LVP vs. Hardwood Flooring: Cost Comparison
Luxury vinyl plank costs about half as much as hardwood installed, resists water and suits busy homes. Hardwood costs more, can be refinished several times and adds more resale appeal.
Short answer: LVP for wet rooms and budgets; hardwood for main rooms and resale.
Installed cost
Mid-grade LVP runs about $2,500 to $4,500 for 500 sq ft. Solid oak or maple runs about $4,500 to $9,000, and engineered hardwood about $3,500 to $7,500.
| Option | Installed cost | Typical life |
|---|---|---|
| Basic LVP | $2,000 to $3,250 | Not refinishable |
| Mid-grade LVP | $2,500 to $4,500 | Not refinishable |
| Engineered hardwood | $3,500 to $7,500 | Refinish 1 to 2 times |
| Solid hardwood | $4,500 to $9,000 | Refinish 3 to 5 times |
Durability and water
LVP is waterproof at the plank and shrugs off pet claws and spills, which makes it the default for kitchens, basements and rentals. Hardwood dents, scratches and can be damaged by standing water, but it can be sanded and refinished, so a 30-year-old hardwood floor can look new again.
Resale and feel
Hardwood is still the flooring buyers ask for, and appraisers tend to value it more. Quality LVP looks convincing, but it feels different underfoot and does not carry the same premium.
Which should you choose?
Choose LVP for wet areas, pets, tight budgets or rental property. Choose hardwood for main living areas in a home you plan to keep, where refinishing extends its life and buyers reward it.
Common questions
Is LVP cheaper than hardwood?
Yes, typically 40 to 60 percent less installed.
Can LVP go in a kitchen?
Yes. It handles spills and humidity far better than solid hardwood.
How long does LVP last?
Quality products with thick wear layers commonly last 15 to 25 years, but they cannot be refinished.