It's the most common question on our showroom floor: real hardwood or luxury vinyl plank? The honest answer is that they're different tools for different jobs - here's the comparison we walk customers through.
| Solid/Engineered Hardwood | Luxury Vinyl Plank | |
|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | Poor - spills must be handled fast | Fully waterproof |
| Refinishing | Solid: 2-3 times over its life | No - replace when worn |
| Comfort underfoot | Hard, natural warmth | Slightly cushioned, warmer feel |
| Pet & kid durability | Shows scratches; patinas | Scratch-resistant wear layers |
| Resale value | Strong buyer appeal | Neutral - seen as updated, not premium |
| Installed cost | $8-$15 / sq ft | $5-$11 / sq ft |
| Basement-safe | Engineered only, with barrier | Yes |
Choose Hardwood When...
- You plan to stay in the home long-term - it can be refinished, not replaced.
- You want maximum resale appeal in main living areas.
- You love authentic grain, color variation, and the way it ages.
- The rooms stay dry - no baths, no basements, no mudrooms.
Choose LVP When...
- Water is part of life - kitchens, bathrooms, basements, mudrooms.
- You have big dogs or young kids and want zero-stress maintenance.
- Budget matters - you get the wood look for less.
- You want fast installation with minimal disruption.
The Hybrid Answer Most Homes Land On
Plenty of our customers pick both: hardwood in the living and dining rooms where it shows, LVP in the kitchen and entry where life happens. If your old floors are solid wood that's seen better days, hardwood refinishing can restore what you have for less than replacement.
See both side by side
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