Hardwood floors are timeless, but luxury vinyl plank is taking over. Here's an honest comparison from our flooring experts to help you pick the best fit.
The flooring world has been turned upside down in recent years. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) has surged in popularity, and many homeowners are wondering: is it really as good as hardwood? We install both every week, and here's our honest take.
There's nothing quite like real hardwood floors. The warmth, the character, the way they age gracefully over decades — hardwood is the gold standard. Oak, hickory, and maple are popular choices in Indiana homes. Hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times over their 50–100+ year lifespan, making them a true investment.
The downsides? Hardwood is susceptible to water damage, scratches from pets, and expansion/contraction with humidity changes. It's also more expensive — typically $8–15 per square foot installed, depending on the species. (Picking flooring for entries and kitchens? See our high-traffic flooring guide.)
Luxury vinyl plank has earned its reputation. Today's premium LVP is 100% waterproof, incredibly scratch-resistant, and nearly indistinguishable from real wood at a glance. It's perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and homes with pets and kids. Installation is typically faster and less expensive than hardwood — usually $5–9 per square foot installed.
The main drawback is longevity. LVP can't be refinished — once it's worn out (typically 15–25 years), it needs to be replaced entirely. It also doesn't add the same resale value as real hardwood. (Once it's installed, follow our floor maintenance guide to maximize its life.)
If you want floors that will last a lifetime and you're willing to invest in maintenance, go with hardwood. If you need waterproof, kid-proof, pet-proof flooring at a better price point, LVP is the smart choice. Many of our clients do a mix — hardwood in the living room and bedrooms, LVP in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Come visit our showroom to walk on both options side by side, or book a free flooring consultation and we'll bring samples to your home.
Choosing flooring for high-traffic areas — How to maintain your new floors — Our flooring services overview — Get a free flooring estimate
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