Engineered Hardwood vs. High End Vinyl Plank

[Arjun K.]

Situation overview: New rehab. Luxury-type, but not the highest high-end. High end would target $2500 rent. Median rents are ~$1,500. This one is at $2000. Pet heavy market and unit will go on market off-season (October or November). This is a long-term buy-and-hole rental (10+ years). Was planning on going laminate. However, it seemed than plank vinyl is "safer" than laminate and the new high-end plank vinyls look OK. But the price runs against going with actual engineered hardwood. I'm told vinyl may be better for me: long-term rental will hold up better. But I squirm at paying wood prices for a non-wood product!