Choosing flooring for your Kent home is a big decision. Two popular options are luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and real wood. But which one lasts longer? Let’s break down the facts to help you decide.
How Long Each Type Lasts
Luxury Vinyl Tile Good quality LVT lasts 15-20 years in busy family homes. In quieter rooms like bedrooms, it can last 25 years. The lifespan depends on the thickness of the wear layer and how much foot traffic it gets.
Real Wood Flooring Real wood can last 50-100 years or more. However, it needs refinishing every 10-15 years to stay looking good. The type of wood matters too – oak lasts longer than softer woods like pine.
How They Handle Daily Life
Water and Spills LVT is completely waterproof when fitted properly. Perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. Spills won’t damage it, so no worrying about children’s drinks or pet accidents.
Wood flooring can be damaged by water. You must clean spills straight away. Even small amounts of water can cause warping over time. Never use wood in bathrooms.
Scratches and Wear LVT’s wear layer protects against most scratches. Pet claws and moving furniture cause minimal damage. If a plank gets damaged, you can replace just that piece.
Wood shows scratches and dents more easily. Heavy furniture leaves marks. Pet claws scratch the surface. The good news? You can sand and refinish wood to remove damage.
Maintenance Needs
LVT Care
- Sweep or vacuum regularly
- Mop with warm water and mild cleaner
- No special products needed
- Never needs refinishing
Wood Care
- Regular sweeping and careful mopping
- Special wood cleaning products
- Professional refinishing every 10-15 years
- Quick attention to spills
Cost Over Time
| Factor | Luxury Vinyl Tile | Real Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | £15-£40 per m² | £40-£100+ per m² |
| Installation | £10-£20 per m² | £25-£40 per m² |
| 20-Year Maintenance | £100-£200 | £1,000-£2,000 |
| Total Cost | £25-£60 per m² | £80-£165+ per m² |
Home Value Impact
Real wood generally increases home value and appeals to most buyers. It’s seen as a premium feature. According to Consumer Reports’ analysis of flooring durability, hardwood remains highly valued in real estate despite showing more wear in high-traffic areas.
LVT doesn’t usually add resale value, though it’s excellent for your own enjoyment. Some buyers see it as a budget option.
Best Brands We Recommend
Top LVT Options:
- Amtico – offers 25+ year warranties
- Karndean – excellent wear layer thickness
- Moduleo – great for busy families
Top Wood Options:
- Kahrs – engineered wood specialist
- V4 Flooring – solid and engineered choices
- Havwoods – premium timber
Which Should You Choose?
Choose LVT if you want:
- Worry-free flooring for family life
- Lower long-term costs
- Easy replacement when needed
- Waterproof performance
Choose Real Wood if you want:
- Maximum lifespan potential
- Added home value
- Classic, natural beauty
- A floor that can be restored
The Bottom Line
Real wood can last longer in total years, but LVT gives you consistent performance with less worry. Both need proper installation to reach their full lifespan.
At Kent Flooring, we’ve fitted both types for over 20 years across Kent, London and the South East. Check out our vinyl flooring and wood flooring options, or contact us for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can luxury vinyl tile be refinished like wood? A: No, LVT cannot be refinished. When damaged, you replace individual planks. However, good LVT maintains its appearance throughout its life without needing refinishing.
Q: How do I know when flooring needs replacing? A: For LVT, look for worn patterns or deep scratches through the wear layer. For wood, watch for deep scratches that won’t sand out or boards too thin to refinish again.
Q: Which is better for families with young children? A: LVT is more practical for young families. It’s waterproof, softer underfoot, and handles spills and toy damage better than wood.
Q: Do both work with underfloor heating? A: Yes, but LVT is more stable with temperature changes. Wood needs careful selection and installation to work well with the heating system
