ServiCoverSide-by-Side
| Factor | LVP | Laminate | Solid Hardwood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installed cost / sq ft | $4-$8 | $3-$7 | $8-$15 |
| Water resistance | High (often waterproof core) | Moderate; improving with newer products | Low — vulnerable to standing water |
| Scratch resistance | Good (depends on wear layer) | Very good | Varies by species and finish |
| Can be refinished | No | No | Yes, multiple times |
| Typical lifespan | 15-25 years | 10-20 years | 25-100+ years |
| Feel underfoot | Softer, warmer | Firmer; can sound hollow | Solid, natural |
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP is a strong choice for kitchens, bathrooms, basements and homes with pets or kids. Look at the wear layer thickness — thicker layers hold up better in busy households. Rigid-core products (SPC or WPC) handle slightly uneven subfloors better than flexible vinyl.
Laminate
Laminate uses a photographic layer over a fiberboard core. Its hard top layer resists scratches well, making it good for dogs. Traditional laminate can swell if water sits on the seams, though many newer products are marketed as water-resistant.
Solid and Engineered Hardwood
Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished several times, which is why it can last generations. Engineered hardwood ($6-$12 installed) has a real wood top layer over plywood, making it more stable in humidity and suitable over concrete; it can be refinished a limited number of times depending on wear-layer thickness.
Quick Recommendations
| Situation | Best Fit |
|---|---|
| Kitchen, bath, basement | LVP |
| Tight budget, dry areas | Laminate |
| Forever home, living areas | Solid hardwood |
| Over concrete slab, want real wood | Engineered hardwood |
| Large dogs | Laminate or high-wear-layer LVP |
Frequently Asked Questions
In many markets buyers still prefer hardwood in main living areas, but quality LVP is widely accepted, especially in kitchens and basements.
Click-lock LVP is one of the more DIY-friendly floors, provided the subfloor is flat and you follow the manufacturer's expansion-gap requirements.