Flooring is one of your most important items to consider when renovating. Not only is it a big cost that you hope will last you many years, but it sets the tone of a room and can massively change the way a space looks and feels. Like everything these days, there is so much choice out there and it can be tricky to navigate the product that is right for you and your family. Two of the most popular choices (apart from tiles) are Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) and Engineered Wood flooring, so let’s have a look at them both in more detail.
What Are Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) made from?
LVT is part of the next generation of vinyl flooring. It is manufactured using multiple layers of PVC, with a design layer on the top which allows for designs and realistic wood patterns.
What Is Engineered Wood Flooring made from?
Engineered wood flooring looks almost identical to hardwood on the surface, but instead of a single wood plank, it is made up of a high-quality plywood core with a thin layer of hardwood flooring on top. The real wood surface makes the flooring look indistinguishable from real wooden flooring other than it being thinner.
Is It waterproof?
LVT flooring is 100% waterproof and constructed to withstand extensive wear and tear, therefore it’s ideal for high traffic areas around the home, such as wet areas such as the kitchen and bathroom.
Engineered wood flooring however is only water resistant, meaning that it can deal with spills or water for short periods if it is cleaned up quickly. However, large quantities of water destroy the structural integrity and cause swelling and warping.
Which Type Is Easier To Install?
LVT floors can be slightly easier to install than engineered wood floors if they contain a click system. However, most LVT floors need to be installed using the Glue Down method.
There are two methods to installing engineered wood flooring, either the Glued Down method or the floating floor type. If possible, it’s best to use the Glued Down option, but it means that you must have a wood or plywood subfloor.
Can I Use Underfloor Heating With LVT & Engineered Wood Flooring?
Both LVT and Engineered Wood Floors are suitable for both electric and wet heating systems, helping to improve their warmth throughout the colder months (but do check with manufacturer of flooring about the temperature levels). This is a key reason why many people choose engineered wood flooring over solid wood flooring.
What Maintenance Is Required For Both Types Of Flooring?
LVT is easy to maintain and just needs regular sweeping and a weekly mop (avoid abrasive detergents). In terms of engineered wood flooring, you should remove as much dirt and debris before mopping to avoid damaging your floors. Your mop can be damp but not soaking wet as prolonged exposure to liquids can result in damage.
What’s The Cost?
While the cost of flooring surfaces can vary widely, LVT planks are typically half to two thirds of the cost of engineered hardwood floors. LVT also costs much less for installation too. Some premium engineered wood flooring products cost as much as sold wood products.
Luxury Vinyl Tiles shrink and expand with temperature changes so it is important to acclimatise the planks or tiles for up to 72 hours.This is done by laying the packs of vinyl flat in the room in which they will be fitted, allowing for air to circulate around each of the packs
Engineered wood flooring mostly features a tongue and groove method which is achievable as a DIY project as you won’t need to secure the floor down like you would with solid wood flooring.
LVT flooring is similar if you have selected a range with a click system but there are also ranges available that are installed using a glue-down method that will likely require a professional and takes longer to install.
LVT click flooring is the quickest method out of all suggested but isn’t available on all luxury vinyl tiles.
If you are in the midst of a renovation or just starting to plan one and need help in choosing flooring (or any other products), don’t hesitate to get in touch for some advice!