LVT vs Engineered Wood

You’re likely here because you can’t decide between LVT or engineered wood flooring for your home. Both have their own individual merits, so we’ll give you the information you need to make the decision that’s right for you. The two look relatively similar, thanks to the development of luxury vinyl tiles over the years, so what separates them?

Fashioned from multiple layers of real and synthetic wood, with the surface usually being solid wood with lower layers being made from plywood. The real wood surface makes the flooring look indistinguishable from real wooden flooring other than it being thinner. The very top layer of LVT wood flooring, known as the wear layer, is what provides the durability of LVT flooring over real hardwood flooring as it is stain and scuff resistant.

Also manufactured from multiple layers of material but in this case, it is mostly PVC with a design layer on the top which allows for designs and realistic wood patterns. The very top layer, known as the wear layer, is what provides the durability of LVT flooring over real hardwood flooring as it is stain and scuff resistant.

LVT is an abbreviation for luxury vinyl tiles, which are variations of vinyl tiles that can look like real wood or stone and come in a variety of styles and designs all while being waterproof, suitable for both bathrooms and kitchens.

Check out our detailed guide to learn more about what LVT flooring is.

LVT, vinyl and laminate is often used interchangably, however, they are not the same type of flooring. LVT is thicker and has a more durable finish which makes it less prone to scratches and scuffs. Read our guides to learn more about the differences between LVT vs vinyl.

Bathroom LVT and Kitchen LVT flooring is waterproof, which makes it a common choice for bathrooms, kitchens and basements.

However, only select ranges of engineered wood flooring are water resistant. Meaning it can deal with spills or water for short periods if it is cleaned up quickly but standing water will soak in and cause damage. This often prevents people from installing it in rooms with high levels of moisture like bathrooms and kitchens.

Engineered wood flooring is easier to clean than solid wood flooring as the planks don’t warp or damage with slight moisture or fluctuating temperatures. Although it does expand and contract throughout the year, it’s not to the same extent as solid wood. If untreated, like some types of solid wood, this flooring can scratch, stain and scuff so it has to be maintained.

Luxury vinyl tiles come in a variety of thicknesses which can influence their durability. For the most part though it is a highly scratch and scuff resistant material that is easy to maintain and clean. Some products even come with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. These factors are all key to LVT flooring being commonly used in homes with children or pets and in areas with lots of traffic.

Engineered wood flooring mostly features a tongue and groove method which is achievable as a DIY project as you won’t need to secure the floor down like you would with solid wood flooring.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring is similar, as our LVT ranges include either a 2G or 5Gi click system. The 2G system uses an angled click to lock each plank into place, while the 5Gi system works with a simple push-down motion. Both give you a tight and stable fit without the need for specialist tools, making them quicker and easier to install than engineered wood.

Both luxury vinyl flooring and engineered wood floorboards have a built-in underlay which provides insulation, sound absorption and a softness underfoot.

They are compatible with water fed underfloor heating, and engineered wood flooring can be used with electric underfloor heating too. This is a key reason why many people choose engineered wood flooring over solid wood flooring.

It is also always important to check with the manufacturer of your flooring and underfloor heating to ensure it doesn’t heat to a temperature that could damage the material, most of our ranges allow up to 27°C.

Location is a key factor in determining which material is right for you, for example rooms that will be likely to experience high quantities of moisture might be better suited to luxury vinyl tiles as it has the edge of being waterproof.

If you wish to install electric underfloor heating in your living areas then we’d advise choosing an engineered wood range instead.

Here's a quick summary of the notable differences between luxury vinyl tiles and engineered wood flooring.