water damage and scratches. It's not so fragile that you need to feel like you're walking on egg shells, but it requires regular maintenance to protect it and keep it looking like new. That said, the maintenance is often overblown and hardwood generally just needs a specialized mop and wood-safe products.
- Scratches more easily from pets or kids
- Water damage susceptibility
- Refinishing expenses
- Higher installation costs
- More maintenance than is typically anticipated
Why choose Empire Today for flooring and installation?
Empire Today has been a leader in the flooring industry, known for its iconic jingle, extensive product selection and in-home shopping experience. Founded in 1959 as a family-owned business in suburban Chicago, Empire now operates in more than 70 markets across the country.
Empire Today offers carpet, hardwood, tile, vinyl, and laminate flooring products from the most trusted brands in the industry, along with quick professional installation to both residential and commercial customers. The company offers financing, all-inclusive pricing (which means no hidden fees) and a free, no-obligation in-home consultation with a flooring expert.
When you're investing in new floors or major home renovations, you don't want to go it alone.
What to keep in mind
When homeowners choose flooring based on small samples, trendy colors or ignore lifestyle function and moisture conditions, there's often regrets.
Instead of falling for trends, talking to a flooring expert, visiting a showroom and sampling colors is recommended. "When a homeowner can sit down with a flooring professional to discuss the types of wear or use that they expect their floors to experience, then come to a decision based on that expert's feedback, long-term satisfaction becomes much more likely," Empire Today's expert flooring consultant says.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vinyl vs. hardwood: What an Empire flooring expert wants you to know
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