Engineered wood flooring and luxury vinyl flooring (LVT) are both popular alternatives to traditional solid wood flooring, making them subjects of comparison for potential customers. This guide delves into the two types, listing their pros and cons, and assists you in selecting the suitable option for your project.
Key Takeaways: Engineered Wood Flooring vs. LVT
| Criteria | Engineered Wood Flooring | Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Top layer of real hardwood (2-6mm) on plywood, MDF, and softwood layers. | Top wear layer over a design layer, with a core of PVC, WPC, or SPC and a backing layer. |
| Thickness | Typically 10-20mm. | Usually 4-8mm. |
| Appearance | Offers a completely natural look, similar to solid wood. | Imitates wood, stone, or other materials but can sometimes look artificial. |
| Cost | 30%-40% cheaper than solid wood flooring. | Generally starts at about £20/m2, lower than engineered wood. |
| Durability | Has a shorter lifespan (around 50 years) compared to solid wood. | Durability varies, but the wear layer can be hard to repair if scratched. |
| Water Resistance | Not suitable for wet areas due to real hardwood component. | Water-resistant, especially with an SPC core, suitable for all home areas. |
| Underfloor Heating Compatibility | Suitable if 18mm thick or less with a top layer no more than 5mm. | Highly compatible due to thinner profile, allowing optimal heat transfer. |
| Ideal Use | Great for a natural look and feel, where budget allows. | Best for full-home coverage, especially in moisture-prone areas. |
What is Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood flooring comprises a top layer of real hardwood ranging from 2mm to 6mm in thickness, placed atop multiple layers of plywood, MDF, and softwood. The resulting floorboard is typically between 10mm and 20mm thick.
What is Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT)?
Luxury vinyl flooring (LVT) features a top wear layer, a transparent protective coating atop a design layer aimed at mimicking the appearance of wood, stone, or other natural materials. The remaining structure of the floorboard includes a core (made of PVC, WPC, or SPC) and a backing layer.
Pros and Cons of Engineered Wood Flooring
Pros:
- Natural Appearance: With its real hardwood top layer, engineered wood flooring offers a completely natural look, indistinguishable from solid wood flooring when installed.
- Cost-Effective: Engineered wood flooring is 30% to 40% less expensive than solid wood flooring, owing to its reduced use of real hardwood.
- Compatibility with Underfloor Heating: Engineered wood flooring, especially those 18mm thick or less with a top hardwood layer of no more than 5mm, is suitable for underfloor heating systems.
Cons:
- Limited Durability: Although containing real hardwood, engineered wood flooring has a shorter lifespan than solid wood flooring, typically lasting around 50 years compared to a lifetime for solid wood.
- Not Waterproof: The incorporation of real hardwood renders engineered wood flooring unsuitable for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms.
Pros and Cons of Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT)
Pros:
- Suitable for the Entire Home: LVT with an SPC core is water-resistant, making it a viable option for all areas of a home, unlike engineered wood.
- Ideal for Underfloor Heating: LVT’s thinner profile (usually 4mm to 8mm) facilitates optimal heat transfer, making it highly compatible with underfloor heating systems.
- Affordability: Quality luxury vinyl flooring starts at approximately £20/m2, significantly less than engineered wood flooring, which begins at around £30/m2.
Cons:
- Artificial Appearance: LVT relies on a printed design layer for its appearance, which can sometimes appear artificial, unlike the natural hardwood used in engineered wood flooring.
- Difficult to Repair: The wear layer protecting LVT’s design layer can be challenging to repair if scratched, whereas engineered wood can be more easily sanded and recoated.
Choosing Between the Two
In summary, if your budget permits and you prefer a 100% natural-looking floor, engineered wood flooring is an excellent choice. Conversely, LVT’s ability to be fitted throughout the entire home is a crucial factor for many customers. Both options offer distinct advantages over their fully natural counterparts, ensuring you won’t regret your choice.
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FAQ
What is Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is a multi-layered floor covering, featuring a real hardwood layer (2-6mm thick) above a base of plywood, MDF, and softwood. Its overall thickness typically ranges from 10mm to 20mm.
What Constitutes Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT)?
Luxury Vinyl Flooring, or LVT, is composed of several layers including a top wear layer, a design layer mimicking materials like wood or stone, and a core (PVC, WPC, or SPC), finished with a backing layer. Its thickness usually spans 4mm to 8mm.
How Do Engineered Wood and LVT Differ in Appearance and Durability?
Engineered wood flooring provides a natural wood appearance, similar to solid wood, but with a lifespan of around 50 years. LVT, while versatile in design, may sometimes look less natural and its durability can vary, with its wear layer being difficult to repair.
Can Engineered Wood and LVT Be Used with Underfloor Heating?
Engineered wood is compatible with underfloor heating if it’s 18mm thick or thinner, with a top hardwood layer of 5mm or less. LVT, particularly due to its thinner profile, is highly compatible with underfloor heating, allowing efficient heat transfer.
Which Flooring Type is More Suitable for Wet Areas?
LVT is water-resistant, especially types with an SPC core, making it ideal for all areas of a home, including wet zones. Engineered wood, due to its real hardwood composition, is not recommended for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms.