Engineered Hardwood vs. LVT

What is Engineered Hardwood?

Engineered hardwood flooring combines natural hardwood, plywood, or high-density fiberboard layers. Its wear layer showcases genuine hardwood, using wood species like oak, maple, hickory, etc.

The underlying plywood core enhances the floor’s overall stability and performance. That performance manifests in improved water resistance compared to its solid hardwood counterpart.

The result is that engineered hardwood flooring suits areas with moisture or temperature fluctuations. As a result, you can safely use it as a flooring solution in basements and kitchens.

What is LVT Flooring?

Luxury vinyl tile flooring uses synthetic materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and vinyl chloride or acetate.

Typically, LVT refers to square tiles, while luxury vinyl plank flooring uses planks to mimic hardwoods. However, luxury vinyl can mimic natural materials like stone, flagstone, travertine, or ceramic tile.

LVT is durable and moisture resistant, often even waterproof. It also delivers exceptional scratch and stain resistance.

Another essential quality of LVP and LVP flooring is its cost. Typically, you’ll pay less for it than solid and engineered hardwood.

Essential Differences Between LVT vs. Engineered Hardwood

While engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl are popular flooring choices, they offer distinct characteristics.

Engineered Hardwood Uses Real Wood

Engineered hardwood features an actual hardwood top layer, providing wood’s authentic appearance and feel. In contrast, luxury vinyl uses PVC and a digital image to replicate the look of hardwood. 

So, if you insist on genuine hardwood flooring, engineered wood is your likely preference.

The Durability of LVT versus Engineered Hardwood

Both flooring options are durable and can handle high-traffic areas with inherent wear and tear. So you can count on either for durable flooring.

Generally, LVT offers better scratch resistance than engineered hardwood flooring. After all, engineered floors use hardwood on their surface, and wood is susceptible to scratches.

Scratch resistance doesn’t necessarily translate to better durability or longevity, in any case. Most luxury vinyl tile floors carry warranties ranging from 15 to 30 years. 

Many engineered hardwoods carry a similar warranty. However, some companies include a lifetime warranty for their engineered floors. Bruce®, for example, offers such a warranty with its Brushed Impressions Gold flooring.

You Can Sand and Refinish Engineered Hardwood vs. LVT

Like its solid hardwood counterpart, you can sand and refinish engineered floors. How often it happens depends on the wear layer’s thickness. For example, you can sand a 6mm top layer three times. Conversely, you can only do a 3mm wear layer once.

It’s conceivable that you can install an engineered floor once and have it last a lifetime. However, with LVT flooring, you’ll have to replace it once it’s worn.

Both Floors Can Handle Some Water

Engineered hardwood offers improved water resistance compared to solid hardwoods. However, LVT flooring is generally more water resistant and often 100% waterproof. For example, many luxury vinyl floors are suitable for bathrooms.

That said, some engineered hardwoods go the extra step with waterproofing. For example, Hydropel™ from Bruce is waterproof. It features six water-protection dimensions to protect the planks’ surfaces from water. So, unlike most wood flooring options, you can use it in bathrooms without fear.

Cost Comparison of Engineered Hardwood and LVT Flooring

Costs vary based on the product type, quality, brand, and retailer. However, LVT is typically more cost-friendly.
Engineered hardwood usually costs between $3 and $14 per square foot. In contrast, luxury vinyl tile ranges from $2 to $7 per square foot.

Installation costs also differ, with LVT again holding an edge. They range from $1 to $5 per square foot. Engineered hardwood installation, on the other hand, costs from $3 to $10 per square foot.

You Can Float Both Floors

LVT and engineered hardwood provide flexible installation. Both are perfect for DIY enthusiasts.

As installation costs reflect, LVT is the easiest to install. The easiest approach is to float LVT flooring. But you can glue it for a more secure installation.

Engineered hardwood offers similar flexibility in installation. It, too, can be floated, nailed, or glued to a subfloor.

Maintenance is Simple

Engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl are easy to maintain. A regular schedule of sweeping or vacuuming will suffice. For deeper cleaning, you can use a pH-neutral cleaning solution. 

You can more safely use a damp mop on LVT floors. With engineered hardwood, you should avoid excess water or risk damaging the floor.

LVT vs. Engineered Hardwood – Making the Choice

Choosing between engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl depends on your preferences, budget, and space’s specific needs. Both floors come in numerous styles and colors.

Engineered hardwood offers an authentic hardwood experience with natural materials. For many, that’s a tipping point. 

But LVT looks are so authentic that you often have to get up close to see the difference. And if cost is a factor, luxury vinyl will save you some cash.

Bruce has a wide selection of engineered hardwood and LVT flooring regardless of your choice. So you can make a personalized choice that meets your aesthetic and functional requirements. 

Use the floor visualizer tool to explore different options in your space and locate a Bruce Flooring dealer near you for your next project.