When designing or remodeling a home, the flooring you choose plays a crucial role in its overall aesthetic, functionality, and value. Two popular choices are real wood flooring and Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP). Both have their strengths, but how do you decide which is best for your home? Let’s break it down into three key factors: durability, cost, and look.
Durability: Is Vinyl More Durable than Hardwood?
Durability is one of the top considerations for homeowners, especially in high-traffic areas. Here’s how wood and vinyl stack up:
Wood Flooring Durability
If you grew up with wood floors, you might remember the frequent maintenance routines like resealing with thick coats of polyurethane. But today’s hardwood flooring has come a long way. Modern wood floors come with factory-applied finishes that are far more durable than traditional installer finishes, requiring less maintenance over the years.
- Matte or oil finishes paired with durable species like oak or hickory can withstand heavy use.
- Wire-brushed or chattered finishes hide surface scratches, adding character rather than detracting from the look.
- A major advantage of wood? It can be sanded and refinished, giving it a longer lifespan.
Luxury Vinyl Durability
Luxury vinyl flooring holds its own in terms of durability, but it isn’t invincible. Higher-end LVP is resistant to scuffs and chips, though mid- to low-range options may show wear faster. Where vinyl truly shines is its moisture resistance:
- Unlike wood, which can suffer irreparable damage from water, LVP is virtually impervious to moisture. This makes it an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, or areas prone to spills.
Cost: Does Hardwood or Vinyl Better Fit Your Budget?
Budget is often a decisive factor, and here vinyl has a clear edge.
Real Wood Flooring Cost
- Material cost: Engineered hardwood tends to cost more than luxury vinyl planks.
- Installation: Hardwood installation is labor-intensive, often requiring the complete removal of old flooring before installation.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring Cost
- Material cost: LVP is generally more affordable than wood.
- Installation flexibility: Vinyl can sometimes be installed over existing flooring, saving on demolition costs. While it’s best practice to demo old floors, this flexibility can cut expenses.
For homeowners looking for a high-end aesthetic without the higher price tag, LVP offers significant cost savings, especially in installation.
Look: Does Hardwood Look Better than LVP Flooring?
When it comes to aesthetics, it’s hard to beat the authentic charm of real wood. But today’s luxury vinyl has made impressive strides in mimicking the look and feel of hardwood.
Real Wood Flooring
Wood flooring has a timeless beauty that adds warmth and elegance to any space. Every plank is unique, with natural grain patterns and textures that vinyl cannot fully replicate.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
LVP has evolved with advanced printing technologies that replicate wood’s grain, tone, and sheen with remarkable accuracy. From varied grain patterns to realistic finishes, luxury vinyl is a strong contender for those looking to achieve a wood-look floor at a lower cost.


Our Take: Which One Should You Choose?
At KBF, we love the authenticity of real wood. If it’s within your budget and aligns with your home’s needs, engineered hardwood is a top choice for its character, durability, and long-term value. However, luxury vinyl plank flooring is an outstanding alternative, offering practicality and style for less.
Whether you’re choosing wood or vinyl, the key is finding the flooring that fits your lifestyle, budget, and aesthetic preferences. We hope this comparison helps you make an informed decision.
Have you also been considering wood-look tile as an alternative to real wood or LVP? If so, check out our blog post video that compares real wood vs. wood-look tile by clicking the link: Real Wood vs Wood-Look Tile Flooring

Ashley Sheaffer
Ashley Sheaffer is co-owner of KBF Design Gallery and leads the design team that re-imagines our clients' homes. She works alongside her brother and co-owner, Adam Vellequette, who leads the production team that brings the designs to life.