The Difference Between LVT and Real Wood Flooring: A Guide from Patchwork Flooring

When it comes to selecting the perfect flooring for your home, understanding the key differences between Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and real wood flooring is crucial. Both options offer unique benefits and have their own set of drawbacks. At Patchwork Flooring, we're here to help you make an informed decision by highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Advantages of Real Wood Flooring

1. Durability and Longevity: Real wood flooring boasts an oak wear layer, allowing it to be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan. This means that as your floor starts to look worn, you can restore its original beauty with refinishing, significantly extending its life.

2. Authenticity and Beauty: Nothing compares to the authenticity and natural beauty of real wood. Each plank has its unique grain and texture, adding a timeless charm to your space.

3. Value Addition: Installing real wood flooring can add up to 10% value to your home, making it a worthwhile investment.

4. Warmth and Comfort: Wood flooring is naturally warm underfoot, providing a comfortable surface that doesn't get cold like tiles.

5. Repairability: Planks or sections of a real wood floor can be replaced or repaired, ensuring that your floor remains in top condition for years.

Advantages of LVT

1. Easy Installation: LVT doesn't require expansion gaps and can be fitted right up to the skirting. This makes it easier to replace without needing to remove the skirting.

2. Low Maintenance: LVT is incredibly easy to maintain. Daily cleaning can be done with a vacuum and a spray mop, keeping it looking great with minimal effort.

3. Durability: LVT is highly resistant to scratches, marks, and dents, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

4. Water Resistance: You don't need to worry about spills and stains with LVT, as it won’t discolour with water or moisture.

5. Cost-Effectiveness: LVT can sometimes be more affordable than real wood, providing a budget-friendly flooring solution without compromising on style.

6. Professional Support: Brands like Amtico and Karndean offer trained partners around the country, ensuring professional installation and support.

Disadvantages of Real Wood Flooring

1. Cost: Real wood flooring is generally more expensive than other imitation floor coverings.

2. Moisture Sensitivity: Wood flooring can be sensitive to moisture. In case of leaks or water presence, it can wear quickly, distort, cup, and bow.

3. Scratches: Real wood floors tend to scratch more easily compared to harder floor coverings like LVT.

4. Professional Installation Required: Installing real wood flooring typically requires professional expertise to ensure a perfect fit and finish.

Disadvantages of LVT

1. Lack of Authenticity: While LVT is a high-quality imitation, it doesn’t have the same texture and warmth as real wood.

2. Subfloor Preparation: LVT requires a nearly perfect subfloor. Precise preparation is essential to ensure a smooth and successful installation.

3. Scratches: Like real wood, LVT can also scratch. However, scratches in LVT flooring can sometimes be harder to repair and conceal due to its vinyl surface.

4. Potential Cost: The extra cost of getting the subfloor perfect can make LVT installation similar in cost to real wood flooring.

— LVT Flooring

— Engineered Wood

Making Your Decision

Understanding these differences will help you narrow down your choices based on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re leaning towards real wood flooring, explore our engineered wood flooring range for a durable and stylish option. 

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Visit Patchwork Flooring today to see our extensive range of flooring options firsthand. Our expert staff are ready to assist you in finding the perfect flooring solution for your home.

Here is a handy comparison table for quick reference:

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Comparison of Real Wood Flooring and LVT

Feature	Real Wood Flooring	LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) Flooring
Advantages
Durability	Oak wear layer can be sanded and refinished to extend life	Highly resistant to scratches, marks, and dents
Authenticity	Genuine wood with unique grain and texture	High-quality imitation, not real wood
Maintenance	Easy to maintain with vacuuming and a spray mop	Low maintenance; daily cleaning with vacuum and spray mop
Water Resistance	Warm underfoot; doesn't get cold like tiles	Resistant to spills and stains; will not discolour with water or moisture
Value Addition	Adds up to 10% value to your home	Sometimes cheaper than real wood
Repairability	Planks or sections can be replaced or repaired	Fitted right up to the skirting; easy replacement
Professional Support		Brands like Amtico and Karndean offer trained partners for support
Disadvantages
Cost	More expensive than many imitation floor coverings	Requires a nearly perfect subfloor; extra cost for subfloor preparation
Moisture Sensitivity	Sensitive to moisture; can distort, cup, and bow	Not authentic; lacks real wood texture and warmth
Scratches	Tends to scratch more easily compared to harder floor coverings	Can scratch; scratches may be harder to repair and conceal
Installation	Requires professional installation

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come and visit our new Showroom to see our range of LVT and engineered wood products

Penn House, Bradley Road,
Stourbridge, DY8 1BX

Monday to Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 4:00pm