When you find yourself looking into options for your flooring, there are a couple of variables that should be considered when you make your selection. For many, the top factors are pricing, functionality, appearance, maintenance, and durability. All of these will help you to decide upon which material you should lean towards and help you to continue making progress in your flooring installation project.

Price: One of the bigger differences between hardwood and vinyl flooring is the price you not only will pay for the square footage and materials, but also for the installation labor. Hardwood is always going to be more expensive than vinyl flooring, and while some may have their heart set on installing real wood, vinyl flooring is a great option to save some money. Vinyl flooring installation is not as complex as hardwood installation, therefore after both the price of materials and labor is calculated, choosing vinyl flooring can come out to be as much as $20 cheaper per square foot.
 

Appearance: Hardwood flooring materials come in what seems like endless shapes, sizes, and colors, as the different species of wood, the stains they are available in, and the finishes you can choose from make the customizability enticing. With vinyl flooring, there are fewer options to choose from than hardwood, but there are still some great and attractive options on the market if you are leaning toward installing vinyl flooring in your home or business.
 

Maintenance: Hardwood floors can be stunning once installed, but often require more careful cleaning and maintenance work than vinyl flooring materials do. To keep hardwood looking its best, there are specific steps that need to be taken depending on the type of wood you have chosen, which can be costly and time-consuming. Hardwood floors also need to be refinished from time to time to ensure that the staining and varnishes remain intact and look their best. Vinyl flooring, however, requires a much less intense care regimen, and regular cleaning often is more than enough to keep them looking fresh. 

Durability: While vinyl flooring may require less regular maintenance, unlike hardwood if they are damaged, they cannot be repaired, only replaced. Hardwood due to its sturdier making can often take more significant blows as opposed to vinyl flooring. However, if you treat your flooring with care, both options should hold up for years.

Contact Our Flooring & Carpet Store Team in the Portland, ME Area

When you are choosing which material to install on your property, consulting a professional is always the smart decision. While you should absolutely conduct your own research and find styles you like, speaking with one of our staff members can help you feel as if you are making the best decision for your unique scenario. Stop in or give us a call at Carpet Specialist to narrow down your search!