Choosing the right floor for your home isn’t easy. Not only do you need to decide on the right material, but you also need to choose between styles, patterns and colours. If you’re here, it’s likely because you’re after a wooden appearance. But you need to think beyond the aesthetics, taking the time to consider factors such as longevity, functionality and your budget.
LVT, also known as vinyl flooring, is a versatile synthetic option designed to mimic natural materials, offering exceptional durability. Engineered wood flooring combines a real wood veneer with a multi-layered core, designed to offer stability and the timeless appeal of natural wood.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know which flooring suits your needs best and you’ll be able to make your decision. So, let’s jump in!
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What’s the Difference Between LVT and Engineered Wood Flooring?
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) offers a highly realistic printed design. It closely mimics natural wood or stone but lacks the authenticity and texture of wood. LVT also features multiple layers:
- Protective Wear Layer: This is the top layer of LVT. It protects the floor from scratches and general wear and tear.
- Clear Layer: This is another protective layer, but this one protects LVT against more serious damage like tears.
- Design Layer: This is what gives vinyl its photo-realistic appearance of wood or stone.
- Backing layer: This is the base of the flooring, creating the structure and solidity of LVT. It helps absorb sound while providing comfort and cushioning underfoot.
Engineered wood flooring delivers the authentic beauty, texture and warmth of real wood. With each plank offering unique grain patterns, knots and character.
- Real Wood Veneer: This is a thin layer of genuine solid wood, which gives engineered wood its authenticity.
- Core Layer: This is constructed using either plywood, softwood or HDF (high-density fibreboard), creating a strong and sturdy base.
- Backing Layer: This provides balance to the engineered wood floor, along with moisture-resistance to reduce warping.
Pros and Cons of LVT Flooring
Known for its affordability and DIY-suitability, LVT flooring is a great choice for many homes. But, it comes with a healthy side of disadvantages that might not make it the best decision for some.
Benefits of LVT Flooring
- Affordable and Budget-Friendly
- Comfortable Underfoot
- Compatible with Underfloor Heating
- DIY-Friendly Installation
- Highly Durable
- Low-Maintenance
- Pet and Kid-Friendly
- Range of Design Options
- Realistic Appearance
- Scratch-Resistant
- Stain-Resistant
- Waterproof
Disadvantages of LVT Flooring
- Can Be Difficult to Repair
- Lacks Authenticity
- Lower Resale Value
- Prone to Fading
- Not 100% Natural
- Not Biodegradable
- Sensitive to Heavy Furniture
Pros and Cons of Engineered Wood Flooring
Many homeowners turn to engineered wood flooring for its durability and beauty. But there can be some instances where engineered wood just isn’t the right choice for a room.
Benefits of Engineered Wood Flooring
- Adds Value to a Home
- Authentic Appearance
- Can Be Refinished
- Cost-Effective
- Durability
- Enhanced Stability
- Less Prone to Gaps
- Long Lifespan
- Low-Maintenance
- Moisture-Resistance
- Natural Materials
- Scratch-Resistance
- Variety of Styles
- Underfloor Heating Compatibility
Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Flooring
- Can Be Pricey
- Colour Fading
- Difficult to Repair
- Installation Costs and Time
- Limited Refinishing
- Not Scratch-Resistant
- Not Waterproof
Durability and Maintenance
When comparing engineered wood vs LVT, durability is an important factor to consider.
Luxury vinyl tiles are incredibly resilient. Thanks to its protective layers, vinyl is resistant to scratches, dents, tears and stains, along with general wear and tear. LVT is also 100% waterproof! Its durability makes it the perfect flooring for homes with pets, children and a lot of activity.
LVT can last for up to 25 years, or maybe even longer with the right care:
- Regularly sweeping or vacuuming to remove dirt and grit
- Use a damp mop every once in a while
- Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive scrubbers or steam cleaners
Engineered wood is also an extremely resilient floor. It’s constructed to be more resistant to moisture, unlike its solid wood counterpart, but that’s not to say it’s waterproof. It isn’t scratch-resistant either and removing stains from engineered wood flooring isn’t always easy. But engineered wood can be sanded and refinished a few times, to get rid of any stubborn scratches and stains while extending its life.
Engineered wood has a lifespan of 25 years, but it can easily last 30+ years with the proper maintenance, such as:
- Sweeping or vacuuming frequently to remove debris
- Using a slightly damp soft mop and an engineered wood-friendly cleaner
- Wiping up spills immediately to prevent moisture damage
- Refinishing the top layer when necessary (this depends on the thickness of the veneer and how active the space is).
Cost Comparison
Another deciding factor for LVT vs engineered wood flooring can be the cost.
LVT flooring is considered a more affordable, budget-friendly choice when compared to engineered and solid wood. Not only do our prices start at £21.99m², but LVT is also a DIY-friendly floor to install. This means you won’t need to hire someone to install it. Ultimately saving you even more money!
