Choosing between luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and hardwood flooring is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during a renovation. Both look beautiful in photos, but they perform very differently in real-world conditions. One might add $15,000 to your home’s resale value, while the other could save you $10,000 upfront.
This guide cuts through the marketing hype to give you the facts you need to make the right choice for your home, budget, and lifestyle.
Quick Comparison Overview
FactorHardwoodLVPCost$8-$20+ per sq ft installed$4-$10 per sq ft installedLifespan30-100+ years10-25 yearsWater ResistancePoor (damages easily)Excellent (waterproof)Resale Value ImpactHigh (+3-5%)Minimal to moderateMaintenanceModerate (refinishing needed)Low (sweep and mop)AuthenticityReal woodRealistic imitationPet-FriendlyModerate (scratches easily)Excellent (scratch resistant)DIY InstallationDifficultEasy to moderate
Cost Comparison: Initial Investment and Long-Term Value
Hardwood upfront cost: Expect to pay $8-$15 per square foot for mid-grade oak or maple, including installation. Premium species like walnut or hickory run $12-$20+ per square foot. For a 1,000 sq ft installation, budget $8,000-$20,000.
LVP upfront cost: Quality LVP ranges from $4-$7 per square foot installed, with premium waterproof options reaching $8-$10. The same 1,000 sq ft installation costs $4,000-$10,000 – potentially saving you $4,000-$10,000 upfront.
Long-term cost considerations: Here’s where the calculation gets more complex. Hardwood requires refinishing every 7-15 years at $3-$5 per square foot ($3,000-$5,000 for 1,000 sq ft). Over 30 years, expect to refinish 2-3 times, adding $6,000-$15,000 to lifetime costs.
LVP doesn’t refinish – when it wears out in 15-25 years, you replace it entirely at $4,000-$10,000. Over 30 years, you might replace LVP once.
30-year total cost estimate:
- Hardwood: $8,000-$20,000 initial + $6,000-$15,000 refinishing = $14,000-$35,000
- LVP: $4,000-$10,000 initial + $4,000-$10,000 replacement = $8,000-$20,000
But there’s a crucial difference: Hardwood typically adds 3-5% to your home’s resale value. On a $300,000 home, that’s $9,000-$15,000. LVP adds minimal resale value. When you factor in resale impact, hardwood often delivers superior financial returns despite higher costs.
Durability and Lifespan: Which Lasts Longer?
Hardwood lifespan: Properly maintained hardwood floors last 30-100+ years. Many historic homes still have original hardwood floors from the 1920s-1940s. The key is refinishing – hardwood can be sanded and refinished 4-10 times (depending on thickness), essentially giving you a brand new floor surface without replacement.
LVP lifespan: Quality LVP lasts 10-25 years depending on wear layer thickness and traffic levels. Once the wear layer is compromised, the floor cannot be refinished – only replaced. Budget LVP with thin wear layers may show wear in 5-10 years in high-traffic areas.
Scratch and dent resistance: Modern LVP with aluminum oxide wear layers resists scratches better than most hardwood finishes. However, once LVP is damaged, it cannot be repaired – only replaced plank by plank. Hardwood scratches more easily but can be sanded and refinished to look new.
Winner for longevity: Hardwood, by a significant margin. The ability to refinish multiple times means hardwood can literally last a lifetime, while LVP requires eventual replacement.
Water Resistance: The Critical Difference
This is LVP’s biggest advantage over hardwood.
Hardwood and water: Water is hardwood’s enemy. Spills must be wiped up immediately. Standing water causes cupping, warping, and permanent damage. Humidity fluctuations cause expansion and contraction, potentially creating gaps or buckling. Hardwood is completely unsuitable for bathrooms and risky in kitchens and basements.
LVP and water: Quality LVP is 100% waterproof. The vinyl core doesn’t absorb moisture, making it ideal for:
- Bathrooms (including full baths with showers)
- Kitchens (where spills are common)
- Basements (prone to moisture issues)
- Laundry rooms
- Mudrooms and entryways
Real-world impact: If you have kids, pets, or simply spill drinks occasionally, LVP’s waterproof nature provides enormous peace of mind. A knocked-over water bowl that would require emergency cleanup on hardwood is a non-issue on LVP.
