Vinyl vs “Real Flooring”: How to get a high-end look for less

When people think of new floors, hardwood and stone are often the first to come to mind. They’re beautiful, but they can also be expensive, high-maintenance, and not always practical in every room. Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and tiles (LVT) bridge that gap by delivering the look of real materials with fewer headaches.

Thanks to modern imaging, today’s vinyl can mimic oak, walnut, or slate so closely that most people can’t tell the difference at a glance. The key difference is performance: unlike natural wood, vinyl won’t swell from moisture, scratch as easily, or demand constant upkeep. It’s water-resistant, durable, and built to handle kids, pets, and everyday life.

Compared to “real flooring,” vinyl is softer underfoot, quieter between levels, and much easier to maintain—just a sweep and an occasional damp mop. Installation is faster and more affordable too, since it can go over many subfloors without major prep.

At Solid Ground Floors, I recommend luxury vinyl as a practical alternative for homeowners who want the beauty of hardwood or stone without the extra cost and stress.