Luxury vinyl plank and engineered hardwood are the two flooring materials we install most often in Toronto renovations. They look similar in photos and they are often compared on price, but they perform differently in real conditions. Here is how we explain the difference to clients.

What each material actually is

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a multi-layer synthetic product: a rigid core (usually stone-plastic composite or wood-plastic composite), a photographic layer that mimics wood grain, and a wear layer on top. It is 100 percent waterproof. Engineered hardwood is a real wood product: a thin veneer of hardwood (typically 2 to 4mm) bonded to a plywood core. It looks and feels like solid hardwood because the surface is real wood, but the plywood core makes it more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood in variable humidity conditions.

Moisture and humidity performance

LVP is the better choice for spaces with moisture risk: basements, bathrooms (as an accent floor outside the wet area), mudrooms, and kitchens with older plumbing. It will not swell, warp, or delaminate if water sits on it for a short period. Engineered hardwood handles normal household humidity well but should not be installed in basements with any history of moisture or in rooms where standing water is a regular risk. We always do a moisture test on the subfloor before specifying either material.

Durability and refinishing

The wear layer on LVP determines its durability. A 12-mil wear layer is adequate for residential use; 20-mil is better for high-traffic areas. LVP cannot be sanded and refinished when it shows wear. Engineered hardwood with a 3mm or thicker veneer can typically be sanded and refinished once or twice over its lifespan, which extends its useful life significantly. For a family room or dining room that will see heavy use for twenty years, engineered hardwood with a thick veneer is often the better long-term investment.

Cost comparison

On an installed basis in Toronto, LVP typically runs $4.50 to $7.00 per sq ft including labour and subfloor preparation. Engineered hardwood runs $8.00 to $14.00 per sq ft installed, depending on species, plank width, and finish. The price gap is real but so is the performance difference. We include subfloor leveling and moisture testing in both quotes because skipping those steps causes failures regardless of which material is installed.

Both materials are good choices in the right application. The decision comes down to where the floor is going, what the moisture conditions are, and how long you plan to keep it. If you want a written quote for either option in your space, reach us to schedule an estimate.