It’s hardly surprising that buyers frequently weigh the advantages and disadvantages of engineered wood flooring against those of luxury vinyl plank flooring, commonly abbreviated as LVP. These hard flooring solutions both present alternatives to traditional solid wood flooring, often referred to as ‘real’ wood flooring. However, unlike solid wood, engineered wood and vinyl plank flooring provide cost-effective options without the numerous limitations associated with purely natural wood flooring. With over 15 years of experience in selling hard flooring to both the public and the trade, Wood and Beyond is ideally placed to assist you in deciding which option is more suitable for your project.
What Is Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood flooring comprises 4 to 12 layers, with the topmost layer being natural wood, ranging in thickness from 2mm to 6mm. The rest of the board consists of plywood, softwood, and MDF. This construction ensures that, once installed, engineered wood flooring is virtually indistinguishable from its solid wood counterpart.
What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring features a top visual layer that emulates the appearance of natural wood, created using printable PVC. Its core is made from WPC or SPC (with SPC representing the latest advancement in vinyl plank technology), and a backing layer, typically consisting of PVC and cork. The dimensions of vinyl plank flooring are similar to those of engineered wood flooring, in both width and length.
Why Are The Two Often Compared?
Both engineered wood and vinyl plank flooring provide viable alternatives to traditional solid wood flooring, which has its own set of drawbacks. Solid wood flooring is expensive, with prices often starting at £70/m2. It’s also unsuitable for wet areas and use over underfloor heating. In contrast, engineered wood and vinyl plank flooring offer the aesthetic of solid wood without the high costs and aforementioned limitations.
When To Choose Engineered Wood Flooring?
The primary appeal of engineered wood flooring lies in its authentic appearance, a characteristic unique to real wood. Natural wood features distinct visuals like sapwood, colour variations, and grain markings. While vinyl plank flooring does an admirable job of replicating these aspects, its mass-produced printed layer means repeated patterns are inevitable, leading to a less authentic overall appearance.
Engineered wood flooring also boasts exceptional durability due to the use of natural wood. Floors with a top wood layer of 4mm or more can easily surpass 50 years of service life. This longevity is partly attributable to the possibility of sanding and recoating the floor every few years, removing 1mm of natural wood to eliminate wear and tear and rejuvenate its appearance.
When to Choose Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring’s primary advantage is its cost-effectiveness. While engineered wood flooring starts at around £30/m2, vinyl plank flooring begins at a more affordable £20/m2. However, price isn’t the only factor to consider.
Vinyl plank flooring with an SPC core is water-resistant, unlike most engineered wood flooring, making it suitable for use in all areas, including bathrooms and kitchens. Additionally, its composition and overall thickness make it well-suited for installation over underfloor heating, a feature that only certain types of engineered wood flooring can match.
Which To Choose?
When deciding between engineered wood flooring and vinyl plank flooring, consider the following:
- Wet Areas: For bathrooms and kitchens, vinyl plank flooring with an SPC core is the better choice.
- Underfloor Heating: Vinyl plank flooring is generally preferable. If choosing engineered wood, ensure the flooring allows heat passage (typically boards thinner than 18mm).
- Budget: If budget permits, opt for engineered wood flooring for its longevity and authentic wood appearance. For tighter budgets, vinyl plank flooring is more practical.
- Natural Looks: If the authentic appearance of wood is crucial, engineered wood flooring, with its real wood top layer, is unrivalled.
Both options offer excellent alternatives to solid wood flooring, and your choice will depend on specific needs and preferences.
—
FAQ
What is the Composition of Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is a multi-layered product, typically consisting of 4 to 12 layers. Its top layer is made of natural wood, varying in thickness from 2mm to 6mm, while the remaining structure includes plywood, softwood, and MDF. This design ensures that engineered wood flooring closely resembles solid wood once installed.
How is Vinyl Plank Flooring Constructed?
Vinyl plank flooring is crafted with a top layer that visually replicates natural wood using printable PVC. It features a core made from either WPC or the more advanced SPC, along with a backing layer usually comprising PVC and cork. The size of vinyl plank flooring is designed to mirror that of engineered wood flooring.
Why Compare Engineered Wood and Vinyl Plank Flooring?
These two flooring options are compared as they both serve as cost-effective, practical alternatives to traditional solid wood flooring. Solid wood flooring tends to be more expensive and less suitable for damp areas or over underfloor heating systems. In contrast, both engineered wood and vinyl plank flooring offer the aesthetic appeal of solid wood without these limitations.
When Should You Opt for Engineered Wood Flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is an ideal choice when seeking the authentic look and feel of real wood, as it showcases natural features like sapwood, colour variations, and grain markings. Additionally, due to its natural wood component, engineered wood flooring is highly durable, often lasting over 50 years with proper maintenance, including periodic sanding and recoating.
What Are the Advantages of Choosing Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring is notable for its affordability and water-resistant properties, especially varieties with an SPC core. This makes it a suitable choice for areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens. Moreover, it is compatible with underfloor heating systems, offering versatility that some engineered wood flooring types might not provide.