Engineered Hardwood vs Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Which Is Right for Your Home?
When you’re planning a renovation or new build, flooring sets the tone for the entire interior. Two of the most popular choices we see in modern homes and condos are engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl flooring (LVP/LVT). Both can deliver a high-end, designer look – but they behave very differently in real life.
This guide breaks down how engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl compare in terms of structure, durability, comfort, and design so you can decide which one suits your lifestyle and the spaces you’re updating.
- Engineered hardwood: Real wood surface, natural character, better stability than solid hardwood.
- Luxury vinyl flooring: Fully synthetic, extremely durable, often waterproof, and very low maintenance.
What Is Engineered Hardwood?
Engineered hardwood is built in layers: a real hardwood veneer on top, supported by a stable plywood or HDF core. This construction helps reduce movement from changes in temperature and humidity, making it more versatile than traditional solid hardwood – especially in condos and on concrete slabs.
- Real wood surface: The top layer is genuine hardwood that can sometimes be lightly refinished.
- Stability: Less expansion and contraction than solid wood, which is helpful in our coastal climate.
- Premium feel: Warm, natural, and visually rich underfoot.
Engineered hardwood is a strong choice for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and many main-floor spaces. In kitchens and entryways, it can still be used – but it requires a bit more care around standing water and heavy wear.
What Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Luxury vinyl flooring (LVP/LVT) is a multi-layer synthetic product designed to look like wood or stone while offering everyday durability and water resistance. It’s become a favourite in busy households, rentals, and commercial spaces where performance is just as important as aesthetics.
- Highly durable: Built to resist scratches, stains, and general wear.
- Waterproof options: Many lines are completely waterproof – ideal for kitchens, entries, and basements.
- Design variety: A wide range of colours, plank sizes, and textures, from light oaks to deep espresso tones.
- Comfort: Softer underfoot than tile, with better sound absorption when used with acoustic underlay.
Luxury vinyl flooring is especially practical in high-traffic spaces, homes with children and pets, and areas where you want peace of mind around spills and moisture.
Engineered Hardwood vs Luxury Vinyl: Key Differences
| Category | Engineered Hardwood | Luxury Vinyl Flooring |
|---|---|---|
| Core Material | Wood-based core with real hardwood surface | Synthetic layered core with vinyl wear layer |
| Water & Moisture | Better than solid wood but not waterproof | Many options fully waterproof |
| Scratch & Dent Resistance | Can scratch or dent; needs some care | Very durable; resists everyday wear and tear |
| Refinishing Potential | May be refinished lightly depending on veneer thickness | Not refinished; individual planks can be replaced if needed |
| Look & Feel | Authentic wood grain and natural warmth | Realistic wood visuals with consistent colour and pattern |
| Best Spaces | Living areas, bedrooms, main floors | Kitchens, basements, rentals, high-traffic and moisture-prone areas |
Many homeowners choose engineered hardwood in main living spaces and use luxury vinyl in moisture-prone areas like kitchens, entries, and lower levels for a balanced approach.
Interior Designer Perspective
From a design point of view, both materials can work beautifully when they’re chosen intentionally:
- Engineered hardwood: Excellent for creating a warm, continuous flow through living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
- Luxury vinyl: Ideal when you need a more resilient surface but still want a cohesive look with adjacent hardwood or tile.
- Mixed-material projects: Designers will often coordinate engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl from the same colour family so transitions feel seamless.
When we work with homeowners, builders, or interior designers, we look at the entire floor plan and lifestyle to decide where each material will perform best, without sacrificing the overall design vision.
Collections & Styles to Consider
Priority One Flooring offers a range of curated options:
- Engineered hardwood lines in classic oaks, maples, and contemporary finishes.
- Luxury vinyl collections with wood-look planks that pair well with modern cabinetry and quartz countertops.
We can help you compare board widths, finishes, and textures so your flooring supports the look you want in every room – whether that’s bright and airy, warm and traditional, or sleek and modern.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
A few questions to consider when choosing between engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl flooring:
- Do you prioritize natural materials, or is low maintenance more important?
- Will the space see regular moisture, spills, or pet traffic?
- Are you updating a single room, or planning a whole-home or multi-level renovation?
- Is this your forever home, a rental, or a property you plan to sell in the near future?
Your answers can help narrow down whether engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl will be the better long-term fit for your project.
Want Help Comparing Your Options?
If you’re planning a renovation or new flooring project and would like to see how engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl would work in your home, our team can walk you through samples, performance expectations, and investment ranges.
For more detailed information on specific materials, you can also explore: