Which flooring is most water-resistant?

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is the most water-resistant option, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. It's completely waterproof and won't swell or warp when exposed to moisture. Hardwood is the least water-resistant and can be damaged by spills or humidity, while laminate offers moderate water resistance but can still be damaged by standing water.

What's the most cost-effective flooring option?

Laminate flooring is typically the most cost-effective option, ranging from $1-5 per square foot. LVP falls in the middle at $2-7 per square foot, while hardwood is the most expensive at $8-25 per square foot. However, consider long-term costs including maintenance, repairs, and replacement when making your decision.

Which flooring lasts the longest?

Hardwood flooring has the longest lifespan, lasting 50-100 years with proper maintenance and refinishing. LVP typically lasts 10-25 years, while laminate lasts 10-20 years. While hardwood has the longest lifespan, it requires more maintenance and is more susceptible to damage from moisture and wear.

Can you install these floorings over existing floors?

LVP and laminate can often be installed over existing floors if the surface is level and in good condition. LVP is particularly flexible and can be installed over most surfaces. Hardwood typically requires removal of existing flooring and installation over a proper subfloor. Always check manufacturer guidelines and ensure proper preparation.

LVP vs Hardwood vs Laminate: Which Flooring Should You Choose?

Choose LVP for water resistance, hardwood for longevity, or laminate for affordability based on your specific needs.

Use our live calculator below to get your exact flooring cost in seconds.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Luxury vinyl plank flooring showing realistic wood grain texture

Luxury Vinyl Plank, or LVP, represents the latest evolution in vinyl flooring technology. Unlike traditional vinyl, LVP features a multi-layer construction that includes a rigid core, realistic photographic layer, and protective wear layer. This innovative design has made LVP one of the fastest-growing flooring options in the market.

Key Features of LVP

Waterproof: Unlike hardwood and laminate, LVP is completely waterproof, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements
Realistic Appearance: Advanced printing technology creates incredibly realistic wood and stone patterns
Durability: Resistant to scratches, dents, and stains with proper wear layers
Comfort: Softer underfoot compared to hardwood and laminate
Easy Installation: Many LVP products feature click-lock systems for DIY installation

Pros of LVP

100% waterproof - perfect for moisture-prone areas
Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
Lower cost than hardwood while maintaining premium appearance
Easy to clean and maintain
Can be installed over most existing floors
Excellent sound absorption
Warm underfoot and comfortable to walk on

Cons of LVP

Shorter lifespan compared to hardwood (10-25 years)
Cannot be refinished like hardwood
May fade over time with direct sunlight exposure
Some lower-quality options may have off-gassing concerns
May not add as much resale value as hardwood

Calculate Your Flooring Costs

Use our comprehensive flooring calculator to compare costs between LVP, hardwood, and laminate. Get detailed estimates including materials, installation, and long-term maintenance expenses.

Calculate Flooring Costs

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring has been a symbol of quality and elegance for centuries. Made from solid wood planks, hardwood offers timeless beauty and exceptional durability that can last for generations with proper care. Available in various species, grades, and finishes, hardwood provides unmatched customization options.

Key Features of Hardwood

Natural Beauty: Each plank features unique grain patterns and natural variations
Refinishable: Can be sanded and refinished multiple times to restore appearance
Longevity: With proper maintenance, hardwood can last 50-100 years
Value Addition: Typically increases home resale value
Variety: Available in numerous wood species, colors, and finishes

Pros of Hardwood

Unmatched natural beauty and character
Can be refinished multiple times to restore appearance
Extremely long lifespan (50-100 years)
Increases home resale value
Hypoallergenic and doesn't trap dust or allergens
Available in countless species, colors, and finishes
Classic appeal that never goes out of style

Cons of Hardwood

Highest initial cost among the three options
Vulnerable to moisture damage and humidity
Requires regular maintenance and refinishing
Can be scratched and dented more easily
Not suitable for below-grade installations
Professional installation typically required
May fade or change color over time

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring was developed as an affordable alternative to hardwood, offering the look of wood at a fraction of the cost. Made from multiple layers of synthetic materials bonded together, laminate provides durability and easy maintenance while maintaining an attractive appearance.

Key Features of Laminate

Cost-Effective: Most affordable option among the three
Durability: Resistant to scratches, fading, and wear
Easy Installation: Click-lock systems make DIY installation possible
Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep compared to hardwood
Variety: Available in many styles, including wood and stone looks

Pros of Laminate

Most affordable flooring option
Highly resistant to scratches and wear
Easy to clean and maintain
Quick and simple installation
Available in countless styles and colors
Good for high-traffic areas
Resistant to fading from sunlight

Cons of Laminate

Not waterproof - can be damaged by moisture
Cannot be refinished like hardwood
Shorter lifespan (10-20 years)
May sound hollow when walked on
Less authentic appearance compared to real wood
May not add significant resale value
Can be slippery when wet

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	LVP	Hardwood	Laminate
Cost per sq ft	$2-7	$8-25	$1-5
Lifespan	10-25 years	50-100 years	10-20 years
Water Resistance	100% waterproof	Poor	Moderate
Scratch Resistance	Excellent	Good	Excellent
Installation Difficulty	Easy	Difficult	Easy
Maintenance	Low	High	Low
Resale Value	Moderate	High	Low

Cost Analysis

When comparing flooring costs, it's important to consider both initial expenses and long-term costs including maintenance, repairs, and replacement.

Initial Costs

Laminate: $1-5 per square foot (most affordable)
LVP: $2-7 per square foot (mid-range)
Hardwood: $8-25 per square foot (most expensive)

Installation Costs

Laminate: $2-8 per square foot (DIY-friendly)
LVP: $3-10 per square foot (DIY-friendly)
Hardwood: $6-15 per square foot (professional recommended)

Long-term Costs

While hardwood has the highest initial cost, its long lifespan and ability to be refinished can make it more cost-effective over time. LVP offers a good balance of initial cost and durability, while laminate provides the lowest upfront cost but may need replacement sooner.

Durability and Lifespan

Durability is a crucial factor when choosing flooring, especially for busy households with children and pets.

Hardwood Durability

Hardwood is naturally durable but can be scratched and dented. However, its ability to be refinished makes it the longest-lasting option. With proper care, hardwood can last 50-100 years, making it a true investment in your home.

LVP Durability

LVP excels in durability with excellent resistance to scratches, dents, and moisture. The wear layer protects against daily wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. While it can't be refinished, quality LVP can last 10-25 years.

Laminate Durability

Laminate is highly resistant to scratches and wear, making it suitable for busy households. However, its vulnerability to moisture and inability to be refinished limits its lifespan to 10-20 years.

Installation Comparison

Installation requirements vary significantly between the three flooring types, affecting both cost and timeline.

LVP Installation

LVP installation is relatively straightforward, especially with click-lock systems. It can be installed over most existing floors and requires minimal subfloor preparation. DIY installation is possible for experienced homeowners.

Hardwood Installation

Hardwood installation is the most complex and typically requires professional installation. It needs a proper subfloor and acclimation period. Installation can take several days and may require the home to be vacated during the process.

Laminate Installation

Laminate installation is the easiest of the three, with click-lock systems making it very DIY-friendly. It requires minimal tools and can often be installed in a single day for smaller rooms.

Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance needs vary significantly between flooring types and should factor into your decision-making process.

Hardwood Maintenance

Regular sweeping and mopping with wood-safe cleaners
Periodic refinishing every 10-15 years
Protection from furniture scratches and moisture
Humidity control to prevent warping
Immediate cleanup of spills to prevent damage

LVP Maintenance

Simple sweeping and mopping
No special cleaners required
No refinishing needed
Easy spot cleaning for spills
Minimal ongoing maintenance

Laminate Maintenance

Regular sweeping and damp mopping
Avoid excessive water
No refinishing possible
Protection from moisture damage
Simple cleaning routine

Room-Specific Recommendations

Different rooms have different requirements, and your flooring choice should reflect the specific needs of each space.

Kitchens

Best Choice: LVP - Its waterproof nature makes it perfect for kitchens where spills are common. The realistic appearance provides the look of hardwood without the maintenance concerns.

Bathrooms

Best Choice: LVP - The only waterproof option among the three, making it ideal for bathrooms where moisture is constant.

Living Rooms

Best Choice: Hardwood or LVP - Hardwood adds value and elegance, while LVP offers durability and easy maintenance. Consider your budget and lifestyle when choosing.

Bedrooms

Best Choice: Any of the three - Personal preference and budget typically drive this decision. Hardwood adds warmth, LVP offers comfort, and laminate provides affordability.

Basements

Best Choice: LVP - Its waterproof nature and ability to handle moisture make it the only suitable option for below-grade installations.

Environmental Impact

Environmental considerations are increasingly important when choosing flooring materials.

Hardwood Environmental Impact

Hardwood is a natural, renewable resource when sourced responsibly. Look for FSC-certified products to ensure sustainable harvesting. Hardwood is biodegradable and can be recycled or repurposed.

LVP Environmental Impact

LVP is made from synthetic materials and may contain chemicals. However, many manufacturers are developing more eco-friendly options with recycled content and reduced VOC emissions. Look for low-VOC and phthalate-free options.

Laminate Environmental Impact

Laminate is made from wood byproducts and synthetic materials. While it uses less virgin wood than hardwood, it's not biodegradable. Some manufacturers offer products with recycled content and low-VOC emissions.

Making Your Decision

Choosing between LVP, hardwood, and laminate requires careful consideration of multiple factors. Here's a systematic approach to help you decide:

Consider Your Budget

If budget is your primary concern, laminate offers the lowest initial cost. If you can afford a higher upfront investment, hardwood provides the best long-term value. LVP offers a good middle ground.

Evaluate Your Lifestyle

Consider your household's activity level, presence of children and pets, and maintenance preferences. High-traffic areas benefit from LVP or laminate, while formal spaces may warrant hardwood.

Assess Your Space

Consider the room's moisture levels, traffic patterns, and existing conditions. Moisture-prone areas require LVP, while dry areas can accommodate any option.

Think Long-term

Consider how long you plan to stay in your home and your resale goals. Hardwood typically adds the most resale value, while LVP offers good durability for long-term use.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The best flooring choice depends on your specific circumstances, preferences, and requirements. Take the time to research and consider all factors before making your final decision.