The Difference Between Vinyl Flooring and Engineered Hardwood

Both engineered hardwood and vinyl flooring are laid as “planks” using a tongue and groove system （click system）.

Engineered hardwood has a series of base layers topped by a very thin slice of natural hardwood and a protective coating.

Luxury vinyl flooring also has a series of base layers. However, the top layer is a photo of natural wood or stone covered by a protective coating. good vinyl flooring look very much like natural wood. Best of all, these floors are super easy to take care of and they remain beautiful for many years.

How flooring is manufactured determines how durable it will be. Heat and pressure are used to bond the layers together. Vinyl floors are rated according to how much heat and pressure was used, from AC1 to AC5.

AC1 flooring is the cheapest and least durable.

For most home use, AC2 or AC3 are best, having both durability and a beautiful finish.

AC5 flooring is the most durable, typically used in commercial, high traffic areas. The finish tends to be a little rougher.

Embossing Adds Texture to Flooring

Embossing can be added during the heating process. A metal plate containing a pattern is pressed into the surface layer, creating ridges similar to the ridges in stone or wood. Texture is added to the flat photo layer that may or may not match the grain of the photo of the real wood or stone.

There are four categories of embossed vinyl flooring: small, middle, large and Embossed in Register – the top grade.

1. Small: An even, uniform, small pattern used to mimic fine grain woods

2. Middle: A larger, deeper and wider pattern

3. Large: The largest and deepest pattern, resembling larger grain woods

Small, medium and large patterns DO NOT match the grain of the underlying image. It looks better than perfectly smooth vinyl, but doesn’t seem natural since the pattern doesn’t match the grain of the photo layer.

4. Embossed In Register (EIR): REALFEEL EIR flooring is the the highest quality flooring – the Hope Diamond of luxury vinyl. The texture perfectly lines up with and matches the wood portrayed in the image layer.

The Benefits of REALFEEL Flooring

The embossing matches the visual layer – looks and feel right, like real wood

Very easy to maintain – damp mopping is usually all that’s needed

Safe for family and pets – manufactured without any dangerous chemicals

100% waterproof

Slip-resistant, unlike perfectly smooth flooring

Resilient – comfortable to walk on

Pet-friendly

Long-lasting – Warrantied for wear

Quick, easy installation by professional installers