Solid hardwood vs. luxury vinyl plank — cost, durability, moisture resistance, and resale value compared.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) has disrupted the flooring market so thoroughly that it now outsells hardwood in the US. But solid hardwood still commands a premium at resale and offers something LVP can't: the ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times over a century. Here's how to decide which makes sense for your home and budget.
Solid hardwood floors can last 100+ years when properly maintained. They can be refinished 5–7 times, meaning surface scratches and wear are reversible. Hardwood refinishing isn't part of the Zonda Cost vs. Value Report, but a National Wood Flooring Association survey of real estate agents found homes with wood floors sell faster and for as much as 10% more. New hardwood installation runs $8–$20+ per sq ft installed depending on species and width. The downside: hardwood is not waterproof and expands and contracts with humidity, making it unsuitable for basements or full bathrooms.
Modern LVP uses a rigid composite core that is 100% waterproof throughout its thickness — not just at the surface. It can go anywhere: basements, bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms. It installs as a floating floor (no glue or nails) and runs $3–$8 per sq ft installed. The tradeoff: LVP cannot be refinished. When it wears out (typically 15–25 years), it must be fully replaced. Some buyers perceive it as a lower-end material, which may affect resale expectations.
Hardwood wins on longevity, refinishability, and resale perception in premium markets. LVP wins on cost, waterproofing, and versatility. For most homes, a combination works well: hardwood in main living areas, LVP in kitchens, baths, and basements.
Get Flooring Installation Quotes →These are the questions homeowners ask most often before starting this project - what it costs, how long it takes, what a fair quote looks like and which details change the price. Each answer below is written to stand on its own, so you can read just the one you need.
