Wood, Engineered, Vinyl: What's the difference?

Quick Comparison Guide

Solid Hardwood

• Highest initial cost ($8-15/sq ft installed)
• Greatest longevity (generations with proper care)
• Can be refinished 5-7 times
• Adds significant home resale value
• Requires professional installation
• Sensitive to moisture and humidity

Engineered Wood

• Mid-range cost ($6-12/sq ft installed)
• Long lifespan (40+ years with quality products)
• Can be refinished multiple times (fewer than solid wood)
• Better stability in Maine's climate
• DIY-friendly floating installation options
• Good balance of authenticity and practicality

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

• Most affordable option ($4-8/sq ft installed)
• 10-20 year lifespan depending on quality
• Cannot be refinished (requires replacement when worn)
• Waterproof and highly durable
• Easiest to install and maintain
• Best for high-moisture areas and active households

When renovating your Maine home, few choices impact both aesthetics and functionality like flooring. At Independence Flooring & Supply, we know the options can seem overwhelming. Solid hardwood, engineered wood, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are popular choices, but each offers distinct advantages and considerations that Maine homeowners should understand before making this significant investment.

Solid Hardwood: Timeless Beauty with Lasting Value

Solid hardwood flooring represents the gold standard in residential flooring. Made from single pieces of hardwood timber, these floors offer unmatched authenticity and character that develops a rich patina over decades. In Maine's climate, where winters can be harsh and summers humid, properly installed hardwood can adapt to seasonal changes. The most significant advantage of quality hardwood is its longevity—these floors can last generations, as they can be sanded and refinished numerous times (typically 5-7 refinishing cycles depending on thickness). While the initial investment is higher ($8-15 per square foot installed), solid hardwood often adds substantial resale value to your home. Installation requires professional expertise and acclimatization to Maine's unique environment, and maintenance involves regular sweeping and occasional refinishing to address wear in high-traffic areas.

Engineered Wood: The Versatile Middle Ground

Engineered wood flooring offers an excellent compromise between solid hardwood and synthetic options. Constructed with a real hardwood veneer bonded to multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard, these floors deliver authentic wood appearance with enhanced stability. This construction makes engineered wood particularly suitable for Maine homes where basement moisture or seasonal humidity fluctuations might cause solid wood to expand and contract excessively. Quality engineered flooring from Independence Flooring & Supply features thick wear layers (3mm or more) that can be refinished multiple times, though not as many as solid hardwood. Priced between $6-12 per square foot installed, engineered wood offers easier installation options, including "floating floor" systems that don't require nailing or gluing to the subfloor—ideal for DIY-inclined homeowners or installations over existing flooring.

Luxury Vinyl Plank: Practical Performance

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) has revolutionized the flooring industry with its remarkable combination of affordability, water resistance, and realistic wood-like appearance. Modern manufacturing techniques create incredibly authentic textures and visual details that can be difficult to distinguish from real wood at first glance. For Maine homeowners concerned about snow, mud, or water exposure, LVP offers exceptional peace of mind with its waterproof properties. Installation is straightforward with click-lock systems, making it accessible for accomplished DIYers. At $4-8 per square foot installed, LVP represents the most budget-friendly option upfront. However, unlike wood floors, LVP cannot be refinished—when wear becomes noticeable (typically after 10-20 years depending on quality and traffic), the flooring must be completely replaced. While LVP won't add the same property value as real wood, its practicality makes it an increasingly popular choice for active households.

Making Your Decision

Your ideal flooring choice depends on several factors: your budget (both initial and long-term), the specific room's conditions, your lifestyle, and how long you plan to remain in your home. Maine's seasonal climate demands flooring that can handle temperature and humidity changes. Solid hardwood offers generational longevity with proper care but requires a higher initial investment. Engineered wood provides a balance of authentic wood character with better stability in challenging environments. Luxury vinyl delivers remarkable durability and water resistance at a lower price point, albeit with a shorter overall lifespan. At Independence Flooring & Supply, we invite you to visit our showroom where you can see and feel these different options while discussing your specific needs with our experienced staff who understand the unique considerations of Maine homes.

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