LVP or
hardwood?

What’s the actual difference?

Hardwood is real wood, either solid boards or engineered planks with a real wood top layer over a stable core. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is vinyl with a printed wood look and a clear wear layer on top. Most LVP clicks together over a flat subfloor.

How does each one handle our damp climate?

Wood takes on moisture from the air and gives it back, so it can swell a little in a wet winter and shrink once the heat’s been running. Some seasonal gaps are normal. Vinyl doesn’t absorb water, so it won’t swell or shrink with humidity. Engineered hardwood is more stable than solid.

Which is better for kitchens, entries and laundry rooms?

If a room sees spills, wet boots or the odd leak, LVP is the easier choice. Hardwood can work in a kitchen with a mat at the sink and quick cleanups. Full bathrooms are usually better off with LVP, tile or sheet vinyl.

Which one lasts longer?

Both can last for years with care. Solid hardwood can usually be sanded and refinished more than once, and engineered can be too if its top layer is thick enough. LVP can’t be refinished, but a damaged plank can often be swapped out.

Which feels better underfoot?

Wood has a warm, solid feel that’s hard to copy. Rigid-core (SPC) vinyl is firmer and can feel cool, while WPC vinyl is a little softer and quieter. Standing on samples tells you more than a spec sheet will.

Can I use both in one house?

Plenty of homes do: hardwood in the living and dining rooms, LVP in the kitchen, mudroom and laundry. We can help you plan where the two meet so the change looks intentional.

So how do I decide?

Think about how each room really gets used, then take a few samples home and look at them in your own light, morning and evening. We’re happy to talk through the trade-offs for your house.