When it comes to choosing flooring for your home, the battle between luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and hardwood flooring can feel like a tough call—and it’s easy to see why. Both are popular flooring choices, and each comes with its own set of pros and cons. So, which one should you pick? Below, we’ll compare the unique benefits and challenges of LVP and hardwood flooring to help you decide which one is the better option for your home.
Now this decision is not an easy one since there are several factors to take into account—your lifestyle, budget, long-term goals, and, of course, personal taste. Are you looking for something durable that can withstand pets, kids, and everyday wear and tear, or is the timeless elegance of natural wood more important to you? Both LVP and hardwood offer their own blend of practicality and aesthetics. This is why Lion’s Pride Flooring will break it down to help you with the decision process of which one aligns best with your needs and you do not have to keep asking “Luxury Vinyl Plank vs Hardwood Flooring which one should I get”?
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): The Innovative Contender
LVP is a popular option for those looking for a practical flooring solution. With its layered construction—typically a strong core, a high-definition wood-look design, and a clear protective layer—LVP is designed to be both stylish and practical. How does it work? The core layer of LVP can be vinyl, plastic, or fiberglass, which is then topped with a 3D-printed photo layer that gives it its wood-like appearance. On top of that, there’s a clear protective vinyl layer. It can handle the everyday wear and tear of a busy home while offering the visual appeal of real hardwood.
So, why is LVP winning over so many homeowners? Here’s what makes it stand out:
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- Durable and scratch-resistant: Perfect for high-traffic areas, LVP stands up to pets, kids, and heavy furniture without showing its age.
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- Waterproof: Unlike hardwood, LVP won’t warp or stain when exposed to moisture, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
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- Budget-friendly: You get the look of real wood at a fraction of the cost.
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- Easy to install: Thanks to its click-and-lock design, many homeowners find LVP to be a DIY-friendly project.
But, no flooring is perfect, and LVP has its limits. It’s not biodegradable, so it’s less eco-friendly than natural materials like hardwood. However, many manufacturers are taking steps toward creating more sustainable versions of LVP to address this concern. Ok, moving on to Hardwood Flooring.
Hardwood Flooring: The Classic Choice
Hardwood flooring is a classic choice that has been used in homes for centuries. It’s the go-to flooring for homeowners looking for a timeless, elegant feel. It’s available in solid wood planks or engineered wood, which has a hardwood veneer. Hardwood flooring is known for its natural beauty and elegance, and it can significantly enhance the aesthetic of any room. Its rich grain patterns, unique knots, and natural imperfections bring warmth and character that no synthetic material can fully replicate. Whether it’s solid wood or engineered, hardwood floors offer longevity and beauty that few other materials can match.
Here are some key reasons why homeowners continue to choose hardwood:
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- Natural beauty and timeless appeal: Each plank is unique, giving your space an organic, one-of-a-kind look. Take a quick step back and think of a time were you looked at the floor and said “wow that looks nice”…yes it was most likely hardwood flooring.
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- Resale value: Hardwood floors can significantly increase the value of your home—buyers love the prestige and durability that come with real wood. But as always, reach out to your realtor as they are the expert in that field.
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- Longevity: With proper care, hardwood can last for generations. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times to restore its original beauty.
However, hardwood does require more care and attention compared to LVP:
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- Vulnerable to scratches and dents: High heels, pet claws, and heavy furniture can leave their mark if you’re not careful.
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- Susceptible to water damage: Moisture is hardwood’s biggest enemy. Spills need to be wiped up pretty much immediately to prevent warping and staining.
Over time, hardwood can lose its shine, requiring refinishing to restore its appearance. Despite this, hardwood remains a popular option for homeowners seeking a high-end, natural look.
Cost Comparison: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Investment
One of the most common decision-making factors luxury vinyl plank vs hardwood flooring is cost. Budget plays a crucial role in determining which option is more feasible for your home, and the price difference between LVP and hardwood flooring varies significantly. Understanding the price range and ongoing costs for both options will help you decide which one makes the most sense for your specific budget and goals. Below are some general numbers.
Luxury Vinyl Plank:
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- Cost range: $2 to $7 per square foot (including installation)
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- Upfront investment: LVP is much more affordable than hardwood, with a lower initial cost that makes it appealing for homeowners on a budget.
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- Ongoing costs: Minimal maintenance costs, no need for refinishing.
