Asked on Jun 05, 2015

Engineered wood versus vinyl

Sandy Hoffart
by Sandy Hoffart
We are updating our kitchen and entry way this fall. I have always planned on having a farmhouse style design with off white cabinets and wood floor. Does anyone have any comments on the durability of engineer wood in a kitchen? They have a fairly new vinyl that comes in planks and I swore it was wood at first. But my heart has always leaned to the wood. I want to be practical also so would welcome recommendations or warnings.
  9 answers
  • Northern Lights Northern Lights on Jun 05, 2015
    We went with the new vinyl planks that look like wood. Since I have a dog that drinks with gusto and a husband that spills with gusto ,clean up is easy. I agree with you that wood is beautiful but we opted for practical. Some of the wood look tile is pretty attractive too,
  • Debi53 Debi53 on Jun 05, 2015
    Empire has a roll cushioned floor that looks like hand scraped wood. We installed it in a living/dining/kitchen combo in a guest cottage. Everyone who walks in comments on the beautiful "hardwood" floors. It is easy on the feet & legs & a damp mop keeps it looking great. It also doesn't show dirt. I have also had them install the same flooring in a stone look in my current home (in my downstairs area) and love them both. The floor is top quality & they have been great to work with. Just another option for you to consider. We currently have solid Brazilian cherry hardwood floors in my kitchen/living area. While they are gorgeous, they show water spots from doing dishes, etc. and if you drop a can or heavy dish, it will put a dent or scratch in your hardwood. Just some things to think about.
  • Do not go with engineered wood in a kitchen. I did. Looked beautiful for 2 seconds water spills and pets are enemies. I would go with the vinyl flooring.
  • Barbara Barbara on Jun 05, 2015
    Engineered wood is laminated and layers may separate or "puff" if wet. The vinyl planking has a printed paper coating that wears off, peels or tears and the tiles will lift if the glue underneath gets too warm or wet. Get real tongue & groove boards or get real stone or porcelain tile. More money, but lasts 100 years.
  • Dianne Graves James Dianne Graves James on Jun 06, 2015
    We were told that no matter how careful you are wiping up spills, there's moisture from the refrigerator and dish washer that oner time will cause damage. We used engineered in other rooms and love it but opted for tile in wet areas.
  • Judy Balis Kaderka Judy Balis Kaderka on Jun 06, 2015
    You can also do porcelain tiles that look like wood.
  • Follow your H Follow your H on Jun 06, 2015
    I used Allure from Home Depot in my bathroom. It is vinyl planks that look like wood. I am very pleased with it and it is made for use where there is water. You can see it at my blog: http://followyourheartwoodworking.blogspot.ca/2015/05/bathroom-renovation-part-3-new-flooring.html
  • Gwen Barham Loftus Gwen Barham Loftus on Jun 06, 2015
    There is a new product on the market now that is a laminate and is waterproof. I am not sure who makes it but you might do some checking. I have Armstrong Laminate in my kitchen for 4 years now and it is as good as the day it was installed. However, we are very cautious with water and clean up spills immediately.
  • Nancy Lee Nancy Lee on Jun 07, 2015
    We just finished installing Armstrong vinyl that looks like wood planks. We are very pleased with it and don't have to worry about water (in the kitchen).