Discover the Beauty and Benefits of Wood Look Vinyl Flooring

Wood look vinyl flooring has become a popular choice for homeowners who want the aesthetic appeal of hardwood flooring without the high cost and maintenance. CALI’s luxury vinyl collections offer stunning wood visuals with advanced features like Embossed-In-Register (EIR) surfacing, providing an authentic look and feel. Read on to explore the best wood look vinyl flooring options, compare costs, discuss durability, and get cleaning tips!

What is the Best Vinyl That Looks Like Hardwood?

Of course, we’re going to be slightly biased, but thousands of customers, designers, and builders across the country tell us they love CALI Vinyl, and we feel compelled to believe them. What’s “the best vinyl” to you really depends on the look you’re going for in your space. All CALI Vinyl is waterproof, scratch-resistant, pet-friendly, easy to install and clean, and backed by attached padding to give you a little extra cushioning underfoot. It’s also all FloorScore certified and safe for homes with families and pets.

CALI is known for specializing in wood look vinyl floors that draw color and style inspiration from the seaside. Textures tend to be smooth and understated like weathered driftwood, and colors draw from sandy tan tones. Our recommendation when shopping for the best luxury vinyl flooring fit for you is to find colors and grains you would like to have in your home, and from there decide on the best collection fit. Remember that natural and neutral tones will be easiest to design with! Here’s a rundown of our wood look vinyl collections:

The Longboards Collection features extra-long and wide wood look vinyl planks measuring 70-7/8" x 9". These luxury vinyl floors emulate the grandeur of real hardwood with EIR texturing, perfect for creating an open, airy feel.

The Windansea Collection comes in two styles: Windansea High Tide with planks sized 72" x 8-3/4" and Windansea Low Tide with 48" x 7" planks. Both offer a diverse range of wood looks, from coastal-inspired hues to rich, deep tones.

The Legends Collection includes WPC core planks that are 60" x 9" and provide added comfort underfoot. The EIR texturing captures the natural beauty of wood, with the planks being 100% waterproof.

The Select Collection offers luxury vinyl planks sized 48" x 7", delivering high-quality wood visuals. The Select XL Collection features larger planks at 60" x 9", enhancing the spacious feel of any room.

Is Vinyl Flooring Cheaper Than Wood Flooring?

Cost Comparison

Yes, luxury vinyl flooring is generally more affordable than hardwood flooring. Here’s why:

• Material Costs: Wood look vinyl flooring costs less per square foot than hardwood.It’s a synthetic material and is generally easier to produce than wood flooring which requires the harvesting and processing of timber.
• Installation: Luxury vinyl flooring is easier and faster to install than hardwood, reducing labor costs. Many options are designed for DIY installation with rapid click-lock milling that snaps right into place. You can also install luxury vinyl flooring without any nails or glue, and most collections can be installed right out of the box without any acclimation wait time. Check out CALI’s installation guides.
• Maintenance: Luxury vinyl flooring requires less upkeep and does not ever need to be refinished, saving money over time. CALI vinyl flooring is also 100% waterproof, making it easier to clean and better protected against spills and messes.

Value Proposition

The affordability of luxury vinyl flooring makes it an attractive option for homeowners looking to achieve the look of hardwood without the hefty price tag. With CALI’s luxury vinyl collections, you get the added benefit of a high-quality, durable product that gives you a quick upgrade and enhances the value of your home.

What is the Most Durable Flooring That Looks Like Wood?

Durability of CALI Luxury Vinyl

CALI’s luxury vinyl collections are renowned for their durability. Here are some features that contribute to their long-lasting performance:

• Waterproof: All CALI vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof, making it suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. This also makes vinyl flooring extra pet-friendly!
• Scratch and Dent Resistant: The tough 20mil thick wear layer protects against scratches, dents, and everyday wear and tear.
• WPC Core: Collections like Legends and Laguna have a Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) core that adds stability and resilience. This thicker core also provides added insulation and comfort underfoot.
• SPC Core: Other CALI Vinyl flooring collections feature a Stone Polymer Composite (SPC) core made using a mix of limestone. This core is extra resilient against dents and provides for a very precise click-lock system that is especially easy to install.

Long-Lasting Beauty

When it comes to durability, CALI’s wood look vinyl flooring stands out as an excellent choice for busy households with kids and pets. The flooring’s ability to withstand heavy traffic and resist damage ensures that it will maintain its beauty for years to come.

Is Vinyl Wood Flooring Better Than Laminate?

While both vinyl and laminate flooring offer wood-like appearances, there are key differences that make vinyl a superior choice for many homeowners:

• Water Resistance: Vinyl flooring is completely waterproof, while laminate can be susceptible to water damage. CALI Laminate collections like Mavericks and Pacifica are completely waterproof, but there may be other laminate floors on the market that are merely water resistant.
• Durability: Luxury vinyl is generally more durable and better suited for high-traffic areas, however, in the case of CALI Laminate, planks are protected by an extra scratch resistant wear layer with an AC4 commercial rating.
• Comfort: Vinyl flooring with a WPC core, like CALI’s Legends and Laguna collections, provides a softer, more comfortable feel underfoot compared to most laminate floors, but with CALI Laminate planks are thicker and enhanced with a high-density wood core that makes them more robust and comfortable to walk on. Also, all CALI Vinyl and Laminate flooring is backed by an attached cushion to make them more supportive.

Read more about Laminate vs Vinyl here.

Why Choose Vinyl?

Vinyl wood look flooring offers superior performance in terms of water resistance and durability. Its ability to withstand the rigors of everyday life makes it a better choice for active households and areas prone to moisture.

How to Clean Vinyl Floors That Look Like Wood

Maintaining the beauty of your wood look vinyl flooring is simple with the right cleaning techniques. Here’s how to keep your floors looking their best:

Daily Cleaning

• Sweeping: Use a soft broom to remove dirt and debris.
• Vacuuming: Use a vacuum with a hard floor setting (no beater bar) to avoid scratching the surface.

Weekly Cleaning

• Mopping: Use a damp mop with a mild cleaning solution specifically designed for vinyl flooring.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of abrasive cleaners and scrubbers that can damage the finish. We recommend using Bona Pro Cleaner.

Stain Removal

• Spills: Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining.
• Stubborn Stains: Use a gentle cleaner and a soft cloth to remove tough stains.

Tips for Long-Term Care

• Protective Pads: Place protective pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches.
• Door Mats: Use door mats to reduce the amount of dirt and moisture tracked onto the floors.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure your wood look vinyl flooring remains beautiful and durable for years to come. See all CALI care and maintenance tips.

Get more vinyl floor cleaning tips here.

Wood look vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking the beauty of hardwood without the associated cost and maintenance. CALI’s luxury vinyl collections, including Longboards, Windansea, Legends, Laguna, Select, and Select XL offer stunning wood visuals with unmatched durability and ease of maintenance. These collections provide realistic textures and colors, making them a perfect fit for any home.

Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or any other space, CALI’s wood look vinyl flooring delivers the perfect combination of style, durability, and affordability. Explore CALI’s luxury vinyl collections today and transform your home with the beauty of wood look vinyl flooring.