The Great Flooring Debate: LVP vs Hardwood
Choosing between Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and traditional hardwood flooring is one of the most common decisions homeowners face. Both options have their strengths, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and design preferences.
What is LVP Flooring?
Luxury Vinyl Plank is a synthetic flooring material that mimics the look of real wood. Modern LVP features:
- Realistic wood-grain textures using advanced printing technology
- 100% waterproof construction with SPC or WPC cores
- Click-lock installation for easy DIY projects
- Wear layers ranging from 12 to 28 mil for durability
Traditional Hardwood Benefits
Solid hardwood flooring remains the gold standard for several reasons:
- Natural beauty that cannot be perfectly replicated
- Increases home value - a proven return on investment
- Can be refinished multiple times over decades
- Lasts 50-100 years with proper care
Cost Comparison
Here is what you can expect to pay per square foot:
- LVP: $2-7 per sq ft (materials) + $1-3 installation
- Hardwood: $5-15 per sq ft (materials) + $3-8 installation
Best Applications
Choose LVP for: Basements, bathrooms, kitchens, rental properties, homes with pets
Choose Hardwood for: Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, homes where you want long-term value
Our Recommendation
For most homeowners, we recommend LVP in moisture-prone areas and hardwood in main living spaces. This combination gives you the best of both worlds - practicality where you need it and timeless elegance where it matters most.