When choosing flooring for your home, two of the most popular options are engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Both offer unique advantages, but the right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and design preferences. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Engineered Hardwood Pros & Cons
Pros of Engineered Hardwood
- Real wood look & feel – Offers the beauty and warmth of real hardwood.
- Higher resale value – More desirable to homebuyers than vinyl.
- Durability – More resistant to humidity and temperature changes than solid hardwood.
Cons of Engineered Hardwood
- More expensive – Typically costs more than LVP.
- Less water-resistant – Can handle some moisture but is not fully waterproof.
- Prone to scratches – Softer than LVP, so pet claws and heavy furniture can leave marks.
Best Rooms for Engineered Hardwood
The most common rooms we install engineered hardwood, hands down, are main level areas. This includes great rooms, kitchens, and dining rooms. This does NOT include mudrooms or wherever you come in and out of your house the most often. In mudrooms, we always install better waterproof floors such as tile or LVP.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Pros & Cons
Pros of LVP
- Waterproof – Great for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- Budget-friendly – Usually cheaper than engineered hardwood.
- Highly durable – Resistant to scratches, dents, and general wear.
- Easy maintenance – Simple to clean with regular sweeping and mopping.
Cons of LVP
- Not real wood – Can mimic wood well but doesn’t have the same authenticity.
- Lower resale value – Won’t add as much value to your home as engineered hardwood.
- Can feel less premium – Some cheaper options may look or feel plasticky.
Best Rooms for LVP
Spaces we install LVP often are lower or upper levels of homes. If you want the look of hardwood but don’t have the budget for it everywhere, a good backup option is to install LVP. And yes, it is okay to have hardwood on the main level with LVP on a different level—just choose a similar-looking one.
Which One Should You Choose?
Go with engineered hardwood if you want a more high-end, natural look and resale value matters.
Choose LVP if you need something waterproof, durable, and budget-friendly.
Ultimately, both options have their place in home design. If you’re looking for warmth and elegance, engineered hardwood is a great investment. If durability and practicality are your top priorities, LVP is the way to go.
Still unsure? Consider where you’ll install the flooring and your lifestyle needs. A well-informed choice will ensure you love your floors for years to come!
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