Hardwood vs luxury vinyl plank: which floor fits your home

Both look like wood, but they behave very differently. Most homes use each where it fits best.

Hardwood

• Real wood feel and value that buyers recognize.
• Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished many times.
• Dents and scratches, and does not like standing water.

Browse hardwood flooring.

Luxury vinyl plank

• Water-resistant, so it suits kitchens, baths, mudrooms and basements.
• Tough against pets and kids, and warm underfoot.
• Cannot be refinished; damaged planks are replaced.

Browse vinyl flooring.

Engineered hardwood

Engineered hardwood has a real wood top layer over a stable core. It handles humidity changes better than solid wood and often works over radiant heat. See flooring types compared.

Room by room

Many homes choose hardwood for living and dining rooms and LVP for the kitchen, mudroom, laundry and basement, blending colors so the transition looks intentional. See the kitchen flooring guide.

Get it installed right

Subfloor prep and acclimation matter for both. See flooring installation or try the flooring finder.

Common questions

Is LVP better than hardwood?

LVP is better where water is a risk. Hardwood feels more natural, can be refinished and is valued by buyers.

Can LVP go in a basement?

Yes. Its water resistance makes it one of the most popular basement floors.

Can hardwood go in a kitchen?

Many kitchens have hardwood, but it needs quick cleanup of spills. LVP or engineered wood is more forgiving.