Luxury Vinyl vs Engineered Hardwood: Which Flooring is Right for Your Home?

Choosing the right flooring can completely transform your space. Two of the most popular options on the market today are luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and engineered hardwood. Both deliver a beautiful wood-look finish, but they each bring unique benefits depending on your home, lifestyle, and design preferences.

We help homeowners, designers, and builders navigate this decision every day. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which type of flooring fits your needs best.

What’s the Difference?

Luxury vinyl plank is a high-performance synthetic floor designed to mimic the look and texture of real hardwood. Most styles feature a rigid SPC (stone polymer core) for added durability, along with waterproof technology and easy click-lock installation.

Engineered hardwood is made with a real wood veneer on top of multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard. It offers the natural beauty of hardwood with added dimensional stability, making it more resistant to humidity than solid wood.

Durability and Moisture Resistance

Luxury vinyl is a standout for active households. It’s fully waterproof, highly resistant to scratches and dents, and built to handle everyday wear and tear. It’s a smart option for bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and homes with pets or kids.

Engineered hardwood can handle some moisture and humidity better than solid wood, but it’s not waterproof. It’s best used in living rooms, bedrooms, and low-moisture areas. Spills should be cleaned up quickly to avoid damage.

Installation and Cost

Luxury vinyl is one of the most affordable and DIY-friendly flooring choices available. Click-lock planks can often be installed without professional help, and most don’t require glue or nails. It’s also a great option for floating floor installations.

Engineered hardwood usually requires professional installation. Depending on the type, it may be nailed, glued, or floated. The material cost is higher, but for some homeowners, the value of real wood is worth the investment.

Style and Aesthetic

Luxury vinyl has evolved into a design powerhouse. With realistic textures, wide plank options, and trending tones like warm tones, coastal blondes, and soft matte finishes, it’s easy to find a look that fits your home’s style.

Engineered hardwood offers the unmatched look and feel of real wood. No two planks are exactly the same, and it brings warmth and authenticity to any space. If you’re after a timeless, natural aesthetic, engineered wood delivers.

Both flooring types have major strengths. If you need something waterproof, low-maintenance, and budget-friendly, luxury vinyl is a great choice. If you’re looking for true hardwood beauty and don’t mind a bit more upkeep, engineered hardwood could be the better fit.

Shop Luxury Vinyl and Engineered Hardwood at Floorzz

Still deciding? Our flooring experts can help you compare options and find the perfect fit for your home. Visit www.floorzz.com to shop top brands and bestsellers.

📞 Call: 833.356.6799

📧 Email: info@floorzz.com

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