Why Hardwood Floors Are Better Value Than LVP

When it comes to choosing flooring, homeowners are often torn between hardwood and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). Both options have their merits, but which offers better value?

Hardwood flooring is renowned for its timeless appeal and durability. It can enhance the aesthetic of any home and increase its resale value.

On the other hand, LVP is praised for its resistance to moisture and scratches. It's a practical choice for high-traffic areas and offers a variety of design options.

However, the initial cost of hardwood flooring can be offset by its long lifespan and potential to be refinished, being able to change the color and texture. It's a natural product, making it an eco-friendlier option than vinyl.

In this article, we'll delve into a detailed comparison of hardwood floors and LVP. We'll consider factors such as cost, durability, aesthetic appeal, and environmental impact.

Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about which flooring option offers the best value for your home.

Hardwood Flooring: An Overview

Hardwood flooring is a classic choice for homeowners seeking a high-end, natural look. It's made from solid or engineered wood, typically from a species like oak, maple, hickory, birch, or walnut.

This type of flooring is known for its durability and can last for decades with proper care. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, allowing for a fresh look without replacement.

LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank): An Overview

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a synthetic flooring option that has gained popularity for its durability and versatility. It's designed to mimic the look of natural materials, including hardwood, without the high cost. Not all LVPs are created equal. A good LVP installation can cost just as much as a typical hardwood floor install.

Aesthetic Appeal and Versatility

Hardwood flooring is renowned for its timeless aesthetic and natural beauty. The unique grain patterns and warm tones of wood can enhance the overall look and feel of a home. With a variety of wood species, stains, and finishes available, hardwood floors offer a level of customization that can cater to any design aesthetic.

On the other hand, LVP offers a wide range of design options, downside is the design is permanent. Its photographic layer can mimic the look of various materials, including hardwood, stone, and ceramic. This versatility allows homeowners to achieve the desired look without the associated cost and maintenance.

Despite its design flexibility, LVP may not fully replicate the warmth and character of real wood. The synthetic nature of LVP can sometimes result in a less authentic feel, which may not appeal to homeowners seeking a high-end aesthetic. There is also the way it sounds when you walk on the floor. Also, LVP is a thinner product and would require adding additional layers of subfloor to get the LVP up to the same height as all other finished floors, which is typically 3/4".

Durability and Longevity

Hardwood floors are known for their durability and longevity. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for decades, even centuries. This durability, coupled with the potential for multiple refinishing, makes hardwood a long-term investment.

LVP, on the other hand, can be durable and resistant to moisture, scratches, and heavy foot traffic. Its resilience makes it a practical choice for high-traffic areas and homes with pets or children. However, once damaged, LVP may need to be replaced as it cannot be refinished like hardwood.

Despite their respective durability, both flooring types have their vulnerabilities. Hardwood can be prone to scratches and fading, while LVP may not withstand extreme temperature changes as well as hardwood and durability varies widely from one manufacturer to another.

Cost Analysis: Upfront and Long-Term

When considering the cost of hardwood floors vs. LVP, it's important to look at both upfront and long-term costs. Initially, luxury vinyl flooring often seems more affordable (but don't expect to get the same durability with the cheaper LVP compared to the higher priced LVP) than hardwood. The initial cost of LVP can be lower, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners or quick renovations.

However, the long-term cost analysis may tip the scales in favor of hardwood. Despite its higher upfront cost, hardwood flooring can hold better value over time. Its long lifespan and the potential for multiple refinishing can offset the initial investment.

Here's a quick comparison of the costs associated with each flooring type:

• Hardwood Flooring: Higher upfront cost, potential for refinishing, longer lifespan, and can increase home resale value.

• LVP: Lower upfront cost, shorter lifespan, less impact on resale value, and replacement may be needed over time.

Resale Value and Return on Investment

When it comes to resale value, hardwood floors often have the upper hand. Many homebuyers appreciate the timeless appeal and quality of hardwood, which can increase a home's resale value more significantly than LVP. This can make hardwood flooring a smart investment for homeowners planning to sell in the future.

On the other hand, while LVP can offer a fresh, modern look, it may not contribute as much to a home's resale value. This is something to consider if return on investment is a key factor in your flooring decision. I often pose this question to clients when they ask me about LVP:

"You walk into a 100-year-old house and see a vinyl floor, and then you see the wood floors in the same house. Which one of those floors being the same age is still relevant? Wood floors of course."

Even though styles may change over time, the natural characteristics of wood floors stay the same.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Hardwood flooring is a natural product, which can make it a more eco-friendly option than vinyl. The environmental impact of hardwood flooring can be mitigated by choosing certified sustainable wood. This means the wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Also all the wood we use is from the USA or Wisconsin besides any exotic species. Read more about the benefits of hardwood.

On the other hand, the production of LVP involves the use of plastics. And let's not forget that LVP off-gasses a lot and for many years. Thus you are breathing in harmful gasses from your floor, primarily after install.

Maintenance and Care

Hardwood floors require regular cleaning and occasional refinishing to maintain their beauty. They can be more susceptible to scratches and require more careful maintenance. However, the ability to sand and refinish hardwood floors multiple times allows for a fresh look without replacement. And don't forget the color, texture, and style can also be changed.

LVP, on the other hand, is lower maintenance similar way to clean. It doesn't scratch as easily and can handle heavy cleaning agents without damage, although this can vary based on what brands you get. The hardness of wood floors can also differ depending on what brand you get. However, once damaged, LVP planks often need to be replaced as they can't be refinished like hardwood.

Installation: Complexity and Costs

Hardwood flooring installation can be a complex process, but that's why it's recommended to hire a certified professional. It requires acclimation before installation to prevent warping and can be more expensive due to labor costs. However, the unique and varied grain pattern of hardwood adds character to a space, making the installation cost worthwhile for many homeowners.

On the other hand, LVP can be easier to install and can even be a DIY project. Yet, it may not provide the same warmth and natural beauty as hardwood.

The Value of Choosing Hardwood

In conclusion, while LVP offers practical benefits such as durability(not all are equal), ease of installation, and affordability, hardwood flooring stands out as a better long-term investment. Its timeless aesthetic, potential for multiple refinishing, ability to change color, and contribution to property value make it a worthwhile choice for homeowners seeking quality and longevity.

Despite the higher upfront costs, the longevity and resale value of hardwood flooring can offset the initial investment. Moreover, its natural insulation properties and potential for unique installation patterns add to its value.