Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) vs Hardwood
There are many ways to get the natural look and feel of hardwood, and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), is one option. Flooring is a large investment so it’s important to make an informed decision. An investment that is worth its weight in gold should be able to retain its value, be affordable for materials and installation, and satisfy all your style, budget, lifestyle, and financial needs.
You can make hardwood floors from different species of wood, or you can have an engineered floor with a hardwood veneer and plywood layers. The appearance of real hardwood is replicated by luxury vinyl planks. They can be used in glue-down or easy-click styles. LVP is made up of multiple layers. These include a protective layer, a wood-look design and a vinyl core. Some products also have an attached backing. Each flooring type has its own pros and cons. Consider your personal preferences when selecting the right investment for your home.
DIYers can save money installing LVP or hardwood with the right tools. The installation of floating or click vinyl is much easier than that of real wood. It can be used over concrete or wood subfloors and can be placed over existing floor tiles. This will reduce time and save money. LVP Easy-click doesn’t need a level surface; it can be installed on any type of floor. However, glue-down LVP does require both.
Hardwood was once difficult to install. However, modern wood flooring options are available in pre-cut pieces that have tongue-and groove planks similar floating LVP. It is important to have a level plywood or cement subfloor as hardwood can bend over time and won’t be very patient if installed on uneven surfaces.
Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are much cheaper than real wood. Glue-down is the best option over floating LVP. Even though market demand can influence prices, most exotic wood-look styles are still affordable because LVP can be printed to look just like any other wood species.
Wood prices vary because hardwood costs more. If hardwood isn’t pre-finished, expect to see labor costs rise.
It is much more common to have water damage in your home than you might think. The biggest difference between LVP and hardwood is their resistance to moisture. Vinyl flooring is waterproof so it can be installed anywhere in your home, even in areas where moisture is a concern, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Because hardwood absorbs liquids easily, it can become warped or damaged. Although hardwood should be sealed regularly, it shouldn’t still be used in bathrooms or kitchens.
Vinyl flooring maintenance and care is easy. It can be kept clean by regular sweeping and mopping. Vacuuming can also be a good way to remove dirt and debris. However, make sure that the beaters are off to protect the planks. Vinyl can last longer if it isn’t refinished. It can also be damaged easily by adding area rugs. It is easy to replace damaged planks.
Hardwood floors are known for being difficult to maintain. Regular dusting and sweeping help maintain floors and protect them from dirt and dust particles. You should ensure that any cleaner you use is specifically designed for wood as excess moisture can cause serious damage. High heels and pets claws can cause damage to hardwood floors. It’s important that you consider your lifestyle before buying. If hardwood is damaged, it can be refinished to look like new. Refinishing hardwood should be done every ten years, and if necessary, it can also be repaired.
Modern technology has allowed luxury vinyl planks to closely mimic real hardwood floors. Some luxury vinyl tiles and luxury vinyl planks have the same benefits as real hardwood floors. They are low in cost, easy to maintain and waterproof. LVP is a more financially sound investment than other flooring options, but your personal style, budget, and space are all important factors in your decision to install LVP.
