Nearly 80 million Americans own their home. Between 2017 and 2019, these homeowners took on an estimated 115 million home renovation projects. One typical renovation project is redoing the floors in your home.
If you’ve decided to redo your flooring, you’re far from alone. But is vinyl plank or hardwood flooring the best option for your project? Continue reading to learn how you can figure out which is the best for you.
The Basics of Vinyl Planking
One of the best ways to choose between vinyl plank and hardwood flooring is to learn more about both types. This can help you make an informed purchasing decision.
One of the most significant benefits of vinyl flooring is you can get the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. This is great for people who love the look of hardwood but don’t have the budget for it.
Vinyl comes in numerous designs. While some of the more popular options mimic wood flooring, there are other options available. Vinyl can look like tile and comes in a range of patterns or colors.
Cleaning vinyl flooring is simple. You can use general floor cleaners instead of purchasing specialty ones. Vinyl flooring can be wet mopped, vacuumed, swept, or dry mopped.
The installation of vinyl plank is also straightforward. Experience DIYers should have little to no problems installing this flooring on their own. However, professional installation is also an option if you don’t feel comfortable doing so.
One downside of vinyl is that it isn’t as durable as hardwood flooring. It’s comparatively more prone to breakage and needing replacement. However, vinyl is waterproof, which helps to balance things out.
The Basics of Hardwood Flooring
Although hardwood flooring is expensive, it also offers more durability than vinyl plank. If hardwood does get damaged or worn out, it can be refinished to look like new again.
However, it’s not waterproof. Water spilled on hardwood flooring can sometimes lead to damage of the boards.
Additionally, hardwood flooring is difficult to install and isn’t recommend as a do-it-yourself project. You’ll need special cleaning supplies with wax to keep hardwood flooring clean and shiny.
When Is Vinyl Plank Best?
Vinyl plank is best when:
You’re on a budget
- You want something you can install yourself
- You’re looking for something waterproof
- You don’t want to purchase special cleaning products
When Is Hardwood Flooring Best?
Hardwood flooring is best when:
- You need something with additional durability
- You don’t have a small budget
- You prefer the look or feel of traditional hardwood over vinyl
More Questions About Vinyl Plank vs. Hardwood Flooring?
If you’re redoing the floors in your home, choosing between vinyl and hardwood can be difficult. The information above can help you determine which is the best option for your unique situation.
Do you have more questions about vinyl plank versus hardwood flooring?
Check out our other blog posts. You’ll find information on home renovation, construction, and related topics to help you learn more on the subject.
