Everyone loves wood flooring, but many Florida homeowners are understandably wary of installing real maple, hickory, or oak floors. The year-round humidity and wet feet routinely coming fresh from the pool make wood a somewhat controversial option. The solution: wood-look vinyl flooring.
Find out how wood and vinyl flooring compare and how to achieve the look you want with less to worry about!
Vinyl Wood-Look Flooring: An Explainer
When moisture and durability are an issue, many homeowners turn to vinyl flooring that looks like wood planks, more commonly known as luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Put simply, it’s vinyl flooring that looks like wood, right down to realistic grain patterns, species-specific colors, shades, and stains, and even 3D printed textures on some products.
How “Wood” Vinyl Flooring Is Made
Suffice it to say this stuff doesn’t grow on trees. Vinyl flooring is made of several layers, each performing a specific function.
- Backing layer: Vinyl is usually is delivered with an attached underlayment to provide easy installation and sound absorption.
- Core layer: The backbone of the plank, the core layer is the main body of the product and is usually made from stone plastic composite (SPC) or wood plastic composite (WPC). The core layer provides stability and rigidity.
- Design layer: LVP’s wood-look is derived from the design layer. A high definition photographic film is printed onto this layer to mimic real wood grain, complete with knots and subtle color variations.
- Wear layer: The wear layer is clear to keep the design layer visible. Usually made from PVC, it protects against scratches, scuffs, and stains. A thicker wear layer will last longer in most cases.
Wood vs. Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl “wood-looking” flooring has several advantages over solid wood. Wood remains one of the most coveted flooring options among most homeowners. Still, its susceptibility to water damage and humidity makes it a less-than-ideal option in some areas of the home. Floor Coverings International® of West Florida Panhandle offers a range of real wood and LVP flooring, so you know you’ll get the right material to suit your space and taste!
Here are a few ways wood-like vinyl flooring outperforms real wood:
Water-resistance
LVP is highly water-resistant, and many products are waterproof. It’s an ideal fit for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms where real wood floors are not recommended.
Cost
Vinyl wood plank flooring costs less than real hardwood both by the square foot and to install. This can keep floor upgrades more affordable.
Easy maintenance
Vinyl flooring is easy to maintain with regular sweeping, vacuuming, and occasional mopping. Hardwood floors require waxing and refinishing over their expected lifespan.
Not sure if luxury vinyl wood flooring is right for you? We can help you decide during a free in-home consultation; schedule yours today.
Trust the Florida Panhandle’s Favorite Flooring Contractor
Floor Coverings International® of West Florida Panhandle is a local business built on strong customer relationships. Our Mobile Flooring Showroom® brings over 3,000 flooring options to you, making floor shopping as convenient as possible. For a stress-free, inspiring experience, schedule a free in-home consultation with our knowledgeable team today!
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