Hardwood vs. Vinyl Flooring

If you are looking for flooring that adds warmth and ambience to your rooms, hardwood flooring and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are both excellent choices. 

Hardwood flooring is a classic option that has been consistently popular with homeowners for its durability and value. Vinyl flooring has also become a go-to choice for homeowners for the many advantages it offers, from cost-effectiveness to versatility. 

When it comes to which suits your home better, there is no right or wrong answer. Use this guide to compare vinyl flooring versus hardwood to discover which aligns with your preferences and is best for your household's unique needs.

6 Differences between Luxury Vinyl Flooring and Hardwood 

Hardwood flooring and vinyl plank each have unique characteristics. Some features overlap, while others are distinctly different. 

Appearance and Versatility  

Hardwood and vinyl both add a beautiful aesthetic to your space. The key is to choose quality materials for both options and understand the look you want to create. 

Hardwood is a top choice for flooring that adds timeless elegance and charm to your home. It suits the traditional style extremely well and is also one of the best choices for achieving a natural look that works well for a rustic or Scandinavian interior design aesthetic. It is highly versatile and also works well for minimalistic styles. Hardwood is available in a range of colors, tones and textures that allow you to be more versatile than you may first imagine:

• Oak: Oak is a domestic hardwood with a complex grain pattern that comes in various beautiful shades, from light beige to amber.
• Maple: Maple is a domestic species of wood with a light, creamy color and a smooth grain. It is perfect for creating a polished, high-end space.
• American Cherry: If you love deep tones, American Cherry is one of the best hardwood choices. Its reddish-brown tones darken as the wood ages, and it can develop a rich patina, a weathered layer over the wood that adds character and charm. 
• Hickory: Hickory is one of the most versatile domestic woods, available in a range of colors, from natural, light beiges to deep, stained-like mocha shades. 
• Tigerwood: Tigerwood is an exotic species that has a beautiful striped pattern of red and brown streaks. 
• Brazilian Cherry: Brazilian Cherry is an exotic wood that has rich red undertones and a dense grain with knots. It is ideal for creating a warm and visually appealing space.
• Brazilian Oak: This exotic wood species resembles North American oak with its striking grain patterns.

Vinyl is just as versatile as hardwood because it can be printed with countless patterns. High-quality vinyl can quite well mimic the look of natural materials like wood. You can also find quality vinyl in more vibrant and eclectic colors and patterns, making it easier to achieve more creative, modern styles using vinyl.

Warmth and Comfort 

Quality vinyl flooring generally has a cushioned layer that makes it softer and warmer underfoot than hardwood. However, you can still create a comfortable room if you prefer hardwood, and an easy way to do that is to layer with area rugs. 

Strategically positioning an area rug over hardwood is an excellent way to add warmth, traction and dimension.  

Cost and Real Estate Value

Hardwood is generally more expensive than vinyl flooring, but it also has lasting value and shows a good return on investment. If you ever sell your house, it is good to know that prospective buyers see the value in hardwood. It is a classic, timeless flooring option. 

Hardwood is also incredibly durable, and it can last for generations. These are all aspects that appeal to potential buyers. The average cost for hardwood floors is between $6 and $45 per square foot. When budgeting, you should consider additional costs for installation. 

Vinyl is a more cost-effective solution, with the average price of vinyl flooring ranging from $2 to $12 per square foot. It is also a long-lasting material that can endure for 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Hardwood and LVT are generally quite easy to clean. Both typically need just a good sweep, vacuum and mop to maintain a clean appearance. It is vital to always use the appropriate floor cleaners that are gentle on the surface. In terms of maintenance, hardwood is a durable flooring material, and this shows how long it can last. 

However, you do need to refinish your wood floors every few years to maintain their look and integrity. Vinyl can require slightly less maintenance, especially since it is a synthetic material that is also water-resistant.

Lifestyle

Hardwood and vinyl are versatile enough to be used in most rooms around your house. Since they are both easy to clean, they tend to be great choices for homes with pets and young children. 

Both types of flooring are also good options if anyone in your household has allergies, as neither traps dust and dander. 

Side-by-Side Look at Luxury Vinyl Flooring vs. Hardwood​

The table below summarizes the comparisons of vinyl versus hardwood.

Shop Hardwood and Luxury Vinyl Flooring at Carpet & Tile Mart

Carpet & Tile Mart is here to help to choose flooring that suits your preferences and requirements.

At Carpet & Tile Mart, we have a wide selection of domestic, exotic engineered hardwoods and LVT flooring. We also carry an extensive collection of other flooring products for all your home projects, including carpet, rugs and tile. 

We are committed to providing quality products at all our flooring centers, paired with competitive prices. Our knowledgeable team can help you choose the right flooring for your home, whether you want the classic elegance of hardwood or the modern appeal of LVT. 

Visit one of our stores to shop for quality vinyl and hardwood floors today.