Rigid Core vs. Engineered Hardwood – Where to Use Each

March 7, 2025

If you need wood flooring in a wet area, you have a few choices. These include luxury vinyl tile, porcelain tile, and some laminate floors. Two popular flooring options, however, are rigid-core vinyl flooring and engineered hardwood flooring. Both provide durability, water resistance, and style but are best suited for different spaces.

Rigid core vinyl is typically 100% waterproof. So, if you think your floors will face constant exposure to water, think of the bathroom; it’s an excellent choice. The flooring is easy to install and maintain and is ideal for high-traffic areas and moisture-prone spaces.

Engineered hardwood flooring combines the beauty of real wood with improved moisture resistance over solid hardwood flooring. It features a wood veneer over a plywood or HDF core, giving it more stability. Wide plank styles and various wood species make it an excellent choice for formal living spaces.

However, engineered hardwood isn’t generally waterproof. It is only water-resistant. So, you need to think twice before using it in your bathroom.

Here’s a closer look at each and where to best use them.

Comparing Rigid Core and Engineered Hardwood

What is Rigid Core Flooring?

Rigid core is a step up from LVT or LVP flooring. Like those types of flooring, vinyl is the baseline. However, rigid core is even more durable thanks to a strong core for added moisture resistance.

Two types of rigid-core vinyl exist:

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC)

WPC features a wood-polymer composite core for a softer, more comfortable feel underfoot. It offers excellent moisture resistance, even complete waterproofing.

For example, Robbins®’ Pro-Tekt(TM) rigid core vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof. Check whatever rigid core you purchase to determine whether it’s waterproof or water-resistant.

With Pro-Tekt, you can use the flooring anywhere in your home without concern. The top layer is virtually impenetrable, capable of withstanding pets, kids, pan drops, water spills, etc.

Pro-Tekt is such a durable floor that Robbins warrants it for 35 years, and its Pro-Tekt Trending carries a lifetime warranty.

Stone Plastic Composite (SPC)

With a stone core, SPC flooring is more dense and rigid. It delivers exceptional durability and is highly scratch-resistant. Generally, SPC is 100% waterproof, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.

What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Engineered wood floors combine the look of solid hardwood flooring with better moisture resistance and stability. Typically, you can purchase engineered hardwood at a better price than solid wood.

Engineered wood offers a premium look and is available in wide plank styles and various wood species. Remember, the surface is genuine hardwood, not vinyl. As a result, it generally has a higher resale value than rigid-core vinyl.

Water Resistance vs. Waterproof

Engineered hardwood uses a real wood veneer over a plywood or HDF core. That core provides greater stability, reducing the floor’s tendency to expand and contract. Consequently, the flooring holds up better against temperature and humidity changes.

You can use engineered hardwood in your basement. However, standard engineered wood floors are water-resistant, not waterproof. Some advanced options, though, offer 100% waterproof protection.

For instance, Robbins has taken engineered wood to another level, offering waterproof options. HydroGuard™ is a 100% waterproof engineered hardwood floor, making it even more versatile than standard engineered options.

Best Uses for Each Flooring Type

Choosing between rigid core flooring and engineered hardwood depends on where and how you plan to use it. Rigid core vinyl is ideal for moisture-prone and high-traffic areas, while engineered hardwood brings the elegance of real wood to more formal spaces.

Below, we break down the best applications for each flooring option to help you decide which is right for your home.

1. Bedrooms and Living Rooms

Best choice: Engineered hardwood

It offers the classic beauty of real wood and is well-suited for lower-traffic areas.

2. Kitchens and Bathrooms

Best choice: Rigid core flooring

Most rigid core floors are 100% waterproof. So you won’t have to worry about kids splashing water onto the floors during bath time. Moreover, rigid core can handle the high traffic that kitchens often get, not to mention the dropped pots and pans that could dent wood floors.

3. Laundry Rooms and Basements

Best choice: Tie

Both floors readily handle moisture-prone basements. The rigid core might have an edge in laundry rooms if you frequently wipe up water spills.

4. Dining Rooms and Home Offices

Best choice: Engineered hardwood flooring

It offers the classic beauty of real wood while being more stable than solid hardwood flooring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Deciding between rigid-core vinyl flooring and engineered hardwood flooring can be challenging. We’ve answered some of the most common questions about durability, water resistance, lifespan, installation, and maintenance.

1. Which lasts longer—rigid core vinyl or engineered hardwood?

Engineered hardwood lasts 30–50 years. You can refinish the flooring depending on the thickness of the veneer. The thicker the veneer, the more often you can refinish it.

Rigid core flooring typically lasts 20–30 years, though, as mentioned, Robbins warrants its floors longer. Once worn, you have to replace it.

2. Is rigid core vinyl genuinely waterproof?

Yes! SPC rigid core flooring is 100% waterproof, while WPC rigid core is at least highly water-resistant. Thus, rigid core is the better option for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, where water resistance is key.

3. Does engineered hardwood add more home value than rigid core?

Yes! Engineered hardwood flooring has a higher resale value than rigid-core vinyl. Its real wood veneer offers a more premium appearance.

4. Can I install rigid core or engineered hardwood myself?

Rigid core flooring is DIY-friendly and requires no adhesives for click-lock installation. Engineered hardwood can also be floated, but gluing or nailing provides a more stable installation.

Engineered wood must also be acclimated before installation to prevent expansion issues.

5. Which flooring is better for homes with pets and kids?

Rigid-core vinyl flooring is better for scratch and stain resistance and easy cleaning. Engineered hardwood floors are more prone to scratches, but some have durable wear layers for extra protection.

Final Thoughts: Which Flooring Is Right for You?

Both rigid-core vinyl and engineered hardwood flooring offer high-quality options with unique benefits.

Choose rigid core flooring if you need a 100% waterproof solution. It is often a better choice for high-traffic and wear areas.

Choose engineered hardwood flooring for real wood beauty, a higher resale value, and refinishing potential.

Either way, Robbins Flooring offers a wide selection of engineered hardwood and rigid core flooring to fit your style and needs. Explore our collection today to find the perfect floor for your home! Find a Robbins retailer near you.