Hardwood Flooring:
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- Cost range: $8 to $25 per square foot (including installation)
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- Upfront investment: Hardwood costs significantly more upfront, making it a bigger investment.
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- Ongoing costs: Periodic refinishing and potential repairs can add up over time, increasing the long-term cost.
While LVP is cheaper, hardwood can add value to your home and may be worth the investment for some homeowners. Hardwood may cost more upfront, but it’s important to remember that it’s an investment that could pay off in the long run. Hardwood floors can boost your home’s resale value, making them worth the higher price tag if you’re planning on staying in your home for a while or selling it later. On the other hand, LVP is a more affordable choice for homeowners who want something durable, beautiful, and budget-friendly.
Durability and Maintenance: Everyday Life Matters
When you’re choosing flooring, you need to think about how it will hold up under your daily routine. Your flooring isn’t just about looks; it needs to be functional and resilient enough to handle whatever life throws its way. Kids, pets, guests, and the occasional spill can put your floors to the test.
Luxury Vinyl Plank:
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- Durability: Highly resistant to scratches, dents, and general wear.
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- Waterproof: Perfect for rooms where spills and moisture are common, like kitchens and bathrooms.
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- Maintenance: Simple to clean with regular sweeping and mopping. If a plank gets damaged, it’s easy to replace individual pieces.
Hardwood Flooring:
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- Durability: Prone to scratches and dents, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with pets.
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- Moisture sensitivity: Hardwood doesn’t perform well in wet or humid environments.
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- Maintenance: Requires more attention, including specific cleaning products and techniques. Refinishing can restore its original look, extending the life of the floor.
If you need something tough and low-maintenance, LVP is your best bet. It’s built for busy households, so you won’t have to constantly worry about every spill or scuff. Hardwood, while beautiful, requires more upkeep to stay in pristine condition—but its ability to be refinished means it can look like new again, even after years of wear.
Aesthetics: Natural Charm vs. Engineered Precision
Both LVP and hardwood have distinct looks. They both offer strong aesthetic appeal, but they offer different looks and feels for your space. Whether you’re aiming for a modern, clean-lined aesthetic or a more traditional, rustic ambiance, both LVP and hardwood can elevate your space in their own way, giving you the flexibility to achieve the exact vibe you envision.
Luxury Vinyl Plank:
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- Utilizes advanced printing technology to replicate wood’s look and feel.
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- Offers consistent, uniform patterns and colors.
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- Planks typically come in lengths of up to 4 feet.
Hardwood Flooring:
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- Natural variations in grain, color, and knots give each plank a distinct character.
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- Longer planks, often up to 7 feet, create an elegant, uninterrupted flow in the space.
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- Available in a variety of wood species, from oak to walnut, each offering its own unique finish.
Luxury Vinyl Plank is perfect if you want a clean, consistent look that closely mimics wood, while hardwood offers a more organic, natural charm. The choice really comes down to personal preference and the kind of atmosphere you want to create in your home.
Environmental Impact: Keeping It Sustainable
Sustainability is an important consideration for many homeowners. If sustainability is a key factor in your decision, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of each material. Hardwood is a natural, renewable resource, while LVP is made from synthetic materials.
Luxury Vinyl Plank:
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- Made from synthetic materials, which are not biodegradable.
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- Some brands offer more eco-friendly, low-emission options.
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- Can improve energy efficiency through better insulation.
Hardwood Flooring:
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- Naturally renewable and biodegradable when responsibly sourced.
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- FSC-certified options are available to ensure sustainable harvesting practices.
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- However, some hardwood finishes contain VOCs, which can affect indoor air quality.
While hardwood is a renewable resource, responsible sourcing is critical. If environmental impact is a top priority, look for hardwood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which ensures sustainable harvesting practices.
Final Verdict: LVP or Hardwood?
When deciding between LVP and hardwood, it’s important to consider your lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences. LVP is a durable, low-maintenance option that’s great for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas. Hardwood offers timeless beauty and can add significant value to your home, but it requires more care and attention to maintain. Both flooring options have their strengths and weaknesses, so the best choice depends on your needs and priorities.
Whichever you choose, both LVP and hardwood flooring offer beautiful, functional solutions for your home. Whether you’re leaning toward the convenience and affordability of LVP or the timeless charm and longevity of hardwood, rest assured that either option will serve you well for years to come. The real question is: Which one fits your lifestyle and vision best? And did Lion’s Pride Flooring help you answer “Luxury Vinyl Plank vs Hardwood Flooring which one should I get”?
