# Hardwood vs. LVP Flooring: Which Is Right for Your Home? | RYH

> Solid hardwood vs. luxury vinyl plank — cost, durability, moisture resistance, and resale value compared.



Solid hardwood vs. luxury vinyl plank — cost, durability, moisture resistance, and resale value compared.

![Hardwood vs. LVP Flooring: Which Is Right for Your Home? comparison](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560185008-b033106af5c3?w=900&h=420&fit=crop&auto=format&q=80)

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.

## The Case for Hardwood

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.

## The Case for LVP

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.

| Factor | Solid Hardwood | LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Installed Cost | $8–$20+/sq ft | $3–$8/sq ft |
| Refinishable | Yes — 5–7 times | No |
| Waterproof | No | Yes — 100% |
| Lifespan | 50–100+ years | 15–25 years |
| Best Rooms | Living areas, bedrooms | Any room including bathrooms |
| Resale Perception | Premium | Neutral to positive |
| Best For | Long-term ownership, premium homes | Budget, moisture-prone areas, rentals |

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Bottom Line

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 →](https://offers.remodelyourhome.com/flooring/simple)

## Frequently Asked Questions

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.

### Does LVP add value to a home?

LVP can add value compared to worn carpet or dated flooring, but it generally does not command the same premium as genuine hardwood in most markets. Buyer perception of LVP is improving, particularly in new construction and condos where hardwood is less expected.

### How long does LVP flooring last?

Quality LVP with a 12-mil or thicker wear layer typically lasts 15-25 years under normal residential use. Commercial-grade LVP (20-mil wear layer) can last longer. Unlike hardwood, LVP cannot be refinished when worn — it must be replaced.

### Can hardwood floors be installed in a kitchen?

Solid hardwood in a kitchen requires careful moisture management and is not recommended near dishwashers or sinks without excellent sealing. Engineered hardwood handles kitchen conditions better. LVP is the lowest-risk choice for kitchens due to its complete waterproofing.

### What is the difference between LVP and laminate?

Both mimic hardwood, but LVP is 100% waterproof vinyl while laminate has a wood-composite core that can swell with moisture. LVP is better suited for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Laminate often has a slightly more authentic sound and feel underfoot.

### Is engineered hardwood as good as solid hardwood?

Engineered hardwood uses a real wood veneer over a plywood core, making it more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood and suitable for more installation scenarios. It can be refinished 1-2 times (vs. 3-5 for solid) and costs slightly less. For resale purposes, engineered hardwood is generally viewed comparably to solid.

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Source: https://remodelyourhome.com/articles/hardwood-vs-lvp-flooring/