Lvp Flooring Vs Hardwood? Prices, Installation Cost, Best Brands, Pros and Cons

When renovating or building a home, flooring choice significantly impacts both aesthetics and functionality. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring and hardwood represent two popular but fundamentally different flooring options. LVP offers modern technology with water resistance and easier installation, while hardwood provides timeless appeal and potential value appreciation. The average cost difference is substantial, with LVP typically ranging from $2-$7 per square foot versus hardwood’s $6-$22. This comprehensive comparison examines how these flooring types stack up in terms of cost, durability, appearance, maintenance, and suitable applications to help homeowners make informed decisions based on their specific needs and budget constraints.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is a synthetic flooring product designed to mimic the look of hardwood while offering enhanced durability and water resistance. It consists of multiple layers including a wear layer, printed vinyl layer, core layer, and backing. Modern LVP products can remarkably replicate the appearance of natural wood, complete with realistic textures and grain patterns.

The core construction of LVP typically comes in two main varieties: WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) and SPC (Stone Plastic Composite). WPC offers a softer, warmer feel underfoot, while SPC provides exceptional durability and stability. Most quality LVP products range from 5mm to 8mm in thickness, with wear layers between 12-22 mil determining how well they withstand daily wear.

What Is Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwood flooring consists of solid wood planks or engineered wood layers derived from timber species. Solid hardwood is exactly what it sounds like – planks milled from a single piece of wood, typically 3/4 inch thick. Engineered hardwood features a real wood veneer bonded to multiple layers of plywood, offering better stability against moisture and temperature fluctuations.

Common hardwood species include oak, maple, walnut, cherry, and exotic options like Brazilian cherry or tigerwood. Each species offers unique grain patterns, coloration, and hardness levels measured on the Janka scale. Oak remains the most popular choice in North America due to its balanced hardness and distinctive grain, while maple offers a smoother, more consistent appearance.

Price Comparison: LVP vs Hardwood

The cost difference between LVP and hardwood flooring is significant and often a deciding factor for many homeowners. LVP typically costs between $2-$7 per square foot for materials, while hardwood ranges from $6-$22 per square foot depending on species and grade. Premium LVP brands with advanced features may reach $10 per square foot, still typically less than mid-range hardwood options.

Flooring Type	Economy Grade	Mid-Grade	Premium Grade
LVP (materials only)	$1-$3/sq ft	$3-$5/sq ft	$5-$10/sq ft
Hardwood (materials only)	$5-$8/sq ft	$8-$12/sq ft	$12-$25/sq ft

Beyond initial material costs, hardwood requires more frequent maintenance with refinishing costs averaging $3-$8 per square foot every 7-10 years. LVP generally needs replacement after 10-30 years, depending on quality and wear layer thickness, with no refinishing option available.

Installation Costs

Installation represents another significant cost difference between these flooring options. Professional LVP installation typically ranges from $1.50-$3 per square foot, while hardwood installation costs between $3-$8 per square foot. The substantial difference stems from the complexity and time required for hardwood installation.

LVP installation benefits from click-lock or glue-down systems that can sometimes be installed over existing flooring, reducing prep work. Many DIY-inclined homeowners can successfully install LVP, saving on labor costs. Hardwood installation requires more specialized skills, tools, and often subfloor preparations. Solid hardwood typically needs nailing or stapling to a wooden subfloor, while engineered hardwood may offer float, glue, or nail-down options.

Additional Installation Considerations

Beyond basic installation, other factors affect total project costs. Subfloor preparation may add $1-$2 per square foot if leveling or repair is needed. Removing existing flooring typically costs $1-$4 per square foot depending on the type. Baseboards and trim work may add $1-$3 per linear foot. Hardwood installations frequently require acclimation periods of 3-7 days prior to installation, which can extend project timelines.

Durability and Maintenance

LVP and hardwood offer different durability profiles and maintenance requirements. Quality LVP with a wear layer of 20 mil or higher can last 15-25 years in residential settings with minimal maintenance beyond regular cleaning. Most LVP is highly resistant to scratches, dents, stains, and water damage, making it suitable for high-traffic areas and homes with children or pets.

Hardwood flooring, properly maintained, can last generations – often 50-100 years or more. However, it requires more careful treatment. Hardwood is susceptible to scratches, dents, water damage, and fading from UV exposure. Regular maintenance includes sweeping, using wood-specific cleaners, and avoiding excess moisture. The significant advantage of hardwood is that it can be refinished multiple times, essentially renewing the surface.

