Hardwood flooring is a popular option for those wanting a classic look for their floors. However, luxury vinyl is a great alternative for those looking for the classic hardwood look without the cost. Vinyl flooring has come a long way in terms of its authentic look and can rival hardwood flooring in many areas. Both are beautiful and effective flooring solutions. Discover whether traditional hardwood or luxury vinyl flooring is better for you.
Look & Style
It is obvious that hardwood floors are timelessly beautiful. It comes in many colors and styles. However, thanks to technology, luxury vinyl can mimic the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. With constant and exponential developments in digital photography and image editing/manipulation, luxury vinyl tile designers need only photograph the desired wood species (or any other subject) to create a nature-realistic product. There is a noticeable difference between hardwood and commodity wood design vinyl planks. However, modern technology has made those differences extremely difficult to recognize in a luxury vinyl tile flooring, which gives you a near-perfect hardwood look for a fraction of the cost.
Durability
There are two different types of vinyl flooring; printed and solid. Printed materials have an invisible layer that protects the surface of the floor. The longevity of the material is determined by the thickness of the protective coating. With solid vinyl, the colors are throughout the depth of the material, but the surface can be scratched over time. On average, vinyl flooring can last between 10 to 20 years. Hardwood, on the other hand, can last for generations with proper care. This is dependent on the type of wood. Some types are extremely hard and resistant to damage. Also, there are treatments to reinforce the natural strength of hardwood. If the floor is damaged, it can be repaired or refinished to look good as new.
Environmental Impact
Vinyl flooring is made from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. In addition, the process of making vinyl requires the consumption of a considerable amount of energy and produces several toxic byproducts. However, some brands of vinyl are made from a percentage of recycled material and can be recycled. Hardwood comes from trees harvested in various forests. While trees are naturally renewable, you do want to make sure the hardwood you buy from comes from an environmentally responsible manufacturer. Hardwood can also be recycled and is biodegradable.
Cost
Probably the most obvious factor, luxury vinyl is cheaper than your average hardwood floor. Hardwood flooring can cost anywhere between $8-$25/sq. ft. Then you have to factor in maintenance, treatment, and refinishing. But then there is the fact that hardwood can last a lot longer than vinyl flooring. Luxury vinyl costs between $2-$5/sq. ft. with minimal maintenance, but has a shorter lifespan than hardwood.
No matter what kind of floor you choose, Tiftickjian & Sons is here to help. Your floor should represent your own unique style and personality. Having high-quality, affordable options allows you to build your dream room without breaking your budget. The experts at David Tiftickjian & Sons will help you find the ideal floor for your home or business.
