The look and the overall valuation of your home would depend much on the flooring, so picking a suitable one is not an easy choice for any homeowner. There are two popular options available in the market, for instance, Malibu wide plank and LifeProof plank flooring.
In this blog post, you will get to know different aspects of both of these options to pick the better one.
So, without further ado, let’s get started knowing about the different features of the flooring options.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specifications | Malibu Wide Plank Flooring | LifeProof Plank Flooring |
| Material | Malibu Wide Plank Flooring is made of engineered real hardwood. | LifeProof Plank Flooring is made of vinyl. |
| Installation process | Yes, it can be installed in multiple processes, to ensure additional bonding glue needs to be added in the nailing process. | The installation process is easy. It can be a DIY process with minimal tools and experience. |
| Durability | Malibu Wide Plank Flooring is more exposed to getting dent and scratched. | LifeProof Plank Flooring is more durable by ensuring scratch resistance, waterproof feature, and so on. |
| Maintenance | To ensure it remains good for a long time, it requires regular maintenance. | LifeProof Plank Flooring is very low-maintenance and easy to clean. |
| Lines of products | Malibu Wide Plank Flooring comes in a look of natural wood grain mostly. | LifeProof Plank Flooring comes in so many varieties of colors and styles. |
| Price | LifeProof Plank Flooring would cost more, mostly for having real wood as a material. | Due to the material, it would cost significantly lesser compared to Malibu Wide Plank Flooring. |
| Environmental impact | For having real hardwood and nature-friendly options as material Malibu Wide Plank Flooring is more environmentally sustainable. | LifeProof Plank Flooring is made from synthetic materials, which is why it can be harmful to the environment. |
| Lifespan | Malibu Wide Plank Flooring can remain for a long time, but it is subject to proper maintenance. | LifeProof Plank Flooring can have a lifespan of 10-15 years. |
| Noise resistance | It can cause noise. | LifeProof Plank Flooring absorbs noise really well. |
| Resale value | Higher. | It may not have a higher resale value compared to Malibu Wide Plank Flooring. |
So, these are some notable features of both Malibu Wide Plank and LifeProof Plank Flooring. If you are still confused, then you can get to know more about these features in the following section.
Key Differences Between Malibu Wide Plank And LifeProof Plank Flooring
After knowing the features in brief, it is time to know in detail to make a more informed decision.
- Material of the flooring
The look of the flooring would mostly depend on the material of the flooring.
Malibu Wide Plank Flooring is made of engineered real hardwood.
That is why it gives a natural look to the home.
On the other hand, LifeProof Plank Flooring is made of vinyl.
So, the look is very different compared to the former one.
- Installation process
Malibu Wide Plank Flooring has multiple processes for doing the installation job. But to ensure, additional bonding glue needs to be added in the nailing process.
On the contrary, LifeProof Plank Flooring has a pretty straightforward process for installation, hence it can be a DIY process with simple tools and less experienced installers.
- Durability
Malibu Wide Plank Flooring is more exposed to getting dent and scratched. Moreover, it is not moisture-resistant. But LifeProof Plank Flooring is more durable by ensuring scratch and moisture resistance, waterproof feature, and so on.
- Maintenance
Malibu Wide Plank Flooring requires regular maintenance work and not keeping it exposed to moisture for long. LifeProof Plank Flooring requires very low maintenance.
- Lines of products
Natural wood grain flooring is the design that mostly comes with Malibu Wide Plank Flooring. Unlike this, LifeProof Plank Flooring comes with so many varieties of colors and styles.
- Price
Malibu Wide Plank Flooring cost significantly more due to having natural wood as the primary material. Similarly, for having synthetic material, LifeProof Plank Flooring costs are lower.
- Environmental impact
Synthetic materials are being used for manufacturing LifeProof Plank Flooring. That is why it has adverse effects on the environment. But Malibu Wide Plank Flooring comes with natural and naturally friendly materials. It makes it more environmentally sustainable.
- Lifespan
The lifespan of Malibu Wide Plank Flooring would depend on proper maintenance of it. LifeProof Plank Flooring would have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
- Noise resistance
LifeProof Plank Flooring can absorb the noise better. Hence, it can do the work of noise insulation.
But it is not true for Malibu Wide Plank Flooring, rather it can cause noise.
- Resale value
Malibu Wide Plank Flooring has a better resale value when selling a home.
LifeProof Plank Flooring does not assist in increasing the resale value of a home similarly.
After knowing the detail of both flooring, I am sure you have got the needed information to take a concrete decision.
Which Plank Flooring Is Better For You?
The choice would depend entirely on you and your circumstances, as both come with pros and cons.
If you are on a tight budget, then you are more likely to pick LifeProof Plank Flooring. It has more durability, sound insulation, a better finish, an easy installation process, and so on.
But it is not environmentally sustainable and does not add much to the resale value of a home.
If you would like to have an environmentally sustainable option, then you can get Malibu Wide Plank Flooring at a higher price. But it would depend on your affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, it is good flooring, gives a natural look, and is environmentally sustainable.
No, it is not waterproof. It is harmful when it has enough exposure to moisture.
White Oak, Hickory, and Hickory is the most durable material for wide plank hardwood flooring
Yes, it requires fewer tools and almost no experience. So, it can be a DIY work as well.
Luxury Vinyl Plank is a close competitor to the real wood on look according to the reviews of the customers.
Wrapping Things Up
When thinking about Malibu wide plank and LifeProof plank flooring, the choice ultimately depends on your needs and budget. Both offer unique pros and cons.
Malibu wide plank flooring offers a natural look with greater environmental sustainability, but it is more prone to dent and scratching, not waterproof, and is higher priced.
On the contrary, LifeProof Plank Flooring is waterproof, durable, and affordable but has a synthetic look with no resale value addition. I am sure you will pick the best option that fits your requirement.
Cheers!