Design Minute: Wood Floor Options
- Feb 4, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: May 3
Pinnacle owners, Christian and Rachel Raab, explain the difference between two flooring options: engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and what to consider when deciding between them.
At Pinnacle Remodel, we often find that homeowners know they like the look of wood floors, but are not always sure which product fits their space best.
Two of the most common choices are engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank flooring. Both are excellent options. The right one depends on how you want the floor to look, feel, and perform in your home.
What engineered hardwood is
Engineered hardwood is a real wood product made from multiple layers. The lower layers are built from less expensive wood or plywood, while the top layer, often around one-eighth of an inch, is genuine hardwood. That real wood surface gives engineered flooring the natural beauty, variation, and texture many homeowners love.
It is typically installed by being stapled, nailed, or glued to the subfloor. Because of that, it has a more fixed installation compared to floating floor products.
What luxury vinyl plank is
Luxury vinyl plank, or LVP, is different in both material and installation. It is a floating floor, which means it locks together and rests on top of the subfloor rather than being nailed down. It is designed to move slightly with the surface beneath it.
LVP is made to mimic the look of wood, and many options do a very good job of creating that appearance. It can be a practical and attractive choice, especially in spaces where durability and moisture resistance matter most.
The biggest difference: appearance vs. water resistance
If your priority is the authentic look and feel of hardwood, engineered hardwood has a clear advantage. Our founder often points to examples like white oak with a wire-brushed finish, which offers a beautiful texture and the warmth of a real wood product.
That said, engineered hardwood is not water-resistant in the same way LVP is. Moisture is where luxury vinyl plank stands out. LVP is the better fit when there is a higher chance of spills, splashing, or damp conditions.
Where LVP makes the most sense
At Pinnacle Remodel, we often recommend luxury vinyl plank in rooms where moisture could become an issue, including:
Basements, where dampness may be a concern
Bathrooms, where water from tubs or sinks may splash onto the floor
Any area where you want added peace of mind regarding moisture
This water-resistant performance is one of the main reasons LVP continues to be a popular flooring option.
One thing to watch for with LVP
Not all luxury vinyl plank products look the same. Higher-quality products tend to have more realistic variation, while lower-end LVP can sometimes show repeating patterns. When that happens, it may be easier to tell that the material is not real wood.
That does not mean LVP is a poor choice. It simply means product selection matters, especially if your goal is a more natural wood look.
How we help clients choose
When we guide clients through flooring selections, we usually come back to a few simple questions:
Do you want the texture and character of real hardwood?
Will the space be exposed to moisture?
Is appearance the top priority, or is water resistance more important?
Both engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank flooring can work beautifully in the right setting. Engineered hardwood offers the beauty of real wood. LVP offers flexibility and moisture resistance. The best choice is the one that fits how the room will actually be used.
Choosing the right floor for your home
There are a lot of options when it comes to engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank, and the details make a difference. At Pinnacle Remodel, we believe good design choices come from understanding how a product performs, not just how it looks in a sample.
If you are weighing wood floor options for a remodel, our team is always happy to help you compare materials and choose the flooring that makes the most sense for your home.
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