Laminate vs Vinyl vs Hardwood: Floor Comparison

Factor	Laminate	Vinyl (LVP)	Hardwood
Cost (installed)	$3-$10/sf	$4-$12/sf	$8-$22/sf
Water resistant	No	Yes	No
Lifespan	10-25 yrs	15-25 yrs	75+ yrs
Refinishable	No	No	Yes
Resale value	Low	Medium	High
Feel underfoot	Hard	Softer	Natural
Best rooms	Living, bed	Any room	Living, dining

Bottom Line:

• Best overall value: LVP (vinyl plank)
• Best long-term investment: Hardwood
• Best budget option: Laminate

What It Is

Laminate is a synthetic product with a photographic wood image over fiberboard core, topped with a protective layer.

Laminate Pros

• Very affordable ($3-$10/sf)
• Easy DIY installation (click-lock)
• Scratch resistant
• Fade resistant
• Easy to clean

Laminate Cons

• NOT water resistant (swells when wet)
• Can look/sound fake
• Can't be refinished
• Shorter lifespan (10-25 years)
• Lower resale value
• Can be slippery

Best Uses for Laminate

• Bedrooms
• Living rooms (low traffic)
• Rental properties
• Budget renovations
• Areas that stay dry

Avoid Laminate In

• Kitchens (water risk)
• Bathrooms (absolutely not)
• Basements (moisture)
• High humidity areas

What It Is

Luxury Vinyl Plank is 100% synthetic with realistic wood or stone visuals, waterproof core, and durable wear layer.

Vinyl Pros

• 100% waterproof
• Realistic appearance
• Comfortable underfoot
• Easy DIY installation
• Works over most subfloors
• Goes in any room
• Good durability

Vinyl Cons

• Not "real" flooring (some buyers care)
• Can dent from heavy furniture
• Not refinishable
• Off-gassing possible (buy quality)
• Can fade in direct sunlight
• Cheaper versions look cheap

Best Uses for Vinyl

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Basements
• Whole-home flooring
• Rentals (durable + waterproof)
• Families with kids/pets

Quality Matters

• Budget LVP: $2-$4/sf (thin, less realistic)
• Mid-range: $4-$6/sf (good balance)
• Premium: $6-$10/sf (thick, very realistic)

Look for: 20+ mil wear layer, rigid core

What It Is

Solid wood planks milled from single pieces of timber, or engineered wood with real wood veneer over plywood core.

Hardwood Pros

• Timeless beauty
• Increases home value
• Can be refinished many times
• Lasts 75-100+ years
• Natural, authentic look and feel
• Hypoallergenic

Hardwood Cons

• Expensive ($8-$22/sf)
• Not water resistant
• Scratches and dents
• Requires maintenance
• Professional install recommended
• Climate sensitive

Solid vs Engineered

Solid: $8-$22/sf, refinish unlimited times Engineered: $6-$18/sf, refinish 1-3 times

Engineered is better for:

• Basements
• Over concrete
• Radiant heat
• Budget hardwood look

Best Uses for Hardwood

• Living rooms, dining rooms
• Bedrooms
• Hallways
• Main floor living areas
• Home offices

Choose Laminate If:

• Tight budget is primary concern
• Going in dry areas only
• Rental property
• Plan to upgrade later
• DIY installation important

Choose Vinyl (LVP) If:

• Want one floor for whole house
• Need waterproof (kitchens, baths)
• Have kids or pets
• Want easy maintenance
• Basement installation
• Balance of looks and practicality

Choose Hardwood If:

• Long-term home investment
• Resale value important
• Classic/upscale look desired
• Budget allows
• Can maintain properly
• Avoiding wet areas

Our Recommendation

For most homeowners in 2026: Main living areas: Engineered hardwood or premium LVP Kitchens: LVP or tile Bathrooms: LVP or tile Bedrooms: Your preference (all work) Basements: LVP only

Use our Flooring Calculator to compare costs for your space.