Choosing Between Luxury Vinyl Plank and Hardwood Flooring: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to selecting new flooring for your Vermont home, two popular options consistently rise to the top: traditional hardwood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). As custom flooring specialists serving Stowe and surrounding areas, we’re often asked which material is superior. The truth is, both have distinct advantages depending on your lifestyle, budget, and specific needs.
Durability and Longevity
Hardwood Flooring: Solid hardwood floors can last generations—sometimes exceeding 100 years with proper care. They can be refinished multiple times, allowing you to restore their beauty when signs of wear appear. This makes them an excellent long-term investment that can significantly increase your home’s value.
Luxury Vinyl Plank: Modern LVP typically lasts 15-25 years. While this lifespan is shorter than hardwood, today’s premium LVP products feature wear layers that resist scratches, dents, and stains remarkably well—often outperforming hardwood in high-traffic or active households with children and pets.
Water and Moisture Resistance
Hardwood Flooring: Traditional hardwood’s greatest vulnerability is moisture. In Vermont’s climate with varying humidity levels and potential for tracked-in snow, hardwood requires vigilant care to prevent warping, cupping, or gapping.
Luxury Vinyl Plank: LVP shines in moisture resistance, with many products advertising as 100% waterproof. This makes it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms, and basements where moisture exposure is inevitable.
Installation Considerations
Hardwood Flooring: Professional installation is recommended for hardwood, requiring specialized tools and expertise. The installation process involves acclimation time, precise subfloor preparation, and often finished with multiple coats of protective sealant.
Luxury Vinyl Plank: Many LVP products feature click-lock systems that simplify installation. While professional installation ensures the best results, experienced DIYers can sometimes handle LVP installation, potentially reducing overall costs.
Aesthetic Appeal
Hardwood Flooring: The natural beauty, warmth, and character of real wood remains unmatched. Each board has unique grain patterns, and the floor develops a distinctive patina over time that many homeowners cherish.
Luxury Vinyl Plank: Modern manufacturing techniques have dramatically improved LVP’s appearance. High-definition printing and textured surfaces can create remarkably convincing wood looks, though discerning eyes may still recognize the difference when compared directly with natural hardwood.
Cost Comparison
Hardwood Flooring: Expect to invest $8-15 per square foot for quality hardwood materials, plus $3-5 per square foot for professional installation. Premium hardwood species can exceed $20 per square foot.
Luxury Vinyl Plank: Quality LVP typically ranges from $3-7 per square foot for materials, with installation adding $2-3 per square foot. This significant cost difference makes LVP attractive for budget-conscious renovations.
Environmental Considerations
Hardwood Flooring: Sustainably harvested hardwood is a renewable, biodegradable resource. However, consider looking for FSC-certified products to ensure responsible forestry practices.
Luxury Vinyl Plank: As a petroleum-based product, LVP has a larger carbon footprint and isn’t biodegradable. However, many manufacturers are improving sustainability practices and offering recycling programs.
Making Your Decision
The right choice depends on your specific circumstances:
- Consider hardwood if: You’re focused on long-term value, authenticity, and are willing to commit to proper maintenance.
- Consider LVP if: You need exceptional durability against moisture and heavy use, have budget constraints, or want worry-free flooring.
Many Vermont homeowners are also choosing a mixed approach—installing hardwood in main living areas while selecting LVP for bathrooms, mudrooms, and basements.
At Craft & Crown, we can help you navigate these choices with personalized recommendations based on your home’s specific needs. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward beautiful new flooring that perfectly suits your Vermont lifestyle.