Choose New Flooring Material
LVP is the most popular DIY option for its durability and ease of installation. Hardwood adds the most resale value. The right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how much you want to DIY.
Time Required
2-4 hours research
Cost
$2-$15 per sq ft
Difficulty
Moderate (decision)
Flooring Comparison
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) — $2-$7 per sq ft
The most popular choice for updates. Waterproof, scratch-resistant, and installs as a floating floor with click-lock planks.
+ DIY-friendly click-lock install
+ Excellent durability
+ Wide style variety
- Can look artificial in cheaper options
- Not refinishable
Solid Hardwood — $6-$15 per sq ft
The gold standard for living rooms. Adds genuine warmth and significant resale value. Can be refinished multiple times over decades.
+ Refinishable 3-5 times
+ Lasts 50-100 years
+ Timeless appeal
- Professional install recommended
- Scratches from pets and furniture
- Not moisture-resistant
Engineered Hardwood — $4-$10 per sq ft
Real wood veneer over plywood core. Looks like solid hardwood, handles moisture better, and can be floated or glued down.
+ Better moisture resistance
+ Can float over existing floors
+ Good resale value
- Thinner wear layer
- Still scratches like hardwood
Laminate — $1-$5 per sq ft
Budget-friendly option with a photographic wood-look layer. Click-lock install makes it very DIY-friendly.
+ Easy DIY install
+ Good scratch resistance
+ Low maintenance
- Cannot be refinished
- Can sound hollow underfoot
- Lower perceived value
Quick Decision Guide
- Best for budget: Laminate or entry-level LVP ($1-$3/sq ft)
- Best for pets and kids: LVP — waterproof and scratch-resistant
- Best for resale value: Solid hardwood (oak or white oak is most popular)
- Best for DIY: LVP or laminate — both use click-lock floating installation
- Best look for the money: Engineered hardwood — real wood appearance at moderate cost
Pro Tips
- •Order samples: Most companies ship free samples. Live with them for a week on your actual floor to see how they look in your light.
- •Factor in underlayment: Floating floors need underlayment ($0.30-$0.75/sq ft). Some LVP has it built in.
- •Buy 10% extra: Account for waste from cuts, damaged pieces, and future repairs. Store extras in a dry place.
- •Check the wear layer: For LVP, get at least 20mil wear layer for living rooms. 12mil wears through in high-traffic areas within a few years.