Choosing the right flooring is one of the most impactful decisions homeowners make when renovating with resale value in mind. According to the National Association of Realtors, quality flooring can return 70-80% of your investment when selling your home. The right flooring not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also affects functionality, maintenance requirements, and ultimately, buyer interest. This comprehensive guide examines the most valuable flooring options for resale, comparing their costs, installation requirements, advantages, and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed investment decision.
Hardwood flooring consistently ranks as the top choice for maximizing resale value. A National Wood Flooring Association survey found that 90% of real estate agents say homes with hardwood floors sell faster and for higher prices than identical homes without them. Traditional hardwood consists of solid wood planks, typically in oak, maple, or cherry varieties.
Need Flooring Help? Call 877-761-0420 for Local Quotes
The average cost of hardwood flooring ranges from $6 to $12 per square foot for materials alone. Professional installation adds $3 to $8 per square foot, bringing the total investment to approximately $9 to $20 per square foot. Premium exotic woods like Brazilian walnut can exceed $25 per square foot installed.
Pros of Hardwood for Resale Value
- Timeless appeal that never goes out of style
- Can be refinished multiple times, extending lifespan to 100+ years
- Offers the highest return on investment (ROI) among flooring types
- Appeals to most buyer demographics
- Improves indoor air quality compared to carpet
Cons of Hardwood for Resale Value
- Higher upfront cost than many alternatives
- Susceptible to scratches, dents, and water damage
- Requires regular maintenance
- Not ideal for below-grade installations (basements)
- Installation can be time-consuming and disruptive
For resale purposes, medium-toned woods in oak, maple, or hickory offer the broadest appeal to potential buyers. While trends shift between light and dark finishes, these middle-range options remain consistently desirable across market cycles.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood provides the aesthetic appeal of solid hardwood with enhanced stability and versatility. It consists of a real hardwood veneer atop multiple layers of high-quality plywood. The market for engineered hardwood has grown by approximately 5% annually since 2015.
Material costs typically range from $4 to $9 per square foot, with installation adding $3 to $6 per square foot. The total installed price generally falls between $7 and $15 per square foot, making it a more economical alternative to solid hardwood while maintaining much of its resale value.
Pros of Engineered Hardwood for Resale Value
- More resistant to moisture and temperature changes than solid hardwood
- Can be installed in basements and over concrete slabs
- Offers the authentic look of hardwood at a lower price point
- Available in wider planks than may be practical with solid wood
- Many options can be refinished 1-3 times
Cons of Engineered Hardwood for Resale Value
- Limited refinishing capability compared to solid hardwood
- Premium buyers may still prefer traditional hardwood
- Thinner veneer options may show wear more quickly
- Still vulnerable to scratching and denting
Higher-quality engineered products with thicker wear layers (3mm+) offer the best resale value, as they can be refinished multiple times and more closely resemble solid hardwood in durability and longevity.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Luxury Vinyl Plank has revolutionized the flooring market in recent years, becoming the fastest-growing flooring category with a 48% market share increase since 2015. Modern LVP perfectly mimics the look of hardwood while offering superior water resistance and durability.
Need Flooring Help? Call 877-761-0420 for Local Quotes
LVP typically costs $3 to $7 per square foot for materials, with installation adding $2 to $5 per square foot. The total installed cost generally ranges from $5 to $12 per square foot, making it significantly more affordable than hardwood while still offering respectable resale value.
| LVP Quality Level | Thickness | Wear Layer | Avg. Price (Installed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 4mm | 6-8 mil | $5-7/sq.ft. |
| Mid-Range | 5-6.5mm | 12-20 mil | $7-9/sq.ft. |
| Premium | 7-8mm+ | 22-30 mil | $9-12/sq.ft. |
Pros of LVP for Resale Value
- Exceptional water resistance making it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms
- Extremely durable and resistant to scratches, dents, and stains
- Easy maintenance requirements
- Comfortable underfoot and warmer than tile
- DIY-friendly installation reduces overall costs
Cons of LVP for Resale Value
- Not as prestigious as natural materials
- Cannot be refinished when worn
- May slightly lower value in luxury homes
- Environmental concerns with vinyl production and disposal
Premium LVP with realistic textures and patterns offers the best resale value in mid-range homes, especially in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements where hardwood isn’t practical.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
Tile flooring remains a staple in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways due to its exceptional durability and moisture resistance. Porcelain, a denser and less porous variant of ceramic tile, has grown increasingly popular for its superior performance characteristics.
