Hardwood vs. LVT: Picking the Right Flooring for Your Home
When it comes to choosing new floors, you’ll often hear about two popular options: hardwood flooring and luxury vinyl plank. Both look great and have their own perks, but they’re very different in terms of cost, durability, and maintenance. Let’s break down what each one brings to the table so you can pick the best fit for your space.
Keep reading to discover more!
Key Takeaways
- Durability & Water Resistance: Hardwood lasts longer but isn't water-resistant. LVT handles moisture well and is great for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Cost & Maintenance: Hardwood is pricier and needs more care. LVT is budget-friendly, low-maintenance, and DIY-installable.
- Comfort & Looks: Hardwood adds warmth and value; LVT offers realistic wood looks, is softer underfoot, and quieter.
- Best Use: Hardwood suits living rooms and bedrooms. LVT works best in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Hardwood Flooring: Real Wood, Classic Look
Hardwood flooring is made from real wood, which gives it that natural, warm look that’s hard to beat. There are two main types:
- Solid Hardwood: Made from single planks of wood, solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished several times. This means it can last a very long time – even decades.
- Engineered Hardwood: This type has a thin layer of real wood on top, with several layers of other wood underneath. It’s more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity, which helps prevent warping.
Pros of Hardwood Floors
- Natural Beauty: Real wood floors bring warmth and character to any room.
- Long-Lasting: Solid hardwood can be refinished multiple times to keep it looking new.
- Value: Hardwood flooring is a big plus if you ever decide to sell your home.
Cons of Hardwood Floors
- Sensitive to Water: Too much moisture can damage hardwood, so it’s not ideal for bathrooms or basements.
- Expensive: Hardwood costs more than many other flooring options.
- Can Scratch: If you have pets or heavy furniture, you might notice scratches over time.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVT): Affordable and Low Maintenance
Luxury vinyl plank (LVT) is made to look like real wood but is actually synthetic. It’s designed to handle moisture and daily wear without the issues that come with real wood.
Pros of LVT
- Water-Resistant: LVT handles moisture well, so it’s great for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- Easy to Clean: It doesn’t need special cleaners and can be mopped without worry.
- Budget-Friendly: Compared to hardwood, LVT is often more affordable.
- Durable: LVT resists scratches, dents, and stains, making it a great choice for homes with kids and pets.
Cons of LVT
- Not Real Wood: While it looks like wood, it’s not, so it may not have the same warmth.
- Limited Lifespan: LVT is durable but won’t last as long as hardwood.
- No Refinishing: Once LVT wears out, you have to replace it.
| Feature | Hardwood Flooring | Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVT) |
|---|---|---|
| Looks | Natural, real wood | Very realistic wood look |
| Durability | High (with refinishing) | Very durable but can’t be refinished |
| Water Resistance | Low | High, perfect for moisture-prone areas |
| Maintenance | Needs care (special cleaners) | Low-maintenance, easy to clean |
| Cost | Higher | Lower, more budget-friendly |
| Installation | Often needs a pro | DIY-friendly with click-lock options |
| Lifespan | Can last decades | Usually 10-20 years |
Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Hardwood: If you want real wood with a long lifespan and don’t mind the extra care, hardwood is a great choice. It works well in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.
- Choose LVT: If you need a waterproof, budget-friendly option that can handle high traffic and pets, LVT is a solid pick. It’s ideal for bathrooms, basements, kitchens, and entryways.
Installation Differences
Hardwood Flooring:
Hardwood flooring usually needs professional installation, especially if it’s solid hardwood. The process involves nailing or gluing down each plank, which takes time and expertise. Hardwood also requires a clean, dry subfloor to prevent any issues later on, so installing it can be a bit of an investment.
LVT:
Luxury vinyl plank is known for being DIY-friendly. Most LVT products come with a click-lock system, where the planks snap together. Some types of LVT can even be installed directly over existing floors, like tile or laminate, making it much easier and faster. If you’re looking for a simpler installation, LVT might be the way to go.
