MAINTENANCE AND CARE
Why maintenance matters for engineered hardwood
Simple daily and weekly routines
Protecting engineered floors from dry air
Though engineered hardwood is more resistant to gapping, Colorado’s low humidity can still affect it over time. Use a humidifier during winter months to maintain indoor moisture between 30–50%. This keeps the wood layers from drying out or separating and helps preserve the structural integrity of the floor.
Preventing scratches and fading
When to repair or replace engineered wood
ENGINEERED HARDWOOD VS LUXURY VINYL PLANK (LVP)
Choosing between engineered hardwood flooring and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) in Colorado comes down to what you need most - authentic wood style or total moisture protection. While both flooring options are stylish and versatile, their construction, feel, and performance in Colorado’s dry, high-elevation climate vary in key ways. Whether you’re in Denver, Parker, or Colorado Springs, knowing how each one works in local conditions can help you make the right choice.
What is engineered hardwood?
Engineered hardwood flooring is made from a real wood top layer bonded over a stable plywood core. It looks and feels just like solid hardwood because it is real wood - but it performs better in Colorado’s dry air and fluctuating temperatures. It’s ideal for upper levels, main living areas, and rooms where you want a natural wood look without worrying about expansion or shrinkage during seasonal changes.
What is LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank)?
Luxury vinyl plank is a completely synthetic flooring made to mimic the appearance of wood or stone. It’s 100% waterproof and extremely scratch-resistant, making it a smart choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements throughout Colorado. LVP is softer underfoot than hardwood, often more budget-friendly, and installs easily over almost any subfloor. It’s built for high-moisture areas and heavy foot traffic, but it doesn’t offer the same warmth or resale value as real wood.
If you're remodeling a kitchen in Denver or finishing a basement in Castle Rock, LVP may give you the low-maintenance durability you need. But if you're looking for lasting style, added property value, and a true wood feel underfoot, engineered hardwood is worth the upgrade.
If you're designing a busy family home in Aurora or updating a commercial space in Boulder, both engineered hardwood and LVP bring unique strengths to the table. One offers the beauty of real wood with added stability, while the other delivers total waterproof protection and extreme durability. Your final decision should come down to how the floor will be used, what look you want to achieve, and how much maintenance you're comfortable with over time.
LVP is waterproof, low-maintenance, and budget-friendly
Both are great for Colorado - the best choice depends on your space and goals
Engineered hardwood offers real wood surface and long-term value
At On Top Flooring in Denver, CO, we help homeowners and business owners from Loveland to Colorado Springs compare LVP and engineered hardwood based on installation area, moisture levels, design preference, and budget.