The Big Picture
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and hardwood flooring are two of the most popular choices for homeowners today. They can look remarkably similar, but they’re very different products. Understanding those differences will help you make the right call for your home, your family, and your budget.
Cost Comparison
This is usually the first factor people look at — and LVP wins on price.
- LVP: Typically $2–$7 per square foot for materials; installation adds $1–$3/sq ft for professional install, though it’s very DIY-friendly
- Hardwood: Usually $5–$15+ per square foot for materials; professional installation adds $3–$5/sq ft and is generally not DIY-recommended for beginners
On a full-home renovation, the cost difference can be thousands of dollars.
Durability and Scratch Resistance
LVP’s wear layer gives it strong scratch resistance, especially in the 12–20 mil range. It handles pets, kids, and heavy foot traffic without much complaint. Hardwood, while durable, will show scratches and dents over time — especially softer species like pine or cherry. The advantage of hardwood: it can be sanded and refinished multiple times, effectively giving it new life every 10–15 years.
Water and Moisture Resistance
This one isn’t close. LVP is 100% waterproof — it can handle bathroom installs, basement floors, spills, and pet accidents without damage. Hardwood and moisture are not friends. Even engineered hardwood (which handles humidity better than solid) should not be installed in bathrooms or below-grade spaces.
Appearance and Feel
Modern LVP has come a long way. High-quality planks feature realistic wood grain embossing, natural color variation, and beveled edges that closely mimic real wood. That said, hardwood has an authenticity and warmth that’s hard to fully replicate — it’s the real thing, and many homeowners and buyers can tell the difference when they walk on it.
Resale Value
Hardwood flooring consistently ranks as a top return-on-investment home improvement. Real estate agents note that homes with hardwood tend to sell faster and at higher prices. LVP improves resale value compared to carpet or vinyl sheet, but it typically doesn’t carry the same premium as solid hardwood.
Installation
- LVP: Click-lock floating system — great for DIYers, installs over most existing floors
- Hardwood: Nail-down or glue-down required; needs acclimation, precise subfloor prep, and usually professional installation
The Bottom Line
Choose LVP if you want a budget-friendly, waterproof, low-maintenance floor that’s easy to install — especially for basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and households with pets or young kids.
Choose hardwood if you want authentic wood beauty, long-term refinishability, and maximum resale value — and you’re installing it in above-grade, drier areas of your home.
Both are excellent floors. Visit Total Value Flooring to see samples of both and find the right fit for your space.