Vinyl Vs. Solid Wood: Which Should You Choose For Your Space?

January 21, 2022

Wood is considered a timeless option for both home or commercial flooring. Its beautiful grain, rich hue, and intriguing texture make it an element of interest and add warmth and sophistication to a space. While solid wood, which consists of softwood and hardwood, had been the only source of wooden flooring, recent technological developments have changed that. Vinyl is the most popular of these secondary sources. This article will explore the difference between them and which will suit your space better.

What is solid wood?

When the term solid wood is used, it indicates that the flooring is sourced from real lumber and not fibres or strands of wood. The latter is the case with engineered wood. While solid wood may be treated, it is not mixed with other materials and is 100% natural. 

What is vinyl flooring?

It is a type of synthetic material that is affordable and durable. It is primarily made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), with various other compounds added to enhance the flooring’s hardness, flexibility and colour. The flooring can either be obtained as a sheet, tiles, or planks that you can then install on your property. 

What should you choose for your space?

The answer to this is based on several factors.

Durability

If durability is a concern, then you should know that both vinyl and solid wood flooring are durable. Certain hardwood such as Oak and Teak are very resilient and can bear significant stress before breaking, making them perfect for areas with high footfall. However, they can get scratched or dented over time as the protective topcoats wear off. As vinyl flooring is primarily composed of PVC, it is a little more durable and long-lasting than wood. If scratches do occur, they usually can be fixed easily. 

Aesthetics

While vinyl flooring can be made to look like wood, it will never have the grain, hue or natural texture of solid wood. Even luxurious vinyl tiles will not be able to capture the authentic look of wood, as the painted grain will still look artificial and not be unique. Going natural is the best choice if you want to have the elegance and beauty of wooden flooring.

Water-resistance

Solid wood can let moisture seep in. While you can apply finishes to increase water resistance, moisture can still penetrate wood flooring due to regular wear and tear. If not rectified on time, this can result in the wood discolouring and decomposing. As Vinyl flooring is made of PVC, it is 100% water-proof and cannot be damaged by moisture or humidity.

Maintenance

It takes a lot to maintain wooden flooring. You would need to clean up immediately after spills to avoid staining and mop every few days to remove dirt and grime. You will also need to polish the flooring every few months to keep it looking shiny as the wood can lose its sheen with regular use. Vinyl flooring is easier to maintain as regular sweeping, vacuuming and mopping is adequate in keeping it clean.

Both vinyl and solid wood flooring have their distinct benefits and drawbacks. Which one suits your space depends on how you intend to use them. For information on the different types of wooden flooring and the best one for your home or commercial property, contact our flooring company in Dubai, Nordic Homeworx.