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

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

The 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.

Material information and relevant data are maintained by Remodel Your Home’s editorial research team. Learn about our editorial standards.

Solid Hardwood vs. LVP

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 Overview

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.

LVP Overview

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.

*All cost estimates on this page are planning estimates, not quotes. Actual costs vary by location, project scope, materials, site conditions, and contractor. See methodology and sources.

Solid Hardwood vs. LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) Comparison*

FactorSolid HardwoodLVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank)
Installed Cost$8–$20+/sq ft$3–$8/sq ft
RefinishableYes: 5–7 timesNo
WaterproofNoYes: 100%
Lifespan50–100+ years15–25 years
Best RoomsLiving areas, bedroomsAny room including bathrooms
Resale PerceptionPremiumNeutral to positive
Best ForLong-term ownership, premium homesBudget, moisture-prone areas, rentals

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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