Winner for water resistance: LVP, overwhelmingly. This single factor drives many homeowners to choose LVP over hardwood, especially for kitchens and family-heavy households.
Appearance and Authenticity: Can You Tell the Difference?
Hardwood authenticity: Nothing looks or feels quite like real hardwood. The natural grain variations, color depth, and subtle texture differences between planks create authentic character. Walk across hardwood barefoot, and you feel the natural wood warmth and texture.
LVP realism (2025 technology): Modern LVP has improved dramatically. High-end products use:
- High-definition printing capturing real wood grain with incredible detail
- Embossed textures matching the printed grain pattern
- Varying plank widths and lengths mimicking real installations
- Color variation between planks
- Matte finishes reducing artificial sheen
The 10-foot test: From 10 feet away, premium LVP is nearly indistinguishable from hardwood. Most visitors won’t notice the difference unless they examine closely or touch the flooring.
Up close examination: Upon close inspection or touch, most people can identify LVP:
- The texture feels slightly artificial
- The pattern repeats (same grain pattern appears on multiple planks)
- Edges lack the authenticity of real wood
- Temperature feels cooler (vinyl vs. wood)
Winner for appearance: Hardwood for authenticity, but premium LVP is remarkably close. If appearance is your #1 priority and budget allows, hardwood wins. If you want great looks with practical benefits, modern LVP delivers 85-90% of hardwood’s aesthetic appeal.
Installation: DIY-Friendly vs. Professional-Only
Hardwood installation complexity: Installing solid hardwood requires professional skills:
- Substrate must be perfectly prepared
- Planks must acclimate to room conditions for 3-7 days
- Specialized tools needed (nailers, saws, moisture meters)
- Precise spacing required for expansion
- Finishing and sealing required for unfinished products
Most homeowners hire professionals. DIY hardwood installation often results in problems – gaps, cupping, poor transitions, or finish issues.
LVP installation simplicity: Many LVP products feature click-lock installation requiring no glue, nails, or special tools. The floating floor installation is genuinely DIY-friendly:
- No acclimation period needed (install immediately)
- Cuts with basic utility knife or saw
- Clicks together like laminate flooring
- Underlayment often pre-attached
- No finishing required
DIY savings: Professional installation costs $3-$7 per sq ft for both products. If you DIY LVP, you save $3,000-$7,000 on a 1,000 sq ft project. DIY hardwood installation is not recommended for most homeowners.
Winner for installation: LVP for DIY capability and ease. Hardwood requires professional installation in most cases.
Maintenance Requirements: Time and Effort
Hardwood maintenance:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly (daily in high-traffic areas)
- Damp mop only (never wet mop)
- Immediate spill cleanup essential
- Specialized hardwood cleaners required
- Avoid harsh chemicals
- Refinishing every 7-15 years ($3,000-$5,000)
- Area rugs recommended in high-traffic zones
LVP maintenance:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly
- Wet mop freely (waterproof)
- Most cleaners safe (avoid harsh abrasives)
- No refinishing ever
- Spills can sit briefly without damage
- Individual planks replaceable if damaged
Time commitment: Hardwood requires more careful, time-intensive maintenance. LVP’s wash-and-go simplicity saves hours annually.
Winner for maintenance: LVP by a significant margin. If low-maintenance living is important, LVP is the clear choice.
Environmental and Health Considerations
Hardwood environmental impact:
- Natural, renewable resource (if sustainably harvested)
- FSC-certified options ensure responsible forestry
- Biodegradable at end of life
- Long lifespan reduces replacement frequency
- Off-gassing minimal after installation (mainly from finishes)
LVP environmental impact:
- Made from petroleum-based vinyl
- Manufacturing process creates pollution
- Not biodegradable
- Shorter lifespan means more frequent replacement
- Some products emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
- Look for FloorScore or GreenGuard certification for low VOC products
Indoor air quality: Quality LVP products with low-VOC certifications are safe for indoor use. Cheap LVP without certifications may off-gas concerning chemicals. Always choose certified products for health safety.
Winner for environment: Hardwood, especially FSC-certified sustainable options. LVP’s petroleum base and shorter lifespan create larger environmental footprints.
