Find Your Perfect Flooring
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resources | Flooring comparison guide
overview
This comprehensive guide is designed to cut through the jargon and help you confidently select the perfect flooring to match your style, lifestyle, and budget. We'll walk you through all the popular options, from classic hardwood to modern luxury vinyl, and arm you with the knowledge you need to make a smart choice and enjoy your floors for years to come!
contents
flooring comparison overview
frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)?
Appearance: LVP is designed to look like hardwood planks. LVT is designed to look like tile or stone.
Shape: LVP comes in plank shapes (long and narrow). LVT comes in tile shapes (square or rectangular).
Functionally: They are very similar in terms of durability, water resistance, and installation. The main difference is aesthetics – choose based on whether you prefer a wood-look or tile-look floor. (Quick tip: "Think about the room. Wood-look LVP is popular for living areas and bedrooms, tile-look LVT for kitchens and baths)
What's the difference between Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Laminate?
Water Resistance: LVP is WATERPROOF (or highly water-resistant). Laminate is NOT water-resistant (unless specifically labeled "waterproof laminate," which is still generally less reliably waterproof than LVP). This is the biggest practical difference.
Material Composition: LVP is made of vinyl (plastic). Laminate is made of composite wood product with a photographic layer and wear layer.
Durability: LVP is generally more dent and scratch resistant, especially high-quality LVP with thicker wear layers. Both are durable, but LVP often wins in high-traffic, pet-friendly homes.
Feel Underfoot: LVP can feel slightly softer and warmer underfoot, especially WPC core LVP. Laminate can feel harder and sometimes colder.
Price: Laminate is generally less expensive upfront. LVP can be a bit more of an investment initially, but its superior water resistance and durability can offer better long-term value, especially in moisture-prone areas.
engineered hardwood
What is Engineered Hardwood?
Real wood veneer layered over a stable core. More moisture-resistant than solid wood. Various veneer thicknesses and wood species available. Good for climates with humidity changes and families.
best for:
Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, basements (better than solid wood). Homes with kids/pets benefit from thicker veneers.
Key benefits:
More stable and water resistant than solid hardwood
Get a real wood look and feel
main Drawbacks:
Veneer can still scratch
Limited refinishing depending on thickness
Not completely water resistant
prefinished solid hardwood
What is pre-finished solid hardwood?
Classic, timeless flooring made from solid planks of wood, pre-sanded and finished. The traditional "gold standard."
best for:
Living rooms, dining rooms, formal areas in stable humidity climates. Homeowners prioritizing classic look and resale value.
Key benefits:
Timeless beauty
Lasting value
Refinishable for decades
main Drawbacks:
Poor water resistance
Susceptible to humidity
Higher cost
Professional install recommended
laminate flooring
What is laminate flooring?
Synthetic, multi-layer flooring mimicking wood (or stone/tile) with a photographic layer and protective wear layer. Budget-friendly and DIY-friendly.
best for:
Budget-conscious homeowners, DIYers, living rooms, bedrooms, playrooms. Moderate traffic areas.
Key benefits:
Most affordable hard flooring
Easy DIY install
Wide style variety
main Drawbacks:
Less realistic look/feel than real wood
Typically not water-resistant (limited waterproof versions)
Cannot be refinished
Luxury vinyl plank
What is luxury vinyl plank?
Vinyl flooring mimicking hardwood planks. Multi-layer construction with durable wear layer, decorative wood-look print, and a vinyl core. Often waterproof.
best for:
Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, high-traffic areas or really anywhere in the house! Homes with kids/pets. Anyone wanting a waterproof and durable wood-look.
Key benefits:
Water resistant/Waterproof options
Highly durable
Realistic wood look
DIY-friendly
main Drawbacks:
Difficult to repair
Can be dented (Some versions are more dent resistant)
Mid-range price can approach lower-end of engineered wood
Luxury vinyl tile
What is luxury vinyl tile?
Vinyl flooring mimicking ceramic tile, porcelain, or stone. Similar construction to LVP. Often waterproof.
best for:
Kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, basements, laundry rooms. Homeowners wanting tile look but easier install and warmer feel underfoot.
Key benefits:
Much more affordable than traditional tile
Water resistant/Waterproof options
Tile look with vinyl comfort and warmth
Much easier install than tile
main Drawbacks:
Difficult to repair
Can be dented (Some versions are more dent resistant)
Mid-range price can approach lower-end of engineered wood
sheet vinyl
What is sheet vinyl?
Continuous, flexible vinyl flooring in large rolls. Most budget-friendly vinyl option, highly water-resistant.
best for:
Kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, basements, laundry rooms. Homeowners wanting tile, wood, squares etc. look but with an easier install and warm feel underfoot.
Key benefits:
Most affordable flooring
Excellent water resistance
Many style options available
main Drawbacks:
Least realistic look
Lower durability (thinner wear layers)
Damage is very difficult to repair without replacing the whole sheet
