When choosing flooring for your St. George, UT, home, there are many factors to keep in mind. Hardwood flooring and wood-look floors are both popular options, but there are some important differences to consider. A consultation with a professional flooring company can help you determine the best flooring solution for your home.
Hardwood Floors
Traditional wood flooring comes in a variety of species and can be stained to create any look a homeowner desires. However, wood floors are prone to water damage. They should not be wet-mopped, and spills should be dried quickly. Additionally, these floors should not be installed in rooms that have high humidity or frequent spills, including:
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Basements
All wood species can be scratched and dinged, but harder varieties, such as maple and hickory, are more durable. All types of hardwood flooring can be sanded and refinished many times, often restoring the wood to like-new condition. If properly cared for, wood floors can last more than a century.
Vinyl Planks
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is available in many styles at a variety of price points. Because the planks are vinyl, they are waterproof and can be installed in more areas of the home than traditional wood flooring.
Although vinyl can be printed to mimic the look of any species of wood, it cannot be refinished. This means that the only way to change the look of the floor is to replace it. Additionally, damaged planks cannot be repaired, only replaced. Some homeowners choose to keep leftover planks on hand after installation for this purpose. The lifespan of vinyl flooring depends on the quality and thickness of the planks. Thicker planks generally last longer than thinner ones.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring offers a durable, easy-to-clean alternative to hardwood flooring. However, every home and family is unique. Some homeowners choose traditional wood floors because they last longer, are more easily repaired, and can be refinished to change the look of the home.
