Vinyl or Hardwood Floors: Making an Educated Decision

DISCLAIMER: A special thank you to GoHaus for supplying the tips in today's post.

Owning a home can be a very rewarding experience... until it comes to remodeling. We've been in our home for almost 11 years and so far, we have undertaken two major remodels. The kitchen was first and it was really fun... for the first three weeks.

We did a complete tear down and rebuild, all the way to the floors. Oh those floors. We had a horrible time with the floors, due to a leveling problem. Oh how I wish I had these tips from GoHaus.com way back then. I might have chosen a different type of flooring. Keep reading this informative post, for more info on how to choose between hardwoods or vinyl flooring.

What is the Difference Between Hardwood and Vinyl?

Hardwood and vinyl flooring both offer a number of benefits, with hardwood the natural option and vinyl its synthetic counterpart. If contemplating which flooring selection is right for your home, office, or a specific room, check out the differences between the two possibilities:

Durability

Both vinyl and hardwood flooring are incredibly durable, with hardwood capable of lasting for decades if cared for properly. Damage is easy to rectify, and assorted finishes and treatments help hardwood flooring last. Vinyl hardwood flooring is unfortunately subject to scratches and dents, however it provides the ability to install padding underneath. This results in the appearance of beautiful hardwood with the comfort of soft padding.

Cost

Wood flooring is more expensive than vinyl, however discount hardwood is available if you know where to look. The harder the wood, the more expensive it is, but the stunning result is undeniable. Vinyl flooring is perhaps the better, more cost-effective option for larger spaces or those featuring high amounts of foot traffic, such as an office.

Water Damage

Hardwood floors absorb liquid, yet proper care and the right sealants protect hardwood from water damage. Vinyl flooring is waterproof, though low-quality adhesives can cause tiles to curl. The vinyl itself is left untouched.

Environmental Impact

Hardwood flooring is the more environmentally-friendly option of the two, as it is a natural material. Since vinyl is synthetic, the possibly of it releasing phthalate-related toxins and chlorine gas exists. However, neither option provide a place for allergens to collect, such as dust and pet dander.

Understanding the differences between hardwood and vinyl flooring is essential to ensure you select the right option for your needs--think about flooring in terms of square feet as well. For more on discount wood and vinyl flooring, please contact GoHaus today.