The wood vs vinyl flooring debate makes itself apparent during an office refit, or update of a commercial setting, where quality, the cost and style of the flooring become very important areas to consider.
Flooring is generally one of the more expensive parts of a refit, and one that is worth putting extra consideration into.
Therefore, before taking the plunge with choosing the best flooring for your business, it’s worthwhile looking at wood vs vinyl flooring, their pros, cons before deciding which flooring solution would be best for your budget, and end goal with the refit.
Wood Vs Vinyl Flooring
Wood Flooring – What Is It?
Wood or hardwood flooring is a type of flooring material that is made from natural wood, typically from a variety of hardwood species such as oak, maple, or hickory.
Hardwood flooring is known for its durability, warmth, and timeless beauty. It is available in a wide range of stains and styles to suit your home decor needs, and tastes.
Pros of Wood Flooring
- Hardwood flooring is available in a variety of finishes, stains, and wood species, this allows for a wide range of design possibilities
- Longevity and durability is a huge pull for using wood flooring, with proper maintenance and care, hardwood flooring can last for decades or even centuries
- Natural hardwood flooring is a sustainable material, this makes it an environmentally friendly choice for your home
- Wood flooring achieves a natural, and aesthetically pleasing finish that just can’t be achieved with vinyl flooring
Cons of Wood Flooring
- Hardwood flooring is considered one of the most expensive flooring solutions, however, this is a reflection on the sustainability and quality of the materials
- Unlike vinyl flooring, hardwood is susceptible to damage from moisture and humidity, this makes it less suitable for certain rooms in the home like a bathroom, and in other commercial settings
- It can be more difficult to install than other flooring solutions and will often require a professional to fit, so installation costs need to be factored in
- In terms of maintenance and upkeep, hardwood flooring does need periodic refinishing to keep the finish looking fresh, and it is known to scratch or dent more easily than vinyl
Vinyl Flooring – What Is It?
Vinyl flooring is a type of synthetic flooring material that is made from a combination of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and other materials.
This type of flooring can come in a variety of forms, including sheets, tiles, or planks, and can mimic the look of other materials such as hardwood or tile.
Pros of Vinyl Flooring
- Available in a huge range of forms and styles, colours and patterns. It’s by far the most versatile type of flooring, working with a huge range of design aesthetics. You can even get special anti-slip options for stairs
- A good resistance to moisture means it works in most rooms of the home, including the bathroom, and in commercial areas that may be exposed to high levels of humidity and water
- Generally easier to install as part of a DIY project – this helps to keep installation costs down
- It’s often one of the most affordable types of flooring options over hardwood and tiles
- Incredibly easy to clean and maintain, and it is mostly resistant to scratching – ideal for commercial settings which engage with heavy footfall and use each day
Cons of Vinyl Flooring
- It’s not known for its durability, and is not as long lasting as other flooring options, such as hardwood flooring
- Some fading of the vinyl can occur over time, and discolouration when exposed to direct sunlight
- Vinyl flooring can sometimes contain chemicals that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can have negative health effects when inhaled, there are low VOC solutions available, but it’s still something worth considering
- Vinyl flooring is made from PVC which is not the most environmentally friendly material, this is because it is not biodegradable and it can take years for this material to eventually break down
- One of the biggest benefits of vinyl is how widely available it is in differing options, despite this, it does not give the same aesthetic look as hardwood flooring, and you can clearly see this difference between the two
The Pros and cons of wood vs vinyl flooring at a glance.
| Category | Wood Flooring | Vinyl Flooring |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Higher cost | Lower cost |
| Durability | More durable | Less durable |
| Style options | Limited | Wide range of options |
| Environmental impact | Renewable resource, can be sustainably sourced | Not a renewable resource, may contain toxic chemicals |
| Maintenance and upkeep | Requires periodic refinishing, may scratch or dent more easily | Easy to clean and maintain, more resistant to scratching and denting |
| Installation | Can be more difficult to install, may require professional installation | Easier to install, can often be installed as a DIY project |
Cost Comparison: How Much Does Wood Flooring Cost Compared to Vinyl?
Hard wood flooring is considered more expensive than vinyl flooring. On the surface level this is due to the sustainability of the material, and the quality – offering far greater longevity and durability than vinyl flooring.
The cost of wood flooring can vary depending on the type of wood, the quality of the wood, and the region in which it is purchased.
On average, solid hardwood flooring can cost anywhere from £50 to £75 per metre square. In comparison, vinyl flooring is a more affordable option, with prices typically ranging from £10 to £40 per metre square, depending on the style you choose.
One final thing to take into consideration when looking at costs is to also factor in any installation costs. Installation costs can vary depending on the region and the complexity of the installation, however, wood flooring can be more expensive to install due to the need for a skilled professional to properly install and finish the wood. When considering alternative flooring options, products like the BA-FT-8080 aluminum floor access door might offer easier installation processes, potentially reducing labor costs due to their specific design and ease of setup.
Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, can often be installed as a DIY project, which can help save on installation costs.
Wood Vs Vinyl Flooring – Which Option Is Best For You?
So, which option is going to be best for you? Firstly, you need to decide what type of look you are trying to achieve as this will help lead whether you only want a natural looking wood finish, or if you’re happy to compromise.
Ultimately the best option for you will pivot on budget. After the aesthetics, the budget is the big deciding factor as the cost comparison can be huge, especially if you are fitting out an office block.
But, it’s important to remember that some areas are definitely worth spending more money on for a business. If the office is one that you’re intending to stay at for a while, then it’s worth waiting a little while longer to afford hardwood over vinyl as you know that it’s going to last the test of time, whereas vinyl may start to discolour and lose it’s finish in just a few years.
I would always recommend choosing a vinyl and a hardwood option that you love, get a sample of each to see how it sits in your building and price up both options completely. You’ll then physically be able to see the comparison. In this wood vs vinyl flooring debate, which flooring style for businesses is your favourite?
