Introduction
Hardwood and vinyl flooring both have their pros and cons. Hardwood flooring is made of a solid piece of wood or it may be made of several layers of plywood. On the other hand, vinyl flooring is a single layer of textured material over rubberized plastic. It is made from PVC resin, a synthetic material. In this article, Mark Roemer Oakland explorers the advantages and disadvantages of both hardwood and vinyl flooring.
The Discussion
The pros and cons of hardwood flooring are discussed below:
Pros:
1. Environmental Impact- Hardwood is a natural material. Mostly oak and maple wood are used to make this kind of flooring. So, it is renewable and has less impact on the environment. Also, it can be recycled when removed. This is a reason why people prefer hardwood despite its maintenance cost.
2. More Durable- If carefully maintained, hardwood flooring can last for years looking the same. Though dust, dirt particles, high heels, and pet scratches can make it weak and non-durable, there is no reason to worry because once damaged it can be refinished and look new again.
3. Solid Appearance- Hardwood adds grace and warmth to your home. As it is made of solid wood, the polished design appears to be more beautiful than a vinyl cover which is an artificial layer. From neutral to reddish – there is a range of colors depending upon the selection of the type of wood.
Cons:
1. Highly Expensive- Even the normally used woods like maple or oak costs $4-$14 per square foot pre-finished. If you go for mahogany, wenge, or teak, it will be costlier.
2. High Maintenance Cost- Homeowners need to use specially designed products to prevent damage from dust and dirt particles for this type of flooring. And every ten years, hardwood flooring needs to be refinished or repaired if necessary.
Now let’s look at the pros and cons of vinyl flooring below:
Pros:
1. Low Maintenance Cost- Vinyl is the product with the least complicated maintenance structure. Regular cleaning and mopping with cleansers and cleaning with a vacuum sometimes will do the job for you. Moreover, you don’t need to change it or repair it very often.
2. Standard Installation Cost- Vinyl is the most suitable choice if you have a budget problem. Generally, it costs $0.50-$2 per square foot. Tiles and planks also range in between $2-$7 per square foot.
3. Durability- As it is moisture resistant, you can use it throughout your house. Unlike hardwood flooring, it does not need extra care and lasts longer against dust and dirt.
Cons:
1. Appearance is Not So Good- Although today’s advanced technology has made it possible for vinyl covers to mimic almost every variety of hardwood flooring, still the authentic texture is not found in vinyl.
2. Chance of Environmental Damage- As it is made of PVC resin, it often emits volatile organic compounds which are greatly harmful to the environment.
Conclusion
Mark Roemer Oakland suggests you consider whether the area you live in gets easily affected by weather changes. Then, go for the right kind of flooring that meets your requirements and budget, as well.
