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Hardwood Flooring or Vinyl—Which Is Better?
When creating a new living space or building a new home, most consumers face a difficult choice: hardwood or vinyl? Which should I choose?
As with so many things, there is no clear-cut answer here either. However, by considering various parameters, facts, and characteristics, it is possible to make informed decisions that make this choice easier. Below, we’ve summarized the most important points for you.
Hardwood Flooring: An Overview of Design Options and Prices
Parquet is the elegant classic among flooring options. Today, there are no limits to what the human eye can perceive: every conceivable format, color, and finish is possible. The product range extends from classic styles to state-of-the-art options.
However, hardwood flooring comes at a price. Since it is made entirely of natural materials, hardwood flooring can be considered high-priced. That said, there are significant price differences depending on the collection or format. A classic 3-strip can be purchased at a reasonable price; this flooring typically costs 50–60€/m².
Wide-plank flooring is in the higher price range. Even among wide-plank options, there are price differences depending on the grade and plank format. Rustic grades—such as Scheucher’s “Markant” or “Country” grades—are more affordable than uniform grades. The price for rustic grades ranges from 60 to 80€/m². Uniform grades, such as Scheucher Natur, are more expensive. Here, the price per m² ranges from 100 to 130€.
With herringbone parquet, there are also significant price differences depending on the grade, plank size, and surface finish. The price per m² ranges from 60 to 140€. You can find more detailed information about our herringbone floors here.
Vinyl Flooring: Costs, Properties, and Material Comparison
Vinyl flooring is more affordable than hardwood flooring. While hardwood is a purely natural product made entirely of wood, vinyl flooring is made from synthetic plastics. The base material consists of polymerized vinyl chloride monomers.
The price of vinyl flooring varies widely depending on quality and size. Consumers should expect to pay between €10 and €60 per square meter; however, very inexpensive vinyl flooring is generally not recommended due to its poor quality and short lifespan. Premium vinyl, on the other hand, is very durable and can even be used in damp areas, such as bathrooms.
Thus, it can be said that premium vinyl can certainly hold its own against hardwood flooring in terms of appearance, durability, and impact sound insulation. The main difference lies in the materials used. Hardwood flooring is sustainable, especially when quality and environmental certifications are taken into account. Many manufacturers, including Scheucher, are committed to sustainable forestry and pay very close attention to where the raw materials for their flooring come from. Read more about our sustainable products here.
Vinyl flooring is always made of plastic. PVC, a thermoplastic, is produced from chlorine and petroleum or natural gas. Plasticizers and stabilizers are also used to make the material durable and flexible.
In summary, it can be said that vinyl flooring is more cost-effective but cannot compete with hardwood flooring in terms of materials and sustainability.
Hardwood or Vinyl: Differences in Lifespan, Maintenance, and Applications
When considering other factors such as stability, elasticity, texture, renovability, and lifespan, the two products differ considerably. While both hardwood and vinyl flooring are very dimensionally stable, vinyl flooring is more elastic due to the materials used in its construction. Hardwood flooring is easy to renovate; thanks to its wear layer of approximately 4 mm, the floor can be sanded down up to three times and thus lasts a lifetime. In addition, a new look can be achieved after each sanding. Vinyl flooring is typically replaced after 10 to a maximum of 20 years. In the event of damage, there are various options for renovating hardwood floors; vinyl can only be replaced if damaged.
The feel of hardwood flooring is unique: the floor is warm and vibrant, and its properties help regulate the indoor climate. While vinyl is also warm underfoot, its synthetic surface means it has no climate-regulating properties.
The decision can also be based on the intended use. Vinyl flooring can be used in damp areas, such as bathrooms. Parquet should not be installed in damp areas, as there is a risk of swelling.
In bedrooms, it is recommended to install hardwood flooring because of its texture and positive effect on the indoor climate. Hardwood flooring is beneficial to health because it regulates humidity and creates a natural atmosphere. In addition, hardwood flooring traps less dust and has germ-inhibiting properties due to tannic acids.
Both types of flooring can be installed in living rooms, kitchens, and entryways. Parquet flooring, especially when oiled, should be maintained regularly. Vinyl flooring requires no such maintenance.
Hardwood vs. Vinyl: A Direct Comparison—Cost, Features, and Lifespan
Decision factor | Parquet flooring | Vinyl flooring |
Cost | Depending on plank type and grade: approx. €50–140/m² | Depending on quality: approx. €10–60/m² |
Stability | Dimensionally stable | Dimensionally stable |
Elasticity | Less elastic (depending on the wood species) | Highly elastic |
Renovation | Yes, can be sanded up to three times | No |
Lifespan | Can last a lifetime | 10–20 years, depending on quality |
Feel underfoot | Warm and natural; helps regulate the indoor climate and humidity, creating a natural atmosphere | Warm underfoot, with no additional natural properties due to its synthetic surface |
Maintenance | Low to high, depending on the surface finish | Easy to maintain |
Applications | Particularly recommended for bedrooms; not suitable for wet rooms | Particularly recommended for wet rooms, as it is waterproof |
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