You might be surprised at how similar LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) and hardwood flooring have become in recent years. LVP excels in mimicking the natural aesthetics of wood, making it a genuine alternative to hardwood. However, real hardwood flooring continues to hold its popularity—for now. If you’re contemplating a reflooring project for your home or commercial premises, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of both options.
What Is LVP Flooring?
Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring, commonly known as LVP, is a man-made flooring solution comprised of a realistic printed design layer. This layer sits atop a core made of PVC, WPC, or SPC and a backing crafted from cork and PVC. The final result is a flooring option that closely resembles hardwood in appearance but is generally more affordable due to the absence of natural wood. LVP comes in the same dimensions as hardwood flooring but offers variations in thickness, thanks to its synthetic core material.
What Is Hardwood Flooring?
Hardwood flooring consists of natural solutions made either entirely from hardwood, termed solid wood flooring, or from a combination of hardwood and synthetic materials, known as engineered wood flooring. Both types contain natural wood but vary in composition.
How Are LVP and Hardwood Flooring Similar?
Looks
Both options offer a flooring solution that looks convincingly like natural wood. Hardwood flooring achieves this with knots, streaks, and varied grain patterns that occur naturally, while LVP utilises a printed decor layer to emulate the look of hardwood.
Prices
Neither hardwood nor LVP are considered budget flooring options. Prices for engineered hardwood flooring start at around £30/m², and solid hardwood starts at £50/m². High-quality LVP begins at £30/m², although competitive options can be found for as low as £20/m².
Styles and Design
The days of being limited to the natural characteristics of wood are long gone. Both types of flooring are available in plank and parquet styles, such as herringbone and chevron, and come in a wide range of colours, from medium tones to bold greys, whites, and blacks.
How Are LVP and Hardwood Flooring Dissimilar?
Waterproof
LVP’s synthetic core and PVC backing make it waterproof, making it suitable for use throughout the home. In contrast, solid wood flooring is not waterproof, and only a select few engineered wood options offer water resistance.
Underfloor Heating
Wood expands with rising temperatures, making solid wood flooring unsuitable for use with underfloor heating. Engineered wood flooring can be used provided its thickness does not exceed 15/3mm. LVP, on the other hand, remains stable regardless of temperature changes.
Lifespan
The lifespan of LVP ranges from 10 to 25 years, depending on the thickness of the boards. While impressive, it falls short when compared to hardwood flooring, which can last for over 30 years.
Repair
Hardwood flooring can be sanded and recoated to reveal a fresh layer of wood. LVP, meanwhile, has a wear layer that is extremely difficult to repair.
How The Two Compare
| Criteria | LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) | Hardwood Flooring |
|---|---|---|
| Material Composition | Synthetic layers with a printed design | Natural wood or mix of wood and synthetic materials |
| Visual Appearance | Mimics natural wood effectively | Authentic wood appearance |
| Price Range | Starts at £20/m² to £30/m² and above | Engineered starts at £30/m², solid at £50/m² |
| Style and Design | Plank and parquet styles, wide colour range | Plank and parquet styles, natural colour range |
| Waterproof | Yes, fully waterproof | No, except some engineered options |
| Underfloor Heating | Compatible, no restrictions | Limited compatibility; varies by thickness |
| Longevity | 10 to 25 years, depending on thickness | Over 30 years |
| Repairability | Difficult to repair wear layer | Can be sanded and recoated |
When to Choose LVP and When to Choose Hardwood
In many aspects, LVP has the upper hand. Its favourable pricing, authentic appearance, and compatibility with underfloor heating and wet areas make it a strong contender. Hardwood flooring stands out mainly for its longer lifespan but often comes at a higher cost.
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FAQ
What are the core components of LVP flooring?
LVP, short for Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring, is a synthetic flooring option that consists of several layers. At the top is a printed design layer that imitates the look of natural wood. Underneath this layer, there’s a core made of materials like PVC, WPC, or SPC, and at the bottom, there’s a backing usually made from cork and PVC.
How does hardwood flooring differ in composition from LVP?
Hardwood flooring is either made entirely from hardwood, known as solid wood flooring, or from a mix of hardwood and synthetic materials, which is termed engineered wood flooring. Unlike LVP, hardwood flooring contains natural wood elements.
Are LVP and hardwood flooring similar in cost?
Both LVP and hardwood flooring are not considered to be budget-friendly options. Quality LVP starts at approximately £30/m², though more affordable options can be found starting at £20/m². Engineered hardwood flooring also begins around £30/m², whereas solid hardwood flooring starts at about £50/m².
Can LVP and hardwood flooring be used with underfloor heating?
LVP is highly compatible with underfloor heating and doesn’t face any restrictions. On the other hand, hardwood flooring is more limited. Solid wood is generally unsuitable due to its tendency to expand with heat, while engineered wood can be used if it does not exceed a certain thickness.
Which flooring option is more durable?
While LVP has a lifespan ranging from 10 to 25 years based on the thickness of the boards, hardwood flooring generally outlasts it, with a lifespan that can exceed 30 years.