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HGTV's Hilary Farr Explains What To Consider When Buying New Floors
By RON BAKER
Hardwood floors are often a popular choice of homeowners, but when renovating for Nichole and Andy in Tough Love with Hilary Farr, the designer suggested luxury vinyl floors (LVF).
Despite how much the homeowners wanted it, Hilary felt there were better options for their lifestyle with dogs. Instead, she suggested LVF tiles or planks that look like hardwood.
LVF is spill and scratch-resistant and lasts up to 25 to 30 years. It’s cost-efficient, with a median price range of $2 to $5 per square foot — a quarter of the price of hardwood.
Vinyl is also quiet, absorbing airborne and impact sounds like footsteps and dropped objects. It tends to be warmer and more cushioned than other flooring options.
Also a low-maintenance option, LVF needs no polish or wax, making cleaning easy. However, this doesn’t mean it’s perfect for any environment.
Installation might be challenging if the floors are not even. You’d have to replace instead of repair damaged planks, and trapped water can promote mold and subfloor deterioration.