LVP vs. Engineered Hardwood Durability

[FatimaandAhmed]

Hi everyone!

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring seems to be getting a lot of attention lately. How does it compare to engineered hardwood in terms of durability, especially in high-traffic areas? Anyone able to shed some light on this? Thanks in advance!

[Downaski]

Hey there! In terms of durability, especially in high-traffic areas, luxury vinyl plank holds up really well. It's resistant to scratches, dents, and moisture, which makes it a popular choice for busy spaces, especially if you have pets or kids running around. It’s also super easy to maintain.

Engineered hardwood has the beauty and feel of real wood, which many people love, but it can be a bit more prone to surface wear over time. It usually does fine in regular traffic areas, but in spots that get a lot of use, it might need more care or refinishing down the line depending on the thickness of the top veneer.

Both are solid choices. It just depends on what matters more to you: toughness and low maintenance, or a more natural look and feel.

[FatimaandAhmed]

Are there any key differences in how LVP and engineered hardwood handle things like temperature changes or subfloor requirements?

[Downaski]

There are definitely some differences. LVP tends to be more stable with temperature and humidity changes, it expands and contracts very little, so it's a solid choice for areas that experience seasonal shifts. You can even install it in basements or over radiant heating (just check the product specs).

Engineered hardwood is more stable than solid hardwood, but it's still made from real wood, so it can be a bit more sensitive to moisture and temperature changes. It usually handles moderate fluctuations fine, but extreme cold or humidity can still affect it slightly, causing minor expansion or contraction.

As for subfloor requirements: LVP is generally more forgiving and can go over slightly uneven surfaces, while engineered hardwood usually needs a smoother, more level subfloor, especially if it’s being glued or nailed down.

[FatimaandAhmed]

Thanks! What about the stability of LVP with temperature changes, does it expand or contract at all, or is it pretty much immune to that?

[Downaski]

While LVP is definitely more stable than wood when it comes to temperature and humidity changes, it’s not completely immune to expansion or contraction. It does expand and contract a little, but the movement is minimal compared to natural wood. That’s why it’s such a reliable option for spaces with fluctuating temps, like basements or areas near windows that get a lot of sun. It’s still a good idea to leave a small gap along the edges during installation to account for that slight movement, just to be safe.

[FatimaandAhmed]

Thanks again! Just curious, when it comes to installing over concrete, would one be a better choice than the other, or are they pretty much the same in that situation?

[Downaski]

When it comes to installing over concrete, LVP usually has the edge in terms of ease and practicality. It can typically go directly over concrete as long as the surface is clean, dry, and relatively flat. Plus, it’s more resistant to moisture, which is often a concern with concrete subfloors, especially in basements.

Engineered hardwood can also be installed over concrete, but it usually requires more prep, like adding a moisture barrier or using specific adhesives or underlayments. Some types may even need a plywood subfloor layer on top of the concrete if you're planning to nail it down. So while both can work, LVP tends to be a bit more forgiving and straightforward in that setting.

[FatimaandAhmed]

Got it, that clears things up. Thanks for the detailed explanation!