Replacing a floor in your home requires not only a huge investment but also a need to devote your time and effort to determine which flooring material is best for your property. When it boils down to decision-making, careful research is necessary to weigh the benefits and disadvantages of each flooring type. Many homeowners debate between choosing hardwood and vinyl flooring. Hardwood flooring is made from pieces of many types of solid wood such as oak or maple, while vinyl flooring comes from a layer of PVC plastic that resembles traditional hardwood. While real hardwood and vinyl look similar, there are pros and cons to each flooring option.
So, before you decide which flooring material is right for your home, here’s a guide to help you make the wisest and best floor purchasing decision.
Consideration 1: Installation
One of the first things you must consider when choosing flooring materials for your home is the amount of time you are willing to spend on installation. While hardwood flooring and vinyl flooring can be installed as a DIY project, both are best performed by an experienced and professional contractor.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring installation requires steps that include placing of wood, drilling, nailing, stapling, baseboard cutting, and filling of holes with wood putty. While it is not impossible for homeowners to take on the installation task, it is not easy and allows more work until project completion. With hardwood flooring installation, you must properly prepare the subfloor and install a vapor barrier before putting down the flooring. In this case, you need more tools to finish the job. The process normally takes time and is labor-intensive, the reason why it is best to leave the job to professional contractors.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is much easier to install than hardwood flooring. While the installation of a hardwood floor takes days to weeks, the vinyl plank can be installed in just hours. Vinyl flooring involves processes that include cutting, laying, and spreading adhesive (if in sheet form). However, some vinyl floors are already available in pre-cut squares and self-adhesive, which are less labor-intensive than hardwood flooring.
Consideration 2: Cost
When looking for new flooring, homeowners usually have a budget in mind. However, the quality and type of flooring materials used can affect its cost.
Hardwood
Genuine hardwood flooring is comparatively more expensive than vinyl flooring. Based on Fixr, the average cost of hardwood flooring ranges from $12 to $20 per square foot. This is depending on the types of wood used for installation. Uncommon and rare hardwood options may cost much higher. However, do not disregard hardwood flooring just because of its cost. The resale value of this flooring material is something you may also consider. In the long run, it could turn out to be a substantial investment that pays off.
Vinyl
The average cost of vinyl flooring ranges from $2 to $7 per square foot, which is comparatively less expensive than real hardwood. This cost represents those decent quality vinyl materials in the market, but some designs, specialty prints, and textures may raise its cost. Though you may find vinyl flooring less expensive, it adds no long-term value to your home.
Consideration 3: Durability
Another big factor to consider in choosing the right flooring material is its durability and lifespan. You may not want to end up spending thousands of dollars for a flooring material that can be ruined easily.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring has a longer lifespan than vinyl flooring, but it requires regular upkeep. If well-maintained and properly finished, hardwood flooring can last for decades. The real durability of hardwood flooring is very dependent on the type of wood you select. For instance, common hardwood types like maple, cherry, and oak are more durable and less vulnerable to damage than exotic woods. With this, the natural strength of the hardwood can be reinforced through treatments.
Vinyl
When it comes to day-to-day use, vinyl flooring is more durable than hardwood. However, vinyl is not completely immune to damage as it is very susceptible to dents, cuts, and scratches. The longevity of vinyl, on the other hand, is determined by the thickness of its protective coating. With solid vinyl, it may last for 10 to 20 years.
Consideration 4: Replacement and Maintenance
Though each flooring material suffers from wear and tear over time despite regular cleaning, it is still important to preserve its appeal through proper repair and maintenance.
Hardwood
Maintaining hardwood flooring is relatively easy, however, there are several considerations. Keep the hardwood flooring moisture-free because it is naturally an absorbent material. This means, no wet mopping and immediately wipe spills up when exposed to moisture or humidity. To restore its appearance and durability, hardwood flooring can be repaired by regular sanding and refinishing at least every 10 years or as necessary.
Vinyl
Unlike hardwood, vinyl flooring has less complicated maintenance requirements. It can be vacuumed or swept using a dust mop or broom. It does not need wax polish to maintain its luster. Since vinyl flooring is impervious to penetration due to humidity or moisture, it can also be wet mopped. However, vinyl flooring can fade over time when exposed to sunlight. If vinyl fades, it cannot be restored nor refinished. Thus, the only option is to remove the planks and replace them.
Consideration 5: Environmental Impact
The health concern is also a huge factor in whether to get a synthetic flooring material or opt for a more renewable option. This is much more important especially to a family with small kids at home.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring is a renewable resource, making it an extremely environment-friendly material. While it is true that these are a natural resource, you may want to make sure that the hardwood you buy comes from an environmentally responsible supplier or manufacturer. Thus, you need to look for certification from FSC or Forest Stewardship Council.
Vinyl
One of the biggest concerns about vinyl flooring is that it imposed health hazards because it emits a small amount of volatile organic compounds. Vinyl is not as environmentally friendly as it is made from PVC resin, which can be toxic to human health.
Consideration 6: Appearance and Style
If there is something you should not forget to consider in choosing the right flooring for your home, that is the overall appearance. The first impression really lasts. That is why it is crucial to choose a flooring material that would blend well inside your home.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring has the edge over vinyl when it comes to versatility, color, and style. It has a more attractive appearance as it offers both traditional and modern styles. You can also choose different species of wood, from traditional to exotic ones. Custom stained and sizing are also available if you wish to complement its color to your home.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring varies in quality and colors because it is textured and dyed on the outer layer. Though it also offers a wide variety of colors and sizes, not to mention that it can mimic the look of real hardwood, vinyl flooring cannot quite shake that synthetic or artificial appeal.
The Choice is Yours to Make
Choosing the best flooring material for your home requires thorough research. Though each flooring option provides its share of pros and cons, the answer largely depends on your preferences and needs. Not to mention the importance of your budget and resale value of your home in the long run. If you really want to find the best flooring option for your home, click here to give you a better estimate for your next flooring project.