Flooring Materials Compared: Hardwood, Engineered, LVP, and Tile

Choosing flooring is one of the most impactful decisions in a renovation — it affects how a space looks, feels, and holds up over time. Here's a practical comparison of the four most common options. Carpet is not covered here — it's a separate category and is typically the last flooring installed in any renovation.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood is milled from a single piece of wood, typically 3/4" thick. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime, which is its biggest advantage.

Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms — any area away from moisture

• Can be refinished 3–5+ times, lasting 50–100 years with proper care
• Adds real resale value
• Looks and feels premium

• Expands and contracts with humidity — not suitable for basements or bathrooms
• More expensive than alternatives
• Requires acclimation before installation

Cost: $8–$15 per square foot installed

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer on top (typically 2–6mm thick) bonded to plywood layers underneath. It looks identical to solid hardwood but handles humidity better.

Best for: Basements, over radiant heat, anywhere solid hardwood would be risky

• More dimensionally stable than solid hardwood
• Can be floated, glued, or nailed down
• Works over concrete slabs

• Can only be refinished 1–3 times depending on veneer thickness
• Quality varies widely — thin veneer products wear out faster

Cost: $6–$12 per square foot installed

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

LVP is a synthetic product that mimics wood or stone using high-resolution photography and embossed texture. It's 100% waterproof and extremely durable.

Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, high-traffic areas, homes with pets or kids

• Completely waterproof
• Resistant to scratches and moisture damage
• Easy to install (floating click-lock)
• Lower cost than wood

• Cannot be refinished — replace when worn
• Can feel hollow underfoot without good underlayment
• Lower perceived value than real wood
• Quality varies significantly by brand and thickness

What to look for: 12 mil wear layer minimum for residential use; 20 mil for high traffic. Thicker core (6mm+) feels more solid.

Cost: $4–$9 per square foot installed

Tile (Ceramic and Porcelain)

Tile is the most durable and water-resistant option available. Porcelain is denser and harder than ceramic, making it better for floors.

Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms, any wet area

• Completely waterproof
• Extremely durable — lasts decades
• Easy to clean
• Wide range of styles and sizes

• Hard and cold underfoot (radiant heat helps)
• Grout requires maintenance
• Can crack if subfloor flexes — requires a very stiff substrate
• Labor-intensive to install

Cost: $7–$20+ per square foot installed depending on tile size and complexity

How to Choose

If you're renovating multiple rooms, a common approach is hardwood or engineered hardwood in living areas and bedrooms, LVP or tile in kitchens and bathrooms, and tile in any wet area. Flooring transitions between rooms should be planned before ordering materials.

What to Ask Your Contractor

• "Is my subfloor flat and stiff enough for this flooring type?"
• "What underlayment do you recommend and is it included in the quote?"
• "How do you handle transitions between rooms?"
• "What's your process for acclimating the material before installation?"

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most durable flooring for a home? Porcelain tile is the most durable option — it's waterproof, scratch-resistant, and can last decades with proper installation. For areas where you want warmth and durability, LVP with a 20 mil wear layer is a strong alternative. Solid hardwood is durable but requires more maintenance and is sensitive to moisture.

Is LVP better than hardwood? It depends on the space and your priorities. LVP is waterproof, easier to install, and less expensive — making it a better choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Solid hardwood adds more resale value, can be refinished multiple times, and has a warmth and feel that LVP doesn't fully replicate. Many homeowners use both — hardwood in living areas, LVP where moisture is a concern.

What flooring is best for kitchens? Tile and LVP are the best choices for kitchens — both are waterproof and easy to clean. Tile is more durable long-term but harder underfoot and more labor-intensive to install. LVP is more comfortable to stand on and easier to replace if damaged. Hardwood is not recommended for kitchens due to moisture exposure.