There are many stylish flooring options for your home, but often homeowners find themselves making a choice between luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and traditional hardwood flooring. They can both be beautiful and practical flooring solutions, and they both have unique benefits. Here are some of the key points to consider when making your decision.
LVT flooring: contemporary and versatile
A wide range of designs
LVT benefits from the most advanced design techniques, meaning that it can replicate a wide range of materials from natural stone to hardwood and porcelain in colour, texture and finish. It can imitate more expensive flooring materials and is also a visually appealing material in itself so you have the best of both worlds.
Whether you have a chic contemporary home or a rustic country cottage, there will be a LVT style that perfectly suits your requirements.
Easy to install and maintain
LVT is easier to install than many other types of flooring, although a professional fitter is recommended for best results. It is also very easy to look after, simply needing a weekly sweep and mop to keep it in tip top condition; ideal in a busy household with pets and children.
Highly durable
LVT is a highly robust material that is resistant to scratches and stains. It’s ideal for areas with heavy foot traffic and also for damp areas such as kitchens and bathrooms because it’s highly resistant to moisture.
Affordable
LVT is a more cost effective solution than traditional hardwood, so if you have a limited budget this could be the deciding factor for you.
Traditional hardwood floors
Classic and sophisticated
Hardwood flooring is timeless and elegant, and is particularly charming in older Victorian or Edwardian style properties. If you are renovating a period house to sell on or live in yourself, quality hardwood flooring can add to its appeal and value. This may be an important consideration if you want to enter the competitive London housing market.
Hard wearing
Hardwood flooring has stood the test of time for a reason: it is highly durable. Although it can be a significant investment, you can expect the flooring to last for years to come if it is properly cared for.
However, it is more time-consuming to take care of than LVT flooring, and may require annually resealing to ensure that it remains scratch and moisture resistant.
Eco-friendly
It is possible to source hardwood flooring from reclaimed, recycled or sustainable sources, so it can be an environmentally friendly option.
Making a final decision
There are unique advantages offered by both of these options. Hardwood flooring is the more expensive option so if you have a limited budget, LVT is an excellent choice. If the flooring is intended for damp or high-traffic environments, then LVT is probably the most practical solution.
If you love the traditional elegance of hardwood flooring and really want to create a wow-factor and boost your home’s value, then this may be the right choice for you.