Pet Owners: Which Flooring Survives?
Hardwood and pets:
- Scratches from claws (especially large dogs)
- Water damage from accidents
- Food bowl spills can cause staining
- Can be refinished to remove damage
- Darker stains and distressed finishes hide scratches better
LVP and pets:
- Highly scratch-resistant (won’t eliminate all scratches but far better than hardwood)
- Waterproof (accidents won’t damage floor)
- Food/water bowls won’t cause damage
- Cannot be refinished if damaged
- Easier cleaning of pet messes
Real-world verdict: Most pet owners prefer LVP. The waterproof nature and scratch resistance outweigh hardwood’s refinishing advantage. If you have large dogs or multiple pets, LVP saves significant stress and maintenance.
Winner for pet households: LVP, especially for homes with multiple pets or large dogs.
Resale Value Impact: The Investment Perspective
Hardwood resale advantage: Real estate professionals consistently report that hardwood floors add value and sell homes faster:
- Homes with hardwood sell 3-7% faster
- Buyers willing to pay 3-5% premiums for hardwood
- Viewed as premium feature
- Timeless appeal across generations
LVP resale perception: LVP is increasingly accepted but still viewed as budget-friendly rather than premium:
- Recognized as practical choice
- Doesn’t negatively impact value
- Adds minimal to no premium to sale price
- Some luxury buyers still prefer only real hardwood
Investment ROI: If you plan to sell within 5-10 years, hardwood’s resale advantage often justifies higher costs. If this is your forever home, choose based on lifestyle needs rather than resale considerations.
Winner for resale value: Hardwood by a substantial margin. If maximizing home value is a priority, hardwood is the better investment.
Making Your Decision: Which is Right for You?
Choose Hardwood if:
- You plan to stay in your home 10+ years
- Resale value is a priority
- You value authentic wood aesthetics
- Your budget supports higher upfront costs
- You’re willing to maintain and refinish floors
- Water exposure will be minimal
- You don’t have large dogs or multiple pets
Choose LVP if:
- Budget is a primary concern
- You have children or pets
- Water resistance is essential (kitchens, basrooms, basements)
- Low maintenance is a priority
- You want DIY installation capability
- You prefer worry-free living over maximum resale value
- You plan to update flooring again in 15-20 years
The hybrid approach: Many homeowners install hardwood in main living areas (living room, dining room, bedrooms) for resale value and aesthetics, while using LVP in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements where water resistance is critical. This combination delivers the best of both worlds.
Common Misconceptions Debunked
Myth 1: “LVP looks fake and cheap” Reality: Budget LVP looks fake. Premium LVP ($$6+ per sq ft) is remarkably realistic and fools most visitors.
Myth 2: “Hardwood can’t handle modern life” Reality: With proper maintenance, hardwood performs well in busy homes. Millions of families successfully use hardwood with kids and pets.
Myth 3: “LVP is indestructible” Reality: LVP resists water and scratches better than hardwood, but it can still be damaged and cannot be refinished. Heavy furniture, dragging sharp objects, or extreme heat can damage LVP.
Myth 4: “Hardwood always adds value” Reality: Poorly maintained or damaged hardwood can actually reduce home value. Only quality hardwood in good condition adds resale premiums.
Bottom Line: The Best Choice for Most Homeowners
There’s no universal “best” choice – it depends on your priorities:
For investment-focused homeowners prioritizing resale value: Hardwood, despite higher costs and maintenance requirements.
For practical, busy families wanting worry-free flooring: LVP, especially in high-moisture or high-traffic areas.
For luxury aesthetics and lifetime durability: Hardwood, with commitment to proper maintenance.
For budget-conscious renovators wanting great looks: Quality LVP delivers 85% of hardwood’s appeal at 50-60% of the cost.
For DIY enthusiasts: LVP installs far easier than hardwood.
For environmentally-conscious buyers: FSC-certified hardwood has smaller environmental impact than petroleum-based LVP.
The decision ultimately comes down to your specific situation. Assess your budget, lifestyle, pets, maintenance willingness, resale timeline, and priorities. Both hardwood and LVP are excellent products that will serve you well if chosen for the right reasons.
