Engineered Hardwood vs. Luxury Vinyl Plank: Which Flooring is Best for Your Home?

Choosing the perfect flooring for your home can be overwhelming, especially when deciding between engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Both flooring options offer the stunning look of natural hardwood, but they differ in durability, maintenance, cost, and installation.

If you're stuck between the two, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many homeowners find themselves at this crossroads, weighing the beauty of real wood against the practicality of modern vinyl.

To help you make the best decision, let’s compare engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl flooring in terms of appearance, durability, maintenance, cost, and installation.
 

Appearance: Which Looks More Like Natural Hardwood?

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

LVP flooring is designed to mimic the appearance of real wood with advanced imaging technology that captures grains, knots, and textures found in natural hardwood. Today’s luxury vinyl options offer realistic embossing and high-definition visuals, making them nearly indistinguishable from real wood at first glance.

• Available in various wood species looks, from oak to walnut to maple.
• Comes in a wide range of colors, textures, and plank sizes.
• Can be installed in multiple layouts, including herringbone and chevron patterns.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood offers the authenticity of real wood, as it is made from a layer of natural hardwood bonded to a high-density core. Because it contains genuine wood, it showcases the natural variations and warmth that many homeowners love.

• Offers a rich, organic appeal that LVP can’t fully replicate.
• Can be sanded and refinished, maintaining its natural beauty for decades.
• Available in various wood species and finishes, just like solid hardwood.

Verdict: If you want the true authenticity of hardwood, engineered wood is the winner. But if you’re looking for a cost-effective, waterproof alternative that still looks like wood, LVP is an excellent choice.


 

Durability & Moisture Resistance

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

LVP is built for resilience and longevity, making it a great option for high-traffic areas and homes with pets or kids. Unlike engineered hardwood, LVP is 100% waterproof, meaning it won’t warp, buckle, or swell when exposed to moisture.

• Waterproof and ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
• Scratch and stain-resistant, perfect for active households.
• Resists temperature and humidity fluctuations, making it suitable for any climate.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is more resistant to moisture than solid hardwood, but it is not completely waterproof. It can handle humidity better due to its layered construction, but prolonged exposure to water can still cause warping or swelling.

• More moisture-resistant than solid wood but not waterproof.
• Can handle moderate humidity but may expand or contract in extreme conditions.
• Susceptible to scratches and dents, especially in homes with pets or heavy furniture.

Verdict: If you need waterproof flooring, LVP is the clear winner. For homeowners looking for genuine wood with some water resistance, engineered hardwood is a great alternative to solid hardwood.
 

Installation: Which Is Easier to Install?

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

LVP is known for its easy installation process, especially when using a floating floor with a click-lock system. This allows homeowners to walk on their floors the same day as installation.

• Floating or glue-down installation available.
• Can be installed directly over existing floors (tile, concrete, or plywood).
• No acclimation period required, meaning faster installation.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood requires professional installation for the best results. The process takes longer due to the acclimation period required before installation.

• Needs 1-3 days of acclimation before installation.
• Can be installed as a floating floor, glued down, or nailed.
• Takes several days to install, especially for larger projects.

Verdict: If you want quick and easy installation, LVP is the best option. If you’re willing to wait and want the beauty of real hardwood, engineered wood is the way to go.


 

Cost & Longevity

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

LVP is significantly more affordable than engineered hardwood. It offers a durable, budget-friendly flooring solution while still maintaining a high-end look.

• Costs 2 to 10 times less than engineered hardwood.
• Requires very little maintenance, lowering long-term costs.
• Average lifespan: 15-25 years, depending on quality and maintenance.

Engineered Hardwood

While engineered hardwood costs more upfront, it adds value to your home and has a longer lifespan than LVP. Because it can be refinished multiple times, it can last for 30+ years.

• Higher upfront cost but a better return on investment.
• Can be refinished, extending its lifespan.
• Lifespan: 30-50 years, depending on thickness and maintenance.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a long-term investment, engineered hardwood is a great option. But if you want an affordable, stylish, and durable alternative, LVP is the better choice.
 

Which Flooring is Best for Your Home?

Choose LVP If You:

✔ Want 100% waterproof flooring for bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.
✔ Need a budget-friendly flooring option that looks like real wood.
✔ Prefer low-maintenance floors that resist scratches, stains, and dents.
✔ Want quick and easy installation with a floating floor system.
 

Choose Engineered Hardwood If You:

✔ Want the authentic look and feel of real wood in your home.
✔ Are willing to invest in a long-lasting flooring option that can be refinished.
✔ Prefer a floor that adds resale value to your home.
✔ Don’t mind a higher initial cost and longer installation time.

Both engineered hardwood and LVP offer stunning, wood-look flooring solutions, but the best choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and home environment.
   

Find the Best Vinyl Plank and Engineered Wood Flooring Today

At Express Flooring, we know that flooring should look great in your home, not just in a showroom. That’s why we bring our mobile showroom to you, so you can see how different flooring options look under your lighting and décor.
 

Why Choose Express Flooring?

• We Bring the Store to Your Door – See and feel flooring samples in your own home.
• Expert Design Consultants – Get personalized recommendations for your space.
• Professional Installation – Our skilled team ensures a seamless, high-quality installation.
• Serving Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico

Call today to schedule your FREE in-home consultation and find the perfect flooring for your home!

Upgrade your space with beautiful, durable flooring—without the stress!