Building the home of your dreams doesn’t come cheap, but there are ways to get the look you want for a price tag that’s easier to digest. When it comes to flooring, the most common crossroads we come to with clients is the debate of vinyl vs. hardwood. So we thought it would be a great idea to break down these two popular flooring options to help you determine which is the best fit for you.
Vinyl vs. Hardwood – Vinyl Wood Flooring
This product isn’t what it used to be, the product itself has improved significantly over the last decade. Luxury wood design vinyl planks are now a modern, beautiful, effective and affordable flooring solution for many. We’ve had some happy clients who went with the choice of vinyl.
Here are some key points:
Low Maintenance
Easy to care for, water resistant, scratch resistant and the most durable product on the market for people who do lots of entertaining or families with children and pets.
Comfort
Walk with ease, generally softer than wood/ceramic and doesn’t get too cold in the winter (brrr).
Pricing
Generally inexpensive in comparison to hardwood.
Durability
Vinyl is generally considered to be a highly durable material that, if properly installed and maintained, can last upwards of ten to twenty years (depending on the quality of the material that you purchase and the way it was manufactured).
Stain Resistant
Printed vinyl tiles have a clear wear layer that acts as a surface barrier, protecting the floor from stains and spills.
Variety
With improved technology, there are loads of new products and colours on the market. People often mistake wood printed vinyl tile for hardwood!
Vinyl vs. Hardwood – Classic Hardwood Flooring
At the end of the day, many people can’t resist the look and appeal of true hardwood. We work with hardwood flooring with many of our clients, and we all know how beautiful it is, but here are some points to think about before pulling the trigger:
Maintenance
Requires annual maintenance to maintain quality.
Durability
More susceptible to scratches, scuffs, dents and damage as the product is softer. You can expect wear and tear in high traffic areas.
Pricing
Hardwood often comes with a price tag 2-3x higher than vinyl.
Luxury
Brings an elegant and luxurious look to any home. Often brings a high re-sale price.
Variety
Plenty of variety in woods, stains and finishes.
In Summary
After reading all the above, we hope you have a better understanding of vinyl flooring vs. hardwood. In our eyes, you can never go wrong with the classic, but it really comes down to your personal preference and where you want to allot your home building budget. Before making a decision, be sure to weigh the factors that mean the most to you and then go from there.
Of course, we’re always here to help you along the way.
Questions? Feel free to hit us up on Instagram or Facebook.