When Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring the Right Choice?
- elle2430
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
At Denver Flooring & Finishes, we talk about luxury vinyl plank (LVP) a lot. It's durable, low-maintenance, and looks good in a lot of different homes. But here’s the thing: just because LVP is popular doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for every project.
We recently had a lead for a 3,000-square-foot home where the owner wanted to install LVP throughout before selling. At first, it seemed like a simple plan. But once we saw the whole scope, we had questions. Would LVP really help sell the house? Or would another flooring choice make more sense?
That’s what this post is about. Whether you're a homeowner, builder, or designer, it’s important to know where LVP works well and where it might not be the best choice.
What Is LVP?
Luxury vinyl plank is a type of flooring made to look like hardwood. It’s made from several layers of vinyl, with a printed design that gives it the look of wood. The top layer protects the plank from scratches and stains.
LVP is waterproof, easy to install, and more affordable than hardwood. It comes in a wide range of colors and styles, which makes it a flexible option. But even though it can look very real, it’s still a synthetic product. That can make a difference, especially when it comes to home value or overall feel.
Where LVP Works Well
1. Moisture-prone areas
LVP is great for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements. It won’t warp when it gets wet and it’s easy to clean up spills.
2. High-traffic spaces
Have kids or pets? LVP holds up well to busy foot traffic, scratching claws, and messes. You don’t have to refinish it like wood, and you can replace just one plank if it gets damaged.
3. Rental homes or quick flips
If you need a budget-friendly floor that still looks nice, LVP can do the job. It installs quickly, which saves time and labor costs.
4. Projects with tight timelines
LVP uses a click-together system, which makes installation fast and simple. No nails, no glue, and less prep work.
Where LVP Might Not Be the Best Choice
1. High-end homes
If you're renovating a more expensive home to sell, buyers may expect real hardwood. LVP might not match the look or feel they’re going for.
2. Large open spaces
In big rooms with lots of natural light, LVP can sometimes look repetitive. The printed patterns repeat, so it doesn’t have the natural variation that hardwood does.
3. Long-term homes
Hardwood can be sanded and refinished many times. You can change the color or finish down the road. LVP can’t be refinished, so you're stuck with the look you choose at the start.
4. Blending with real wood
If you already have hardwood floors and try to match LVP to it, it might end up highlighting the differences. In some cases, it’s better to choose a completely different look rather than trying to match exactly.
LVP vs. Hardwood: Not the Same Thing
We work with a lot of builders who think LVP and hardwood are equal options. But they really serve different purposes. Hardwood is a long-term investment that adds real value to a home. LVP is a practical, lower-cost option for certain situations.
There’s no “better” choice. It depends on the space, the goals, and the budget.
How to Decide if LVP Is Right for You
Here are some quick questions to ask:
Are you selling the home soon? If yes, think about what buyers will expect.
Is the room small or large? LVP works best in smaller areas where the repeating pattern isn’t as noticeable.
Does the space get wet? LVP is great for bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.
Do you want to change the style in the future? If yes, hardwood might be better since it can be refinished.
Is comfort underfoot important? LVP can feel a little cooler and firmer than wood.
Our Take
LVP is a great product when it’s used in the right place. We love it for basements, bathrooms, and busy areas. But it’s not the right fit for every room or every home.
At Denver Flooring & Finishes, we want to help you make smart decisions. That means thinking beyond trends and looking at what works best for your specific space. Sometimes the best answer is LVP. Other times, engineered wood or another material will give you better long-term value.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all flooring. We believe in the right product for the right job.
Denver Flooring and Finishing
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