What type of hard surface flooring is best?
When it comes to selecting or installing new hard surface flooring, it is tough to know where to start. There are so many different options and each type of hard surface flooring is different, and serves a different purpose. For example, there is laminate, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), luxury vinyl tile (LVT), engineered hardwood, hardwood, vinyl, waterproof flooring and more. Here is some information on the main different types of hard surface flooring. If you need any additional information, or further assistance selecting flooring, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood flooring is by far one of the best long-term investments to make. With regular care, any hardwood floor can easily last anywhere from 50-100 years. You can install hardwood flooring pretty much anywhere, except in areas prone to extreme humidity and standing water. Hardwood floor can be easily customized to whatever stain color you’d like. It can even be sanded down and re-stained, should you change your mind. You can even pick your grain pattern!
Some benefits of hardwood flooring:
Easy to clean and maintain
Very durable
Adds resale value to any home or space
Long-lasting
High-end look
Great long-term investment
Engineered Wood also known as “man-made wood” or “composite wood” is a versatile, and more affordable alternative to hardwood. It is constructed from multiple layers of wood called ply, that have been reformed using heat, glue and pressure. Each layer runs in different directions, making it very stable and giving it a good resistance to warping. Good quality engineered wood is durable and long-lasting.
Some benefits of engineered hardwood flooring:
Looks just like real wood
Some types can be sanded and refinished
Doesn’t expand and contract to the same extent as real hardwood flooring
Very durable
It is affordable and won’t break the bank
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
LVP imitates real hardwood flooring. It has the same colors and textures, but at a fraction of the cost. Besides affordability, this flooring brings additional benefits to your space. Being both waterproof and scratch resistant, LVP is a great option for homes with furry friends or kids. LVP often features the same embossing and texture that real wood has, giving it a deceivingly authentic look. Additionally, cleaning LVP is simple—just sweep or vacuum daily, and occasionally use a damp mop with warm water. LVP is a great, affordable and practical flooring solution.
LVT imitates ceramic tile and stone, at a much lower cost. It is also easy to clean and durable. An added benefit, is that it is much quieter, and softer than actual stone or ceramic tile.
Since they are constructed the same way, the difference comes down to style preference. If you are looking for the wood plank look, LVP is for you. However, if the ceramic tile or stone look would suit you better, we would suggest LVT.
Some benefits of luxury vinyl (LVP or LVT) flooring:
Easy to clean and maintain
Very durable
Many options are kid-proof, pet-proof and waterproof, such as COREtec
Long-lasting
Many options look and feel like real wood
Great long-term investment
If damaged, planks can be replaced individually, instead of having to replace all of the flooring
Laminate is similar to engineered wood and luxury vinyl, in that it imitates hardwood flooring. Unlike engineered wood or luxury vinyl, laminate flooring is “floated,” which means it isn’t fastened to the subfloor by staples, nails or glue. Instead, it uses an interlocking system that allows each “plank” to click-lock into each other.
One downfall to laminate flooring, is that it cannot tolerate pooled water. Virtually all laminate flooring uses a fiberboard core. Because this core is a wood product, it will soften and swell if it is exposed to water. Therefore, it is not suggested for bathrooms, kitchens, etc. It is best to clean laminate flooring with dry methods, such as with a dry mop or broom. Engineered wood or luxury vinyl is a better choice when you need water resistance, lifespan, and durability in your flooring. Laminate is preferable if you just want a new look, lower costs, and a comfortable feel underfoot.
Some benefits of laminate flooring:
Extremely affordable options
Durable
Resists scratches
Less susceptible to wear and tear
Withstands moisture fairly well
Quick and easy to install
To learn more about the different flooring types we offer, and which flooring is best for your space, please visit our showroom. We have thousands of samples in stock and our knowledgeable team will help you pick the perfect flooring for your space. Plus, it always helps to see, and feel, the different textures in person!
To get started on installing new carpet or hard surface flooring, please contact us or visit our showroom.
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