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Hardwood vs. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Which Floor Is Better?

LVP costs about $2 to $7 per sq ft installed; hardwood about $8 to $25. Compare water resistance, durability, refinishing and value.

Published Oct 27, 2026. 2 min read.

Before and after: worn carpet replaced with a light wood plank floor

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) costs about $2 to $7 per square foot installed, while hardwood runs about $8 to $25 depending on species and whether it is solid or engineered. LVP wins on price and water resistance; hardwood wins on feel, refinishing and long-term character.

Comparison

LVPHardwood
Installed cost$2 – $7 / sq ft$8 – $25 / sq ft
WaterHighly water-resistantCan stain, cup or buckle
ScratchesGood wear layer resists scratchesSofter woods scratch and dent
RepairReplace damaged planksSand and refinish several times
FeelThinner, can sound hollowSolid, warm, natural
Best roomsKitchens, baths, basements, rentalsLiving and dining rooms, bedrooms

Choose LVP if…

  • You have kids, pets or a busy kitchen
  • The floor is in a bathroom, laundry room or basement
  • You want a wood look on a smaller budget

Choose hardwood if…

  • You want a natural material that can be refinished for decades
  • You are matching existing hardwood in other rooms
  • The rooms stay dry

Engineered hardwood — a real wood top layer over plywood — is a middle option that handles humidity better than solid wood.

Check the LVP specs

Not all LVP is equal. Compare the wear layer (12 mil or more for busy homes; 20 mil for heavy use), total thickness, whether it is rigid core (SPC/WPC), and the warranty terms.

Prep work changes the price

Removing old flooring, leveling the subfloor, moving furniture, baseboards and transitions can add a lot. Make sure every quote lists them — our flooring quote request template does.

See flooring prices for your ZIP code in our cost estimator and compare flooring quotes.

Frequently asked questions

Does LVP lower home value compared with hardwood?

Buyers often prefer real hardwood in main living areas, but quality LVP is widely accepted, especially in kitchens, baths and basements.

Is LVP waterproof?

Most rigid-core LVP is highly water-resistant on its surface, but water can still get under the floor at edges, so spills should be wiped up.

How long does LVP last?

Commonly 10 to 25 years depending on the wear layer and traffic. Hardwood can last for decades with refinishing.

Sources

Prices are national ranges for planning only. Your price depends on your home, your region and the contractor. This guide is general information, not professional, legal or insurance advice.

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