Ceramic tile costs $2 to $7 per square foot for materials, while porcelain ranges from $3 to $10. Installation is labor-intensive, adding $5 to $10 per square foot and bringing the total installed cost to approximately $7 to $20 per square foot depending on tile quality, size, and installation complexity.
Pros of Tile for Resale Value
- Extremely durable with lifespans exceeding 50 years
- Virtually waterproof when properly installed
- Resistant to stains, scratches, and fading
- Available in countless styles, including wood-look options
- Excellent for homes in hot climates
Cons of Tile for Resale Value
- Cold and hard underfoot
- Can be challenging and expensive to replace
- Grout requires regular maintenance and can stain
- Items dropped on tile often break
- Installation is labor-intensive and costly
Large-format porcelain tiles (12″Ã24″ or larger) with minimal grout lines currently offer the best resale value, particularly in moisture-prone areas. Wood-look porcelain provides a practical alternative to hardwood in humid climates or households with pets.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring offers a budget-friendly alternative that mimics the appearance of hardwood. Made from compressed fiberboard with a photographic layer and protective coating, modern laminates have significantly improved in quality and realism compared to earlier generations.
Material costs for laminate flooring typically range from $1 to $5 per square foot, with installation adding $2 to $4 per square foot. The total installed price generally falls between $3 and $9 per square foot, making it among the most economical flooring options.
Pros of Laminate for Resale Value
- Affordable price point allows for covering larger areas
- Good resistance to scratches, stains, and fading
- Easy installation, often DIY-friendly
- Low maintenance requirements
- Available in a wide variety of styles and looks
Cons of Laminate for Resale Value
- More susceptible to moisture damage than vinyl or tile
- Cannot be refinished when worn
- Typically has a shorter lifespan (10-25 years)
- Can sound hollow or “clicky” when walked on
- Lower-quality options may reduce home value
High-quality, water-resistant laminate with AC4 or AC5 ratings and realistic textures offers the best potential resale value in starter homes and investment properties where budget is a primary concern.
Need Flooring Help? Call 877-761-0420 for Local Quotes
Natural Stone Flooring
Natural stone flooringâincluding marble, travertine, slate, and graniteâoffers unmatched luxury and uniqueness. Each stone tile has distinctive patterns and characteristics, creating truly one-of-a-kind floors that can significantly enhance a home’s perceived value.
Stone flooring is among the most expensive options, with material costs ranging from $5 to $30+ per square foot depending on the stone type, quality, and rarity. Installation adds $7 to $12 per square foot due to the complexity of working with natural stone. Total installed costs typically range from $12 to $42+ per square foot.
| Stone Type | Avg. Material Cost | Installation Cost | Total Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slate | $5-10/sq.ft. | $7-10/sq.ft. | $12-20/sq.ft. |
| Travertine | $7-15/sq.ft. | $7-10/sq.ft. | $14-25/sq.ft. |
| Granite | $8-20/sq.ft. | $8-12/sq.ft. | $16-32/sq.ft. |
| Marble | $10-30+/sq.ft. | $8-12/sq.ft. | $18-42+/sq.ft. |
Pros of Stone for Resale Value
- Conveys luxury and quality to potential buyers
- Extremely durable when properly maintained
- Each installation is unique and impossible to replicate
- Excellent heat conductor for radiant heating systems
- Can substantially increase value in luxury homes
Cons of Stone for Resale Value
- Expensive initial investment
- Requires sealing and regular maintenance
- Some stones (particularly marble) are vulnerable to etching and staining
- Cold and hard underfoot
- May not appeal to all buyers, limiting its value in some markets
Natural stone offers the best return in luxury homes where the investment aligns with buyer expectations. Honed finishes have gained popularity over polished surfaces for their more casual appearance and reduced maintenance requirements.
Which Flooring Type Offers the Best ROI?
According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, hardwood flooring consistently provides the highest return on investment, recovering approximately 147% of project costs at resale. Engineered hardwood follows closely at 125-135%, while luxury vinyl plank recovers 100-120% depending on quality and installation.
The best flooring choice ultimately depends on your property’s price point, location, and target buyer. Mid-range homes typically see the best returns with engineered hardwood or premium LVP, while luxury properties demand authentic hardwood or natural stone to maximize value.
Regional factors also influence flooring ROI. Tile offers superior returns in hot, humid climates like Florida, while hardwood commands premium prices in traditional Northeastern markets. Consider your local climate, architectural style, and comparable home sales when selecting flooring for maximum resale value.