Which One's Smarter?
Thinking about getting new floors? Want something that looks like real wood but doesn’t need a ton of care? Luxury Vinyl Plank, or LVP, might be just what you need. It gives you that clean, high-end look of hardwood but is way easier to live with — especially if you have kids, pets, or a busy lifestyle.
Let’s break it down and see how LVP compares to traditional hardwood flooring.
What's the Difference?
🪵 Traditional Hardwood
Hardwood is made from real wood like oak or maple. It looks beautiful and can last for years, but it needs a lot of care. It can scratch, get damaged by water, and fade in the sun. It’s also one of the most expensive floors you can buy.
Hardwood Pros:
- 🌳 100% real wood
- 🛠️ Can be sanded and refinished
- 🏠 Feels solid and luxurious
Hardwood Cons:
- 💧 Doesn’t like water (can warp)
- 🐾 Scratches easily
- 🧽 Needs regular care and cleaning
- 💸 Expensive to install and maintain
💡 Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP is a man-made flooring that’s designed to look just like hardwood, but with added superpowers. It’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, and way easier to clean. It’s built in layers, including a tough wear layer and a high-quality printed design that mimics wood grain.
LVP Pros:
- 💧 100% waterproof
- 🛡️ Resists scratches and dents
- 🧼 Easy to clean and care for
- 💵 More affordable than hardwood
- 🎨 Tons of color and style options
LVP Cons:
- ❌ Can’t be sanded like real wood
- 🪵 Not “real” wood (but sure looks like it)
LVP Features That Stand Out
LVP is designed for real life. Here’s what makes it a great choice:
- ✅ Waterproof: Great for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements
- ✅ Scratch-Resistant: Holds up to pets, kids, and furniture
- ✅ Comfortable: Softer underfoot than hardwood
- ✅ Quiet: Reduces noise with built-in padding
- ✅ Realistic Textures: Comes in hand-scraped, matte, and wood-grain looks
- ✅ Wide Planks Available: Fewer seams and a clean finish
And it comes in cool patterns too — like chevron or herringbone — if you want something a little different.
Why More People Are Choosing LVP
💵 It’s Budget-Friendly
LVP gives you a luxury look without the high price. Here’s a cost breakdown:
- Materials: Around $2–$7 per square foot
- Installation: About $1–$2 per square foot
- Maintenance: No sanding, sealing, or fancy cleaners needed
That’s a big savings compared to hardwood, which can cost up to $20 per square foot — and still needs care over time.
💪 Built to Last
LVP is made to handle whatever life throws at it:
- 🚸 Energetic kids and their toys
- 🐕 Pets with sharp nails
- 🪑 Moving furniture
- 🍷 Spills, mud, and messes
It holds up beautifully in homes that see a lot of action.
👣 Comfortable & Quiet
Hardwood can be hard and cold, especially on bare feet. LVP is softer and warmer, especially if it comes with underlayment (a soft layer built in).
Bonus: It also reduces noise, so it’s great for apartments or homes with upstairs bedrooms.
🎨 So Many Styles to Pick From
LVP isn’t just about function — it’s super stylish too. You can find:
- 🌬️ Cool whitewashed oak
- 🔥 Warm caramel tones
- 🪵 Deep browns that look like real wood
- 🖤 Gray, greige, and black tones for modern vibes
It matches all kinds of design styles — from farmhouse to modern, coastal to Scandinavian.
🌱 It’s Greener Than You Think
- ♻️ Made with recycled materials
- 🧪 Free of VOCs (chemicals that can harm indoor air)
- 🗑️ Designed to last longer, so less waste ends up in landfills
Always check for certifications like FloorScore® if eco-friendliness matters to you.
Where Hardwood Still Has Some Perks
Hardwood is still a great floor — for the right situation. Some people love it for:
- 🏡 Old homes with historical charm
- 🪞Formal dining rooms or master bedrooms
- 💼 Higher resale value in luxury housing markets
Hardwood can also be refinished instead of replaced, which helps it last even longer. But it requires:
- 🧽 Regular cleaning
- 🌫️ Humidity control
- 🛠️ Occasional sanding or staining
It’s beautiful — just not low-maintenance.
Where LVP Beats Hardwood
Looking at real-life rooms? Here’s where LVP comes out on top:
🍽️ Kitchens
Spills happen — LVP doesn’t care. It wipes clean in seconds and won’t swell like wood.
🛁 Bathrooms
Waterproof floors? Yes, please. LVP gives you the wood look without the mold risk.
🧺 Laundry Rooms & Basements
These rooms get humid. LVP stays strong, while hardwood would suffer.
🏃♂️ Living Rooms & Hallways
High-traffic areas need durability. LVP resists scratching and feels soft underfoot.
🏢 Rentals & Investment Properties
LVP lasts for years with little upkeep. Install it once and don’t worry about it.
🪟 Open-Concept Spaces
Wide white planks reflect light and make rooms feel bigger and brighter.
Final Thoughts: Why LVP Is the Real-Life Winner
Let’s be real: we want pretty floors, but we also want to relax in our homes — not worry about every little scratch or spill. That’s the magic of Luxury Vinyl Plank:
- 💧 Waterproof
- 🐾 Scratch-resistant
- 🧽 Easy to clean
- 💸 More affordable
- 🎨 Super stylish
Whether you’re renovating one room or updating your whole house, LVP gives you that hardwood look — without the hardwood hassle.
The Bottom Line.
Feature
LVP
Hardwood
Looks like wood?
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Waterproof?
✅ 100%
❌ No
Scratch-resistant?
✅ Yes
❌ No
Cost-effective?
✅ Yes
❌ Expensive
Low-maintenance?
✅ Yes
❌ Needs care
Long-lasting?
✅ 15-20 years
✅ 30-50 years
Good for resale?
⚠️ Sometimes
✅ Yes
Want help choosing the right flooring for your space? Refloor can help tailor options to your needs — whether it’s for pets, busy kids, or making your home feel bright and modern.