Best LVP Flooring Brands

Several manufacturers have established themselves as leaders in the LVP market based on quality, innovation, and warranty coverage:

• Shaw Floors – Known for their Floorté Pro line with excellent scratch resistance and waterproof properties. Price range: $4-$7/sq ft
• Mohawk – Their SolidTech Plus collection offers antimicrobial protection and exceptional durability. Price range: $3.50-$6/sq ft
• COREtec – Pioneered WPC core technology with some of the most realistic wood visuals. Price range: $5-$9/sq ft
• Mannington – The Adura Max line features exceptional moisture resistance and superior design aesthetics. Price range: $4-$7/sq ft
• Karndean – Offers premium designs with hand-crafted looks and textures. Price range: $5-$10/sq ft

Most premium LVP brands offer residential warranties ranging from 15 years to lifetime for wear layer performance, with waterproof guarantees between 10-30 years depending on the product line.

Best Hardwood Flooring Brands

The hardwood flooring market features both long-established and newer premium manufacturers:

• Bruce – America’s largest hardwood manufacturer with wide availability and moderate pricing. Price range: $5-$10/sq ft
• Armstrong – Known for quality engineered options and innovative finishes. Price range: $6-$12/sq ft
• Carlisle – Specializes in premium wide-plank hardwood with exceptional craftsmanship. Price range: $12-$20/sq ft
• Mirage – Recognized for superior finishing technology and environmental standards. Price range: $8-$15/sq ft
• Somerset – American-made with focus on Appalachian hardwoods. Price range: $6-$11/sq ft

Most quality hardwood manufacturers offer structural warranties of 25 years to lifetime, with finish warranties typically ranging from 10-50 years depending on the product line and finish technology.

Pros and Cons of LVP Flooring

LVP Advantages

• Water resistance – Most LVP products are waterproof or highly water-resistant, making them suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements
• Durability – Resistant to scratches, dents, and stains compared to natural wood
• Lower cost – Typically 30-60% less expensive than hardwood for materials and installation
• Easy maintenance – Simple cleaning with regular sweeping and occasional mopping
• DIY-friendly installation – Click-lock systems make installation accessible to homeowners
• Comfort underfoot – Especially WPC cores which offer some cushioning

LVP Disadvantages

• Lower home value impact – Doesn’t increase property values like hardwood
• Cannot be refinished – Must be replaced when worn or damaged
• Potential VOC emissions – Some products may off-gas, though most modern options are low-VOC
• Less authentic appearance – Despite improvements, discerning eyes can identify it as synthetic
• Shorter lifespan – Typically 10-30 years versus generations for hardwood

Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood Advantages

• Increases home value – Can provide 70-80% ROI and appeal to potential buyers
• Authentic beauty – Natural variations and character not fully replicable by synthetic options
• Longevity – Can last generations with proper care
• Refinishing option – Can be sanded and refinished multiple times to remove damage
• Improved indoor air quality – No off-gassing concerns with solid hardwood
• Timeless appeal – Never goes out of style or looks dated

Hardwood Disadvantages

• Higher cost – Significantly more expensive initially and for maintenance
• Susceptible to moisture damage – Can warp, cup, or crown with exposure to water
• Requires more maintenance – Needs special cleaners and periodic refinishing
• More vulnerable to scratches and dents – Especially in softer species
• Installation limitations – Not recommended for below-grade installations (basements)
• Complex installation – Typically requires professional installation

Which Is Better For Different Rooms?

Choosing between LVP and hardwood often depends on the specific room and its conditions. For high-moisture areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, LVP clearly outperforms hardwood due to its water resistance. Hardwood is ill-advised in these spaces due to potential moisture damage, though engineered hardwood can work in kitchens with vigilant maintenance.

For living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms, both options perform well, with the choice largely depending on budget, aesthetic preference, and long-term plans. Hardwood typically adds more value and timeless appeal in these spaces. For homes with pets or young children, LVP offers better resistance to scratches and accidents while still providing attractive flooring.

Climate considerations also impact this decision. In very humid regions, engineered hardwood or LVP provides better dimensional stability than solid hardwood. In dry climates, solid hardwood may require humidification to prevent gapping between boards, while LVP remains dimensionally stable regardless of humidity levels.