Your office needs the right flooring. After all, the best choice can make enhance the appeal of the room, so it is more pleasurable for both employees and guests. The right flooring can also increase productivity and prevent accidents.
The question is, with so many flooring options, which one is worth it? A contract flooring company can play a huge role in your selection since they know these products well. However, you can begin your brainstorming with two popular choices: engineered wood and vinyl.
What Is Engineered Wood?
Engineered wood flooring is a type of hardwood flooring that combines the natural beauty and unique characteristics of real wood with the added durability of laminate. It is made from thin layers of wood, which are compressed under high pressure into durable planks or tiles. The top layer is typically finished with a clear coat that gives it a shiny, glossy appearance.
Pros and Cons of Engineered Wood
The benefits of engineered wood include:
- Engineered wood flooring comes in a range of different grains and colorations, including red oak, white oak, cherry, and walnut. This makes it easy to find the perfect look for your space.
It can range in appearance from rustic to sleek and modern, depending on the type of finish applied. It also comes in various widths, including planks or tiles that are 4-inch by 8-inch up to 12-inch by 48-inches. - Engineered wood is typically much less expensive than actual hardwood per square foot.
- It is moisture-resistant and easy to install. You can install it just like laminate flooring, without glue or nails.
- It’s glued down using a high-pressure locking system that holds the planks in place while allowing them to expand and contract with seasonal changes in humidity. This makes engineered wood more resistant to warping than solid hardwood flooring.
- It also comes with some additional benefits, including greater stability than traditional hardwood, reduced allergens, and an environmentally friendly product.
On the other hand, engineered wood is not ideal because it cannot be refinished or sanded. Another downside is that it may chip or scratch more easily than solid hardwood flooring, which requires a professional finish to repair.
What Is Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular types of floor coverings available today. It is typically made from a combination of PVC resin, wood flour, and plasticizer additives that give it its firmness and elasticity. It is soft and flexible but can be easily damaged by heat or sharp objects.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Floors
The benefits of vinyl flooring are extensive:
- It is available in a wide range of styles, finishes, and colors. This includes wood, stone, and ceramic looks that closely mimic actual hardwood.
- It also comes in various widths and thicknesses for more custom installations.
It’s long-lasting. Vinyl flooring has an expected lifespan of 15 to 20 years or more, depending on the quality of the product. - It is also affordable and easy to install, as it is typically attached with a click-lock system without adhesives or nails.
- It’s resistant to moisture and easy to clean. Vinyl flooring features a smooth surface that resists dirt and stains, which makes it especially popular in kitchens and bathrooms.
- You can easily sweep or mop the floor, and it only needs an occasional cleaning with mild soap and water.
On the other hand, vinyl floors may not be very durable or scratch resistant. It may also tear easily in high-traffic areas, and the edges may curl or separate with increased wear.
It is made from a number of potentially hazardous compounds that release gas into the air during installation and over time, which can cause health problems. You can avoid this problem by choosing new vinyl options that have lower VOCs. In addition to this, vinyl floors cannot be refinished or sanded if damaged. If you want to change the style of the room, you’ll have to replace the entire floor.
Which Is Better for an Office Floor?
Between engineered wood and vinyl, which one is a better option for your office floor? You choose engineered wood if you want a more stylish and durable floor that is available in a wide range of styles, shapes, and colors. They are also more environment-friendly than vinyl.
Engineered wood is another great option if you find hardwood more expensive. It is more flexible than hardwood, allowing it to expand and contract with changes in humidity. It also comes with added benefits that are useful for high-traffic areas of the space.
Vinyl flooring is an excellent option if you’re looking for something budget-friendly that will resist damage from moisture, dirt, and stains. It is easy to clean and maintain, and it can be installed quickly without the use of adhesives or nails.
Be sure to weigh these different options carefully before choosing which one will work better for your office flooring.