When you’re looking to remodel or change the flooring in your home, weighing vinyl plank vs. hardwood flooring can be a troublesome conundrum, leaving you wondering which choice you really want. If you’re looking for vinyl plank flooring or hardwood flooring near Breese, Illinois, Preferred Flooring is here to help. We carry hardwood and vinyl plank flooring from some of the top flooring brands. Let us assist you in analyzing vinyl plank vs. hardwood flooring and figure out which choice it is that you really want. We have lots of information to share with you about both these kinds of flooring to help you figure out which one is best for you.
What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl plank flooring is a synthetic vinyl flooring made to look like wood flooring. It’s available in both luxury and standard styles. Unlike regular vinyl flooring that comes in large sheets, vinyl plank flooring comes in interlocking planks, and is also usually constructed with several layers.
The bottom layer is a foam or corkboard layer that provides backing and gives it padding, so you don’t need a separate pad beneath it. Then comes a plastic waterproof layer so the flooring won’t swell when wet. The next layer is a durable PVC plastic stamped with a design that resembles hardwood. The top layer is a wear layer that increases its durability.
Vinyl plank flooring has a wide range of benefits, as it is:
- Waterproof
- Very durable
- Less expensive than most other flooring types
- Easy to install
- Resistant to UV rays
- Low-maintenance and easy-to-clean
- Easy to replace small sections if one plank is damaged somehow
- Comfortable to walk on
What is Hardwood Flooring?
Hardwood flooring is made from hardwood tree species, such as maple, cherry, hickory, or oak. You can select from engineered hardwood or solid hardwood. Solid hardwood is constructed from a single plank. Engineered hardwood has a hardwood surface on top of durable, pressed hardwood. When most people think about hardwood, they assume it’s solid wood flooring and not engineered, but that may not always be the case with hardwood flooring.
Solid hardwood floors are:
- Durable
- Water-resistant, but needs to be wiped quickly
- can be sanded down and refinished
- Low-maintenance
- Available in several finishes for a range of color choices
When to Choose Vinyl Plank Flooring vs. Hardwood Flooring
Which flooring is best for your home? That depends on how you want to use it! For flooring that’s above ground, you can utilize either option. Hardwood flooring is a lovely, luxurious option for a living room and bedrooms, and you can easily add beautiful area rugs for texture, comfort, and staging. However, vinyl plank flooring can also be used in those same spaces. Vinyl plank flooring can also be utilized in places where hardwood may not fare as well due to concerns of water damage, like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
In the battle of vinyl plank vs. hardwood flooring, which wins? Consider:
- Your budget
- Your lifestyle
- The room the flooring is going
- The risk of water damage
- The look you’re creating for your home
Contact Us for Your New Flooring!
When weighing the balance of vinyl plank flooring vs hardwood flooring, Preferred Flooring can help. Explore our in-stock hardwood and vinyl plank flooring near Breese, Illinois. We can help you determine the best options for your situation and budget. If you have any questions, call, fill out our online contact form, or visit our showroom. We proudly serve Breese, Highland, Mascoutah, New Baden, Trenton, Bond County, Clinton County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, St. Clair County, and Washington County, IL. Contact us today!