Hardwood Floor Vs. Vinyl Plank: Which is Best for Your Application?

If you’re planning to remodel a building and replace the flooring, you might be considering hardwood or vinyl plank. Both of these flooring options have advantages and disadvantages, making one the best for your application. Here, our team at Adda Carpets & Flooring discusses several factors to help you choose between hardwood floor and vinyl plank flooring.

Overall Costs in New Orleans

As you browse through the best flooring options in New Orleans, be sure to consider the costs. Overall costs can significantly impact your decision. This includes the following factors:

• Material costs
• Installation costs

Vinyl plank and vinyl tile materials are typically much cheaper than natural wood. Hardwood costs anywhere between $5 and $20 per square foot. Meanwhile, vinyl flooring can cost as little as $2 per square foot.

Installing hardwood can be challenging and time-consuming. However, vinyl plank installation is much simpler and much less expensive. If saving money is your highest priority, you should go with vinyl plank flooring.

Appearance and Customizability

Appearance and customizability will also play a role in determining which flooring is right for you. Hardwood and vinyl plank both look fantastic in any residential or commercial building. They can even look similar and match almost any décor.

Nothing looks quite like a natural wood floor. Vinyl plank comes with limited options, and you probably won’t be able to customize it to your unique preferences and needs. With hardwood floorings, on the other hand, you can choose from a wide range of options, including: 

• Species
• Stains
• Finishes
• Colors

Maintenance and Repairs

Maintenance and repairs are where hardwood and vinyl plank diverge. Hardwood requires regular upkeep to look beautiful and last as long as possible. You can leave vinyl plank alone, for the most part, after installation, but you must refinish hardwood after a few years.

It’s a different story when it comes to repairs. If your hardwood floor suffers minor damage like scratches and scuffs, you can easily fix it with a new finish or more oil. You can’t repair damaged vinyl plank—only replace it. 

Durability

Which is more durable: hardwood floor or vinyl plank? The answer isn’t as simple as you might think. Both hardwood and vinyl plank have their pros and cons regarding durability.

Vinyl plank uses material that is water resistant. Instead of absorbing water like wood, it keeps liquid on the surface and prevents water damage to your flooring. You never have to worry about spills and other accidents if you have pets or children.

Hardwood flooring is highly durable because it requires regular maintenance. The more you care for your floor, the longer it will last. A well-maintained natural wood floor can last for hundreds of years.

Home Value

The type of flooring you have in your home does affect its overall value. If you’re planning to put your place on the market, you should definitely consider the flooring. Vinyl plank won’t impact your home’s value much, but hardwood can significantly increase value.

According to the National Wood Flooring Association, homes with hardwood floors can sell for up to 10% more than homes with other flooring types. Homeowners love a place with natural wood floors and are willing to pay a little more for one. If you install hardwood flooring, you increase your chances of selling more quickly, more easily, and for more money.

Contact Our Flooring Experts at Adda Carpets & Flooring

Hardwood floor vs. vinyl plank—which is better for your application? Both have their pros and cons, so you’ll want to consider them before making a final decision. If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact our flooring experts at Adda Carpets & Flooring.

At Adda Carpets & Flooring, we provide only the highest quality flooring services in the New Orleans, LA, area. Our professionals keep your needs as our number one priority and can help you choose between various hardwood and vinyl flooring types. Call us at 504-736-9001 to learn more and connect with our team today!