Hardwood Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Better Than Real Wood?

If you're looking for a flooring option that offers the beauty and elegance of hardwood, but without the high price tag or maintenance requirements, hardwood luxury vinyl flooring may be the perfect choice for you. Luxury vinyl is a type of flooring that has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to its combination of durability and style. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at luxury vinyl flooring and compare it to real wood flooring and wood like tile to help you decide which is right for your home.

What Is Hardwood Luxury Vinyl?

Hardwood luxury vinyl flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners because it offers the same visual appeal as hardwood floors but at a fraction of the cost. It comprises many layers, such as a base of underlayment backing, followed by layers of pressed flooring sealed onto a hardboard core with a protective finish. It is similar to natural wood in that it mimics natural wood's patterns, knots, and grooves. Luxury vinyl is much more durable than hardwood, which can withstand heavy foot traffic and pets without showing wear and tear. Another advantage of luxury vinyl is that it's easy to install and maintain, making it an excellent choice for busy families.

What's The Difference Between Luxury Vinyl and Real Wood?

There are a few key differences to consider when it comes to hardwood luxury vinyl versus natural wood. First, hardwood floors are made from natural materials, while luxury vinyl is man-made. This means that hardwood floors can be more expensive than luxury vinyl. Hardwood floors require more maintenance than luxury vinyl; they must be regularly sealed and refinished to keep them looking their best. However, hardwood floors can add value to your home, while luxury vinyl is more affordable.

What's The Difference Between Luxury Vinyl and Wood-Like Tiles?

Hardwood luxury vinyl and wood-like tile are also a few key differences. Tile is often composed of water, sand, and clay. This is then printed with the texture and patterns of natural wood. Some types of wood-like tile will even be given textures to make them feel like natural wood. Therefore, comparing wood-like tile and hardwood luxury vinyl will determine a preference between tile and vinyl. It also depends on how similar you would like the texture and appearance to be to actual hardwood. Wood-like tile is durable, easy to care for, and sleek, and hardwood luxury vinyl is also durable and easy to clean but more similar to the look of natural wood.

Island Tile and Marble has both options no matter which you choose. Visit our website to learn more about each type--wood-like tile or hardwood luxury vinyl. Or call (321)676-1563 to schedule a visit to see our showroom!

Benefits of Hardwood Luxury Vinyl

Durable

Hardwood luxury vinyl is one of the most durable flooring options on the market. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and is resistant to scratches, stains, and water damage. At Island Tile and Flooring, our hardwood luxury vinyl is waterproof and, therefore, perfect for your Florida home. Our vinyl will last for years, whether you experience high amounts of humidity or frequent get-togethers in your backyard pool. It's also perfect for mudrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry. Anywhere you need flooring that can withstand hard wear and tear, luxury vinyl is a great way to get durability without compromising the style.

Beautiful

Hardwood luxury vinyl floors are beautiful and realistic, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want the look of hardwood without the high price tag. They fit with the patterns, knots, and groves of natural wood. They also come in many different tones and styles to suit any style of home.

Cost

Hardwood luxury vinyl floors are a more affordable option than hardwood floors. They are also easier to install and maintain, making them an excellent choice for busy families. Hardwood luxury vinyl lasts between ten and twenty years, sometimes even longer when extra care is taken. However, the maintenance costs are not as high as natural wood, which often requires wood-specific cleaners to be used monthly. Then it has to be resealed every three to five years, depending on how it's wearing.

Easy To Care For

Hardwood luxury vinyl floors are also easy to care for, as if there weren't enough benefits. They can be swept, vacuumed, and mopped with ease. You can also spot clean them if they become stained or dirty. To get the most out of your luxury vinyl, try utilizing two to three coats of floor polish to extend the life of your floors. Other than that, there is no need to have anything sealed or coated. Once installed, it is good to take on your home's biggest messes.

What Styles Do They Come In?

Like natural wood, hardwood luxury vinyl floors come in various styles, from traditional hardwoods to more modern designs. You can find them in a variety of colors and finishes so that you can create the perfect look for your home. For a classic design for your family home, there are orange-toned vinyl floors or cool-toned medium browns for casual, cozy homes. Another option is to choose light, cool-toned browns and grays to achieve a modern, clean look. Or, go moody with deep cherry wood or dark, cool-toned wood. Call Island Tile and Flooring at (321) 676-1563 to schedule a visit to see our showroom and the beautiful luxury vinyl options we offer.

Installation

Installation is easy with hardwood luxury vinyl. Because it's a floating floor, there is no need for messy adhesives. It can be installed over most existing floors, including concrete, ceramic tile, and laminate. And, if you ever need to replace a plank, it's simple to do. Just remove the damaged plank and snap in a new one. This is simpler than hardwood which is installed by nailing or stapling the planks to the subfloor. In this case, an intermediate material would have to be placed below the hardwood flooring for best results. But not to worry, Island Tile and Marble install their tile and vinyl for you.

If you are looking for hardwood luxury vinyl that looks like the real thing, you can find it. There are many brands and styles to choose from. You can get planks like oak, cherry, or walnut hardwood floors. You can also find hardwood luxury vinyl with a hand-scraped or distressed finish. If you love the look of hardwood floors but don't want the hassle of maintaining them, hardwood luxury vinyl is an excellent option. Call Island Tile and Marble to schedule a look at our showroom, or visit our website to learn about our different styles. All of your tile needs are in one place!