Compare
Luxury vinyl plank vs hardwood: how to choose.
Mike installs both hardwood and luxury vinyl plank and tile (LVP/LVT). The right floor depends on the room, the moisture, and how the house gets used. Here is how the two compare.
Side by side
| What matters | Hardwood | Luxury vinyl (LVP/LVT) |
|---|---|---|
| Water and moisture | Real wood. Not waterproof, and not recommended below grade or in rooms that get wet. | Waterproof. Works in basements, bathrooms, and other spots below grade. |
| Best rooms | Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and halls on the main and upper floors. | Kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, basements, and busy entryways. |
| Pets and kids | Can scratch and dent over time in a busy house. | Resists scratches and spills, so it holds up to pets and kids. |
| Look and feel | Solid wood underfoot, in oak and other species. | LVP looks like wood planks. LVT looks like stone or ceramic tile. |
| Installation | Fastened down over a sound subfloor. Mike installs prefinished hardwood. | Usually a floating or glued floor, often over the existing subfloor. |
| Cost | Its own labor rate, plus the flooring itself. | A lower installation labor rate, plus the flooring itself. |
The rates behind these comparisons are on the pricing page. A range on this site is preliminary and is not a contract.
Choose hardwood when
The room is a living room, bedroom, dining room, or hall that stays dry, and you want real wood underfoot.
Choose luxury vinyl when
The room is a basement, kitchen, or bathroom, or anywhere water and heavy traffic make a waterproof floor the safer pick.
Pets and busy homes
Luxury vinyl shrugs off scratches and spills. Many homes mix the two: hardwood in the dry rooms, LVP or LVT where it gets wet.
Read more about each floor
Not sure which floor fits your room?
Start with the estimate, or call or text (410) 259-7094. Tell Mike the room and the moisture, and he will help you choose between hardwood and luxury vinyl.