Comfort and Feel Underfoot
Hardwood Flooring:
Real hardwood has a solid, warm feel underfoot. Because it’s made from actual wood, it can add a cozy feeling to any room. However, hardwood can feel cold in winter unless you add area rugs or have underfloor heating.
LVT:
LVT has a slightly softer feel than hardwood because it’s made from layers of vinyl. Some LVT options even come with a padded backing, making them more comfortable to stand on for long periods. If you’re installing floors in areas where you’ll be standing a lot, like the kitchen, LVT might be a more comfortable choice.
Sound and Acoustics
Hardwood Flooring:
Hardwood floors can be a bit noisy, especially in high-traffic areas or if you have pets. The solid surface tends to amplify sounds like footsteps and pet claws. Some people add rugs to help soften the noise, but if you want a quieter option, consider LVT.
LVT:
LVT flooring is naturally quieter. The vinyl material absorbs some sound, making it a great choice if you want a quieter home, especially in apartments or multi-level homes. Some types of LVT even come with an underlayment that adds extra soundproofing.
Maintenance Needs
Hardwood Flooring:
Hardwood needs a bit of extra care to keep it looking great. It’s best to use special wood cleaners and avoid too much water, as it can damage the wood. Regular dusting and occasional refinishing can help maintain its shine.
LVT:
LVT is known for being low-maintenance. You can clean it with a damp mop and don’t need any special cleaners. LVT also resists stains, so it’s ideal if you have kids or pets. This makes it a great option if you want easy upkeep without much hassle.
Environmental Impact
Hardwood Flooring:
Hardwood flooring comes from trees, so its environmental impact depends on how the wood is sourced. Many manufacturers use responsibly harvested wood, making it a sustainable choice. Plus, hardwood is a natural material and can be recycled or even repurposed.
LVT:
LVT is made from synthetic materials, mainly PVC. While some LVT brands are making strides toward eco-friendlier options, it’s generally less sustainable than hardwood. On the plus side, many LVT brands now offer recyclable options, so it’s worth checking if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly choice.
Cost Over Time
Hardwood Flooring:
Hardwood might be expensive upfront, but it’s often seen as an investment. Its long lifespan and the option to refinish mean it can last for generations if well-maintained. For some people, the long-term value makes the initial cost worth it.
LVT:
LVT is generally cheaper than hardwood, which makes it a more budget-friendly option for flooring. However, it doesn’t have the same lifespan as hardwood. Depending on the brand and
Style and Design Options
Hardwood Flooring:
Hardwood comes in a variety of wood types (like oak, maple, walnut) and finishes, so you can find something that fits your style. Whether you want a classic, warm oak floor or something a little more modern and dark, hardwood has options. The natural grain and variation in wood floors give each room a unique look.
LVT:
LVT has come a long way in recent years. You can find luxury vinyl plank that mimics nearly any type of wood floor – from traditional to trendy. And LVT even comes in different textures and colors, giving you a huge range of styles without the high price tag of real wood. If you love experimenting with style or want an affordable way to match a specific design, vinyl plank flooring gives you plenty to play with.
FAQs
Yes, LVT is generally more affordable than hardwood, both in terms of material cost and installation.
Prefinished engineered flooring might be slightly thinner than solid hardwood but it’s often more resistant to warping and water damage due to its layered structure.
LVT typically lasts around 10-20 years, while hardwood can last for decades with refinishing and proper care.
LVT is easier to clean and can handle water better than hardwood. Hardwood requires specific cleaners and doesn’t like too much moisture.
LVT is designed to mimic real wood and comes very close, especially in high-quality brands. However, it may not have the same warmth and depth as genuine hardwood.
Final Thoughts
Both hardwood flooring and luxury vinyl plank have unique benefits. Hardwood brings natural beauty and long-term value, while LVT offers practicality, easy maintenance, and moisture resistance. Whether you choose hardwood floors for their timeless charm or luxury vinyl plank for its durability, it’s all about finding what fits your lifestyle and space best.
If you live in Georgia and you’re ready to tackle your hardwood floor installation project with our industry experts, contact us at (770) 833-1362 so we can get started.