Engineered wood flooring is a bit more expensive because of production costs. Our prices start at £26.99m², but if you’re lucky, you might be able to grab one for less in our sales. Despite being a time-consuming job, our engineered wood floors are DIY-friendly, allowing you to save on labour costs as well. In the long run, it’s a cost-effective choice.
Suitability for Different Rooms
You need to consider where you plan to place your flooring as that can be a big part of deciding between engineered wood vs LVT flooring.
Being a hard-wearing material, engineered wood flooring is great for the hustle and bustle of a busy home. It’s suitable for living rooms and hallways. It’s also a beautiful addition to bedrooms! For the dining room and kitchen, we recommend choosing a lacquered finish to protect your floor from splashes and spills, while also cleaning any up immediately.
Despite being built to withstand some moisture, engineered wood flooring isn’t suitable for damp and humid rooms like the bathroom.
LVT flooring, on the other hand, is suitable for all sorts of rooms. Its waterproof and moisture-resistant qualities make it an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens. Being scratch-resistant and durable against wear and tear, LVT is great for hallways and living rooms. Plus, it’s warm underfoot, making it a good choice for bedrooms too.
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| Bathroom |
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| Dining Room |
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Which is the Most Realistic?
When it comes to realism, there isn’t much of a fight over LVT vs engineered wood.
Engineered wood flooring is one of the closest alternatives to real wood that you can get. This is thanks to its real oak veneer, which provides natural grain patterns, knots and imperfections. This is then enhanced by oiled, lacquered or brushed finishes that give your engineered wood floor the realistic look and feel of solid wood.
That isn’t to say that LVT flooring isn’t at all realistic. The difference is that LVT features a high-quality image that replicates the appearance of wood, which it does quite well. Wood-effect LVT is great at mimicking the colours and patterns of wood, but it often comes down to a lack of texture and feeling that throws the realism off.
Underfloor Heating Compatibility
The good news? Both LVT and engineered wood are compatible with underfloor heating. The bad news? They’re both compatible, so this won’t be your deciding factor!
Knowing how damaging temperature changes can be to wood, it might come as a shock that you can use engineered wood flooring with underfloor heating. But these pair together perfectly! The added durability of engineered wood’s multi-layer construction means it’ll handle the temperature becoming hotter (and colder). You can also use either an electric underfloor heating system or a hydronic (water-fed) system, as both are compatible with engineered wood.
Luxury vinyl tiles are a great choice for underfloor heating. The material has low thermal- resistance, which means your floor heats up and cools down quickly. This also makes it an energy-efficient option. However, most LVTs have a temperature limit of 27°C, which is why it’s important to check the manufacturer’s guide before installing underfloor heating. A hydronic system is best for LVT.
Which Flooring is Best for Pet Owners?
When it comes to your furry friends, both engineered wood and LVT have their pros and cons.
Engineered wood has a softer, more natural feel underfoot, which makes it a cosy choice for pets and owners. While it does offer some stability and resistance, engineered wood flooring isn’t waterproof. Any accidents or spills need to be cleaned up immediately, as they can damage your floor.
Engineered wood is also prone to scratches. However, a brushed finish will help hide any scratches. Plus, you can sand engineered wood a few times to get rid of any scratches.
But when you compare engineered wood to LVT, one stands out as the best flooring for pet owners. And that’s LVT flooring. With its scratch and stain resistance, LVT is designed with durability in mind. Its waterproof surface also ensures that any spills or accidents won’t leave permanent marks. Plus, it’s easy to clean and maintain!
Regardless of the flooring you choose, here are some tips to help you protect your floor:
- Use rugs and runners to help minimise wear and tear.
- Place mats under food and water bowls to prevent stains as well as spills.
- Regularly trim your pet’s nails to prevent scratches.
- Whether it’s mud, water or an accident, clean spills up quickly to prevent long-term damage.
Which is Better for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer as choosing between LVT and engineered wood depends on your budget, lifestyle and where you plan to install the flooring.
While LVT is a more budget-friendly and cost-effective choice, engineered wood flooring is a long-term investment. Despite its higher price tag, it’s designed to last for decades.
If you love the beauty and authenticity of real wood and are willing to give it the TLC it deserves, then engineered wood is your perfect match. But if you need something to survive pets, kids and the occasional spilled cuppa, then LVT is your best bet.
Think about where you’re installing the floor. If you’re placing it in moisture-prone areas like the bathroom or kitchen, then LVT is the safest option, thanks to its waterproof qualities. If you’re looking to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere in your living room or bedroom, then the authenticity and warmth of engineered wood make it a beautiful choice.
Ask yourself:
- Do you need a low-maintenance, budget-friendly and pet-proof floor? LVT is the way to go.
- Do you love the natural beauty of real wood and don’t mind putting in a little more work? Then engineered wood is the one for you!
Get Social
Still debating engineered wood vs LVT? Get in touch with our friendly flooring experts, they’re always happy to help. You can also take advantage of our unlimited free samples. Order as many as you like and compare them until you find your perfect match.
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