LVP vs Hardwood vs Laminate
A straight comparison from the crew that installs all three, including which one we would put in each room of your house.
We install hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate every week, so we have no reason to push one over another. Each one is the right answer in some rooms and the wrong answer in others. Here is how they compare in a coastal Virginia home.
Quick comparison
| Hardwood | LVP | Laminate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Not waterproof; needs moisture control | 100% waterproof | Water-resistant; waterproof versions exist |
| Scratches | Scratches, but can be sanded out | Good; better with a 20 mil wear layer | Very scratch-resistant surface |
| Lifespan | Decades; solid can be refinished 6–8 times | Long, but cannot be refinished | Long, but cannot be refinished |
| Feel underfoot | Solid, warm, real wood | Softer, quieter | Firm, closest to wood |
| Installed cost | $6–$14 per sq ft | $4–$9 per sq ft | $3–$7 per sq ft labor |
| Resale value | Highest | Good | Good |
Hardwood: the long-term investment
Real hardwood adds the most resale value and can last the life of the house because it can be sanded and refinished again and again. White oak is our top pick for this area: it has a tight grain, handles humidity well and takes stain evenly. Its weakness is water. Standing water, leaks and damp crawl spaces cause cupping, so we meter moisture and acclimate every hardwood delivery before installing it.
Best for: living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, hallways and stairs, anywhere that stays dry. Hardwood installation
Solid or engineered?
Solid 3/4" hardwood is ideal over a wood subfloor on main levels. Engineered hardwood has a real wood top layer over a stable core, so it moves less with humidity and can go over concrete slabs, which are common in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. It can be refinished 1–3 times depending on the wear layer.
LVP: the waterproof workhorse
Luxury vinyl plank is fully waterproof, handles pets and kids well, and installs fast because it doesn't need acclimation. That makes it the most popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, beach houses and rentals. For most homes we recommend 6–8 mm with a 12 mil wear layer; for big dogs or heavy traffic, a 20 mil wear layer. LVP needs a flat subfloor, because dips flex the click joints until they separate.
Best for: kitchens, baths, lower levels, rentals, homes with pets. LVP installation
Laminate: the budget-friendly wood look
Laminate has a hard, scratch-resistant wear layer and a firm feel that is closer to real wood than vinyl. It is often the most affordable way to get a realistic wood look in bedrooms and living areas. Standard laminate has a fiberboard core that swells if it stays wet, so for kitchens and entries choose a waterproof laminate with a sealed core, and skip it in full bathrooms.
Best for: bedrooms, living rooms, offices, households with pets that scratch. Laminate installation
What we would put in a typical Hampton Roads home
- Living and dining rooms: hardwood (or laminate on a tighter budget)
- Kitchen: LVP or tile, since they are waterproof
- Bathrooms and laundry: tile or LVP
- Bedrooms: hardwood, laminate or LVP
- Slab-on-grade homes: engineered hardwood, LVP or tile
- Beach house or rental: LVP throughout
Mixing materials is normal. We match heights and use clean transitions so the rooms still flow. For prices on each option, see our Hampton Roads flooring cost guide.
Get a free, written estimate. The owner measures in person, checks the subfloor and moisture, and gives you an itemized quote with no obligation.
Request a Free Estimate or call (804) 384-2200Quick answers
Is LVP better than hardwood?
Not better, but it suits different rooms. LVP is waterproof and tough, which makes it ideal for kitchens, baths and rentals. Hardwood lasts longer, can be refinished and adds more resale value in dry living areas.
Is laminate waterproof?
Standard laminate is water-resistant, not waterproof. Waterproof laminate with a sealed core works well in kitchens and entries, but we recommend LVP or tile for full bathrooms.
Can hardwood go on a concrete slab?
Engineered hardwood can be installed over a slab after a moisture test and a proper moisture barrier. Solid 3/4" hardwood is best over a wood subfloor.