Hardwood vs. Vinyl Plank
Just about every part of a home needs to be replaced at some point. This applies to flooring, especially carpeting, which has a lifespan of no more than 10 years. When people are shopping for hard flooring options in Bakersfield, CA, many wonder how hardwood compares to vinyl plank. Before you redo the floors in your home, learn how hardwood and vinyl compare to one another so you can make an educated purchase that you’ll love for decades to come.
What is vinyl plank?
Hardwood flooring is exactly what it sounds like, but many aren’t as familiar with vinyl plank. Considered easy maintenance flooring in Bakersfield, CA, vinyl plank is laminate flooring material designed to look like hardwood. Vinyl tile is a similar option, as it’s a laminate flooring material that replicates the look of tiling.
Durability
Experts say that hardwood flooring can last up to 100 years, whereas vinyl flooring options only last for 50 years. However, both materials may experience damage during those decades. For instance, vinyl plank may rip or tear. Also, heavy furniture may create indentations in vinyl plank flooring.
Depending on the type of wood you select for your flooring, there are a number of issues you might run into over time. For example, exotic woods are not as durable as hard or engineered woods. Any type of hardwood flooring may be scratched, dented or dinged, especially if pets are a part of your family. Furthermore, hardwood flooring is not waterproof, while vinyl plank is, which is something to consider for those living in particularly rainy climates.
Both materials are also prone to fading, but vinyl plank is more so, especially with prolonged exposure to the sun. While hardwood flooring may fade over time, it can be refinished to restore its luster. These are all important factors if you are looking for easy maintenance flooring in Bakersfield, CA.
Cleaning and maintenance
One of the biggest challenges with hardwood flooring is cleaning it. You have to use products designed specifically for use on hardwood. If you have exotic wood, you have to be extra careful about what you use to clean your floors. Additionally, if you want to restore your hardwood’s shine, you have to wax the floor or possibly refinish it, depending on the amount of wear and tear. This could require hiring someone to do the work, which is an added expense.
On the other hand, vinyl plank may be vacuumed or swept using what you already have in your home. You can deep clean vinyl plank flooring with any cleanser that doesn’t contain wax, which is easy to find at any grocery store. To restore vinyl plank’s shine, polish it with a wax-free product and you’re done.
There’s so much more to scrutinize when shopping for hard flooring options in Bakersfield, CA. If you have questions or are new to this process, all of the information can be really overwhelming. That’s why All American Carpet Inc. is the area’s destination for all things flooring. Our team of experts can help you find the right option for you and your family at unbeatable prices. Contact us today with your questions about flooring options for your home or business.
Categorised in: Hardwood Flooring, Vinyl Flooring