Buyer's Comparison Between Hardwood Refinishing vs. New Hardwood Installation vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring

This quick comparison will walk you through the primary advantages and disadvantages, of a few luxury flooring options, to consider when you are looking into hardwood flooring or luxury vinyl for your home.

If you already have hardwood flooring, you may consider refinishing:

Advantages of refinishing hardwood flooring:

Cost-effective:

Refinishing existing hardwood floors is generally more affordable than installing new ones or opting for luxury vinyl.

Preserves original character:

Refinishing allows you to maintain the charm and character of your current hardwood floors, especially if they are antique or unique in design.

Eco-friendly:

By refinishing, you avoid the need for new materials and reduce waste, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

Disadvantages of refinishing hardwood flooring:

Limited options for changes:

Refinishing is primarily a restoration process, so if you desire a different wood species, color, or style, you won't achieve those changes with refinishing alone.

Potential hidden damage:

There may be underlying issues, such as deep stains or structural damage, that become apparent during the refinishing process, requiring additional repairs or replacement.

Is hardwood refinishing right for you?

If you're not mad at your current flooring situation and just want to see it restored back to it's glory days, this is definitely a great option to consider.
This is the most budget friendly on the list, and the coolest thing about old hardwood floors: it won't ever look just like the Jones's fresh installation down the street.

Want to completely change the look of your home with new hardwood floors?

Advantages of installing new hardwood floors:

Customization:

You have the freedom to choose the wood species, color, finish, and design that best suit your aesthetic preferences and complement your home's style.

Durability and longevity:

New hardwood floors, when properly maintained, can last for decades, providing excellent durability and increasing the value of your home.

Flexibility in installation:

You can install new hardwood floors in any part of your home, including areas where there was no previous flooring or where refinishing isn't feasible.

Disadvantages of installing new hardwood floors:

Higher cost:

Installing new hardwood floors can be more expensive than refinishing, as it involves purchasing new materials and the labor required for installation.

Longer installation time:

The installation process for new hardwood floors usually takes longer compared to refinishing, as it involves removing the existing flooring, preparing the subfloor, and then installing the new hardwood.

Should you have new hardwood floors installed?

If you want to completely redefine the look of your home, and install a flooring option that will last decades, new hardwood flooring may be the right choice for you. The cost of a new hardwood floor installation is more than made up for in the value it offers your home. Not only in aesthetics, but in real world value if you ever look to sell.
If you want full customization of your flooring and what we like to call warm luxury (as opposed to the cold luxury of stone), a new hardwood flooring installation may be the right option for your family. 

The look of luxury (vinyl). aka ballin' on a budget.

Advantages of installing luxury vinyl:

Affordability:

Luxury vinyl flooring is often less expensive than hardwood, making it a more budget-friendly option.

Wide variety of styles:

Luxury vinyl comes in various designs and patterns, including those that mimic the look of hardwood, tile, or stone, giving you plenty of options to suit your desired aesthetic.

Ease of maintenance:

Luxury vinyl is generally easy to clean and maintain, often requiring simple sweeping and occasional mopping.

Disadvantages of installing luxury vinyl:

Lower resale value:

While luxury vinyl has improved in quality and appearance, it may not add as much value to your home as hardwood flooring.

Less durability:

Although luxury vinyl is durable, it is still more prone to scratches and wear compared to hardwood floors.

Limited refinishing options:

Unlike hardwood, luxury vinyl cannot be refinished. If it becomes damaged or worn, it will need to be replaced rather than restored.

Is luxury vinyl the right choice for you?

Luxury vinyl is a great option for the budget minded, and offers a wide range of aesthetic appeal. You can drastically change the appearance of your home without breaking the bank.
We truly love luxury vinyl, its only downfall, in our humble opinion, is that it does not have the longevity of hardwood flooring.
If you are doing a renovation with intent to sell, and don't have plans to enjoy your current home for decades, luxury vinyl may be your best option.

We can help!

We know exploring flooring options can be overwhelming, but we're here to help. Give us call and let us cater our service to your needs. We're not here to upsell you into something not right for you. Our #1 priority is making sure whatever flooring option you choose was decided with all your questions answered.