Solid Hardwood vs. LVP: Choosing the Right Flooring

When you’re investing in a home—whether it’s a new build, a full-scale renovation, or your main living space—your flooring should match your long-term vision. Two popular options are solid oak hardwood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). While both have their strengths, one stands out for those who value craftsmanship, customization, and staying power. Here's some more info that might help you make your decision.

Solid Oak Hardwood:

Solid oak flooring has set the tone in homes for generations. Its warm tones, natural texture, and longevity make it a favorite among designers, builders and discerning homeowners alike. Today’s hardwoods, especially when finished with advanced 2-component water-based systems, are not only beautiful but highly resistant to daily wear—perfect for modern living.

What makes oak a standout choice:

• Lasts for decades – Unlike anything synthetic, real oak can be sanded and refinished multiple times, adapting to style changes and restoring like new.

• Design flexibility – Custom stains, widths, finishes, and plank lengths give you a truly bespoke look.

• Real material, real value – Hardwood consistently increases resale value and appeals to future buyers.

• Better finishes, better durability – Today’s high-performance water-based finishes offer excellent resistance to scratches, scuffs, and everyday wear—with a cleaner look and less odor than oil-based products.

• Aging gracefully – Instead of wearing out, hardwood develops character over time.

Considerations:

• Initial cost is higher, but often recouped through value and longevity

• Sensitive to standing water – best with proper climate control and quick cleanups

• Slightly more maintenance – but maintenance coats and the refinishing ability gives it a longer life than any synthetic material can match

  
  

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP):

LVP has earned its place in many homes for good reason. It delivers durability, water resistance, and can mimic the look of wood—at a fraction of the cost. It’s especially helpful in spaces like basements, bathrooms, or utility areas, where moisture and wear are a concern.

Where LVP fits best:

• 100% waterproof – great for lower levels or rooms where spills and splashes are common

• Low maintenance – just sweep and mop—no refinishing, ever

• Scratch and dent resistant – good for rentals or high-traffic zones

• Faster install & lower cost – ideal when time or budget are tight

Limitations to keep in mind:

• Not a lifetime material – once it wears or is damaged, it has to be replaced

• Lower perceived value – doesn’t increase resale the way hardwood does

• Less authentic – even premium LVP doesn’t replicate the depth, feel, or variation of real wood

• Pattern repetition – especially noticeable in larger, open-plan homes

Final Thoughts...

When it comes down to the solid hardwood vs LVP debate remember to assess your space, budget and lifestyle. LVP has its place, especially in secondary spaces or where moisture is a concern, and you simply can't go wrong with solid hardwood. It continues to be the material choice for designers as its timeless, adaptable, and made to live with you over decades, not just seasons.

For homeowners building with intention or investing in top-tier renovations, hardwood isn’t just a finish—it’s a long-term asset that brings warmth, authenticity, and value to every square foot.