Your home’s flooring plays a pivotal role in shaping its look, feel, and functionality. The floors are one of the largest design elements in your space, so making the right choice is essential.
Among the most popular options today are hardwood floors and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. These can look identical to the naked eye, but they’re made of completely different materials.
Although hardwood floors are still highly sought after, vinyl flooring has taken center stage and driven massive industry growth in recent years. You’ll find it in both residential and commercial spaces alike.
These two main types of modern flooring have distinct appeal and benefits, but how do you choose the right one for your needs?
If you’re in the process of evaluating hardwood vs vinyl plank, this guide will walk you through the differences, benefits, and considerations of each flooring type. With our team’s help, you can make a truly informed decision.
Overview of Hardwood Floors
Types of Hardwood Floors
Solid Hardwood Floors
This is the real thing. Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood and is known for its unmatched durability and rich appearance. Additionally, a wood floor can be sanded and refinished multiple times, which makes it a long-lasting investment for homeowners.
Engineered Hardwood Floors
Engineered wood flooring is constructed with multiple layers of wood, which provides added stability and resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations. This type of wood floor is a great option for areas of your home that experience varying conditions, such as basements or kitchens.
Popular Wood Species Floors
If they want hardwood floors, homeowners often choose real wood from species like oak, maple, and cherry. Oak is known for its traditional look and high durability, while maple offers a lighter, more modern aesthetic. Cherry has a rich, warm tone that creates a luxurious feel in a wood floor.
Benefits of Hardwood Flooring
Timeless Elegance
Hardwood floors are universally admired for their natural beauty and sophistication. Their ability to complement virtually any design style, from rustic to contemporary, makes hardwood a go-to choice for many homeowners.
Durability
With proper care, engineered or real hardwood floors can last decades. They’re tough enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily life, especially if you choose harder wood species like oak or hickory.
Restoration Potential
One of the biggest advantages of real hardwood floors is that they can be refinished multiple times. Scratches, dents, and wear can be buffed out, so you can restore the wood floor to its original beauty and quality without needing a full replacement.
Considerations for Hardwood Floors
Cost
Hardwood is often more expensive than other flooring options. Beyond the price of materials, a wood floor typically needs to be professionally installed, which adds to the overall expense.
According to Angi’s report, the national average hardwood floor installation costs are about $4,724, which is between $6 and $25 per square foot. Of course, this price can fluctuate depending on the room size, the type of hardwood, and many other factors.
Maintenance
Hardwood requires regular care, including sweeping, occasional mopping with wood-safe cleaners, and periodic refinishing. It’s also susceptible to damage from excessive moisture and scratches.
Overview of Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
What Is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)?
Luxury vinyl plank is a synthetic flooring option designed to replicate the appearance of natural materials like hardwood or stone. It consists of multiple layers, including a protective wear layer, a printed design layer, and a waterproof core, making it extremely durable and versatile.
Keep in mind that luxury vinyl planks are not the same as standard vinyl flooring. As The Spruce states, these planks are specifically designed to simulate the look of wood and are thicker than standard options.
Benefits of Vinyl Plank Flooring
Design Variety
Luxury vinyl flooring offers a wide range of styles and designs. With advancements in technology, many LVP products are nearly indistinguishable from natural hardwood or tile.
Water Resistance
Unlike hardwood, vinyl flooring is waterproof. This makes it a perfect choice for areas that might sustain major water damage such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Affordability
Luxury vinyl flooring is significantly more budget-friendly than hardwood. According to USA Today, LVP typically costs about $5 to $9 per square foot, making it quite a bit cheaper (most likely) than hardwood flooring.
Additionally, its installation is simpler and can sometimes be done as a DIY project. However, we still highly recommend hiring a professional to handle the job for a cleaner appearance and increased longevity.
Considerations for Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Durability
While vinyl flooring is scratch-resistant and durable, it may not last as long as a wood floor in areas that sustain heavy foot traffic. Over time, intense wear may require plank replacement.
Maintenance
Cleaning vinyl flooring is easy—regular sweeping and occasional mopping with mild cleaners will keep it looking fresh. However, unlike in a quality wood floor, damaged planks cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
Key Differences Between Hardwood and LVP
Aesthetic Differences
Hardwood provides unmatched natural beauty with unique grain patterns and a warm, organic feel. In contrast, vinyl flooring offers versatility with a variety of designs, including wood-look finishes that mimic hardwood at a lower cost.
Durability and Maintenance
Hardwood is highly durable, but it is more susceptible to scratches and moisture damage. Conversely, luxury vinyl flooring is waterproof and virtually impervious to scratches, but it cannot be easily restored. As a result, it usually has to be completely replaced if damage occurs.
Cost Considerations
As we already mentioned, hardwood floors involve a higher initial investment, including the price of materials per square foot and professional installation.
