When to Choose Wood-Look Products

For more than thirty years, Woodboys has exclusively sold engineered and solid hardwood products to our customers. However, many homeowners have been requesting the wood-look products that flood today’s home décor market. We have recently decided to offer our own selection of luxury vinyl plank products that give you the appearance of real wood along with the benefits of vinyl flooring. Woodboys will always believe in the inherent beauty, strength, and durability of real wood floors but we want to give our customers the opportunity to make the choice for themselves.

While wood is still seen as a timeless addition to any home, there are some circumstances where you should consider wood-look products instead. Here are a few situations when you might want to consider installing luxury vinyl plank instead of traditional hardwood floors.

Areas with High Moisture Content

One of the biggest complaints about hardwood floors is its susceptibility to moisture. Wood should not be installed in areas like full bathrooms where there is plenty of water on the floor and moisture in the air.  Many homeowners like the idea of running their hard surface flooring throughout the entire house. In these situations, luxury vinyl plank is the answer. The waterproof nature of this type of flooring makes it ideal for rooms that see more spills and moisture.

Hardwood floors can stand up to occasional spills. As long as they are wiped up quickly, you should have no issue with discoloration or moisture damage to a board. On the other hand, vinyl planks can stand up to spills and water damage for hours or even days without significant damage. This is perhaps the most appealing feature of the new luxury vinyl plank products on the market.

Keep in mind that a waterproof product does not necessarily mean a waterproof installation. If water does somehow become trapped beneath your waterproof vinyl floor, it can result in the growth of mold and mildew. The floors may need to be pulled up in the event of a major catastrophe such as a flood from a dishwasher or a hot water heater.

Easy Installation

Are you interested in installing the flooring in your new home on your own? A handy homeowner can save thousands of dollars by opting to perform their own installation. While there are many click-lock wood products available, many people turn to luxury vinyl plank as an even simpler solution. Most of these floors are designed with the same click-lock feature as an engineered hardwood, but they have a unique advantage over wood.

Unlike floating wood floors that need a separate pad rolled out over the subfloor, vinyl products often come with the pad attached. You can skip measuring, rolling out the pad, and taping the seams when you opt for one of these high-quality vinyl products.

Budget-Friendly

Premium hardwood floors often come with a higher price tag. Wood is limited by the availability of the wood species and the design work that goes into crafting each board. Floors that have trendier looks often involve more labor and is more expensive. Some homeowners simply do not have the budget to afford traditional hardwood floors in the styles they love, particularly if this is not going to be their “forever home.”

Luxury vinyl plank can sometimes offer a more cost-effective alternative to more expensive hardwood floors. Because technology continues to improve, it is easier for companies to come up with a visual for a wood-look product, photograph, and produce this image in mass quantities to create a new floor. For the same price as an entry level wood floor, you can have some of the trendier designs featured on a luxury vinyl plank.

You may find a product that is embossed in register to mimic the real look and feel of hardwood with design-friendly features like grey and whitewash colors. Alternatively, you can opt for a less expensive product without as many of the features as a higher-end vinyl product. These are still great choices and offer the same durability of their more expensive counterparts. Be aware that less expensive versions are likely to have thinner wear layers and less realistic looks than the higher-end vinyl products that more closely resemble real wood. Either way, they are great for homeowners on a budget.

Ease of Maintenance

Wood floors demand proper care and maintenance in order to look their best for years to come. You should never use anything other than Bona hardwood floor cleaner or another brand recommended by the manufacturer of your flooring. Refrain from using steam vacuums, wet mopping, and polishing or waxing the floor. All of these can damage the finish and void your warranty.

Many manufacturers still recommend choosing a pH neutral cleaner for regular maintenance like Bona, which is formulated specifically for the durable finish of your new vinyl floor. Regularly sweep and vacuum to remove dirt and sand that could abrade your finish. You should also take preventive measures like installing felt pads beneath furniture (and replacing them regularly), using welcome mats and area rugs, and keeping pet nails trimmed.

Choosing a Wood-Look Product

At Woodboys, we will always be partial to hardwood floors because they have been at the heart of our business since the very beginning. However, we must acknowledge that luxury vinyl plank is also earning its own unique place in homes of the Lowcountry. If you have been tempted to dive headfirst into that remodel project you’ve been putting off, now is the perfect time. Come by our showroom and let our experienced sales professionals help you to decide whether wood or wood-look products are right for your home!