In a world fraught with so many interior design choices, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the details. Hard floors have the benefit of durability and easy maintenance over carpet, but even then it’s difficult to narrow down your options. Among these emerge two popular choices, which begs the question: LVT vs engineered wood flooring – which is best?
Before you get too bogged down in this decision, don’t worry, We’re going to bust through your decision fatigue and give you the facts. This way, finding your ideal floor will be a simple process with no hassle at all. Let’s get into it.
What’s the difference between LVT and engineered wood?
LVT and engineered wood, whilst slightly similar in appearance once installed, are very different products with contrasting manufacturing processes and, thus, different characteristics. Both are excellent choices if the longevity of your flooring is a priority, yet you don’t want to compromise in style. In fact, there’s no need to worry – both flooring types have the latter in abundance.
Understanding LVT
LVT is the abbreviation for luxury vinyl tile. This flooring material is comprised of several layers of high-endurance materials like PVC vinyl and resin, which have been strengthened with different treatments for that extra resistance against everything that life throws at it.
Not only can it withstand the clattering claws of pets, moisture from spills and general wear and tear, but it looks great whilst doing so. Under the aesthetic top layer, with its replica texture of wood, stone or tile, are numerous supporting layers that contribute to the material’s overall strength and stability. For all of these reasons, it’s not surprising that we’re not the only fans – the UK LVT market is reaching new heights, constituting a market size of £926.34 million GBP in 2024.
Explaining engineered wood
The UK engineered wood flooring market is also popping off, with an estimated value of 1171.95 million GBP for 2030. And why? Well, the structural integrity, robustness and appearance of the material combined with its long lifespan make that a no-brainer.
Engineered wood looks so similar to genuine solid wood flooring as it’s partially made of the stuff. With a top layer of real, beautifully finished hardwood sat upon layers of softwood or a multi-ply core, it offers great strength despite its reduced thickness.
An overview of LVT vs engineered wood: the major distinctions
We understand that when life is busy, time is of the essence. That’s why we’ve compiled the main features of LVT and engineered wood into this comparative table.
| Feature /characteristic | Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) | Engineered wood |
| Price | £20 – 45 per square meter. | £35 per square meter. |
| Types | Vinyl tiles and planks. | Planks. |
| Aesthetic | A wide range of colours, designs and patterns, but a less realistic graining than engineered wood. | Realistic solid-wood look with a broad variety of patterns, colours and wood species. |
| Durability | Scratch resistant and generally more hard-wearing than standard vinyl and laminate. | High durability, stability and moisture/scratch resistance – only slightly below solid wood floors. |
| Lifespan | Up to 25 years. | Up to 30 years. |
| Installation | Floating installation or loose lay. | Nailed, glued or floated. |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean, water-proof, but difficult to repair. | Washable, water-resistant and can be refinished if required. |
| Thickness | 2-8mm. | 10-15mm. |
| Top brands | Karndean, Luvanto, Polyflor. | Timba Floors, Brooks. |
| Suitable for | Kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms. | Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms. |
| Stand-out features | Compatible with underfloor heating and highly cost-effective. | Looks and strength akin to solid wood, but at a fraction of the price. |
Engineered wood vs LVT: breaking down their characteristics
Whether you need ideas for your new office flooring or you’re planning to renovate your living area by replacing the carpet with the best hard floor, it always pays off to do your research. Here are each of the qualities mentioned in our overview in a bit more detail, so you can make the most informed decision possible.
Price
It stands to reason that most people are working within a tight budget, be it for the entire room or the flooring alone. Either way, this means that price points should be top-of-mind.
When it comes to both options, they are very cost-effective despite their initial costs thanks to their longevity. Middle-of-the-range engineered wood flooring typically costs £35 per square meter for the boards and then an extra £22.50 per square meter for installation. Higher-end options could cost significantly more.
With LVT, it’s reasonably cheap, although more expensive than other flooring types such as laminate. Here, you can expect to pay anything between £20 and £45 per square meter.
Types available
Engineered wood typically comes in two varieties: click-installation (click-lock) or tongue and groove, sometimes abbreviated to T&G. These options make installation more flexible, depending on whether you want to attempt it yourself or hire a professional.
LVT, on the other hand, is available in tiles or planks. This variety allows you to get creative with your design, whether you’re looking to mimic the appearance of traditional wood or explore more contemporary patterns like herringbone and parquet.
Aesthetic
When it comes to aesthetics, both solid wood floor alternatives offer plenty of options. LVT boasts a wide range of designs, colours and patterns that replicate the look of natural materials like wood and stone. However, while the visual appeal is strong, it may not perfectly capture the authentic texture and grain of real wood.
Engineered wood, on the other hand, features a top layer of genuine hardwood, so it offers a truly realistic wood appearance. With various wood species, colours and finishes available, you can achieve the classic look of solid wood without the hefty price tag.
Durability and lifespan
Durability is a key factor when choosing flooring, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with kids and pets. LVT excels in this department; it’s scratch-resistant, waterproof, and generally more hard-wearing than standard vinyl or laminate. This makes it an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.
Engineered wood is also highly durable and pet-friendly, but it has slightly less moisture resistance than LVT. However, it still offers excellent stability and strength, thanks to its multi-layer construction. The lifespan of both materials is impressive, with LVT lasting up to 25 years and engineered wood potentially reaching 30 years with proper care.
Installation
Installation methods can vary between these two types of flooring. LVT can be installed using a floating method, where the planks or tiles simply click together, or it can be loose laid, making it a straightforward DIY project. Engineered wood, on the other hand, can be nailed, glued, or floated, giving you a bit more flexibility depending on your subfloor and preferences.
Maintenance
In the realm of maintenance, the contrast between engineered wood vs LVT is apparent. Maintenance is where LVT truly shines. It’s incredibly easy to clean – a quick sweep and mop will do the trick, and its waterproof nature means you don’t have to worry about spills. However, if it does get damaged, repairing LVT can be challenging and often involves replacing entire planks.
Engineered wood requires slightly more care. While it’s water-resistant, it’s not completely waterproof, so it’s important to clean up spills quickly. The advantage, though, is that engineered wood can be sanded and refinished, giving it a renewed look over time.
Thickness and insulating properties
LVT is generally thinner than engineered wood, ranging from 2 to 8mm. Despite this, its multi-layered construction still provides a decent level of insulation, and it’s compatible with underfloor heating systems. Engineered wood, being thicker at 10-15mm, offers better natural insulation and a more solid underfoot feel.
Noise reduction
Some LVT planks come with a special backing that supports noise reduction with its cushioning properties, engineered wood flooring in contrast can be a little noisier. But this can be somewhat tackled with a suitable underlay.
Take your pick: LVT or engineered wood
And that’s all from us at Derwenthorpe Flooring! Whether a modern LVT pattern is taking your fancy or you’ve seen a shade of engineered wood flooring that has your name on it, we hope you can turn your interior aspirations into reality.
If you need further convincing, helpful advice or need to talk to someone about installation, give us a shout and we’ll sort you right out.