However, keep in mind that Kiplinger reports up to 81% of home buyers still want to see hardwood floors in the main living area, among other spaces. Just because it’s more expensive to install upfront doesn’t mean it won’t reap a reward later on!
Environmental Impact
When comparing the environmental impact of hardwood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring, several key factors come into play, including the production process, sustainability, and chemical emissions.
Hardwood flooring is often considered a more environmentally friendly and sustainable option, especially when sourced from responsibly managed forests. The production process typically involves harvesting and milling natural wood, which, when done sustainably, has a lower carbon footprint compared to synthetic materials.
Additionally, hardwood’s longevity—often lasting for decades and able to be refinished multiple times—minimizes the need for replacement, further reducing its environmental toll over time.
Comparatively, the production process for LVP involves synthetic materials, including PVC, which is derived from petroleum. While advancements in manufacturing have improved efficiency, the process still has a higher environmental cost compared to hardwood.
According to findings shared by Healthline, some (although not all) LVP products may also emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can affect indoor air quality, particularly if the flooring is not certified as low-emission.
However, LVP has its own eco-friendly merits, including its durability and water resistance, which reduce waste in high-moisture areas where hardwood might fail. Additionally, some LVP manufacturers are taking steps to create more environmentally friendly options, such as incorporating recycled materials into their products.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Lifestyle and Usage
If you have a busy household with kids or pets, LVP’s water resistance and scratch-resistant surface may be a better fit. A wood floor, while elegant, may require more maintenance and care in such environments.
Room Functionality
A wood floor works well in spaces like living rooms and bedrooms, where it adds warmth and luxury. On the other hand, vinyl flooring is better suited for high-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Climate Considerations
In areas prone to high humidity (such as Florida), a wood floor can expand or contract, leading to potential damage. LVP is more stable in these conditions, making it a better choice for areas with fluctuating humidity and moisture levels.
Future Resale Value
Hardwood typically generates a higher resale value for your home, as it is often seen as a premium feature. Realtor.com even estimates that the average ROI for installing hardwood floors can reach up to 80%, increasing the sales price of a home by as much as 2.5%.
However, the popularity and practicality of vinyl flooring planks are also increasingly appealing to buyers. According to HGTV, this synthetic material is becoming a fan flooring favorite, enticing many home buyers with families or pets.
Helpful Tips for Making Your Decision
Consult Flooring Professionals
Choosing the right flooring can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available.
That’s where flooring experts (like us!) come in. They have the knowledge and experience to help you evaluate your specific needs, such as durability, style, and budget, and recommend flooring options that match your lifestyle.
Visiting flooring stores near you to get advice and see a wide range of materials and finishes in person. Professionals can also explain differences in installation methods, maintenance requirements, and long-term durability, ensuring you make an informed decision that you won’t regret.
Request Samples
Pictures and online descriptions can only tell you so much about flooring. To truly understand how a material will look and feel in your home, request physical samples.
Once you have them, take these samples and place them in the rooms where you plan to install the flooring. Pay close attention to how the material interacts with your lighting throughout the day—natural and artificial lighting can dramatically change how the color and texture appear.
Additionally, consider testing the samples against your existing decor, such as furniture, wall colors, and area rugs, to ensure the flooring complements your overall design aesthetic.
Set a Budget
Flooring costs can vary widely, so it’s critical to establish a realistic budget upfront. Keep in mind that your budget should account for not only the cost of materials but also installation, underlayment, and any additional tools or accessories needed for the job.
If you’re leaning toward a wood floor, factor in potential future costs like refinishing or repair, which can increase the overall investment. For vinyl flooring, you’ll want to include potential replacement costs if heavy traffic or damage occurs.
Think Long-Term
When choosing vinyl or hardwood flooring, think beyond your immediate needs and consider how your choice will hold up over time.
If you plan to stay in your home for many years, investing in high-quality materials like hardwood may provide a better resale value through its durability and refinishing potential.
On the other hand, if you anticipate moving soon, LVP might be a more cost-effective option that still appeals to buyers due to its affordability and low maintenance.
Additionally, consider how your flooring fits into future renovation plans—will it coordinate well with potential upgrades in other parts of your home? Taking a long-term perspective ensures your flooring investment aligns with your lifestyle and future goals.
Are You Ready to Install Hardwood Floors or Luxury Vinyl?
Deciding between hardwood floors and vinyl flooring ultimately comes down to your personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget. A real wood floor offers timeless elegance and long-term value, while durable LVP provides affordability, water resistance, and versatile design options.
At Lifetime Flooring in Jacksonville, we’re here to help you make the best choice for your home and its high-traffic areas. Visit our showroom or contact us today to speak with our Florida team and explore a wide selection of quality flooring options.