Hardwood vs LVP vs Laminate: The 2026 Flooring Showdown

2026 installed pricing

• Solid oak hardwood: $9–$16/sq ft installed
• Engineered hardwood: $7–$14/sq ft (better for basements + slab-on-grade)
• Luxury vinyl plank (LVP): $4–$9/sq ft — the value winner
• Laminate: $3–$6/sq ft — cheapest but showing its age against LVP

The LVP wave is real

Modern LVP is 100% waterproof, dent-resistant, and installs floating over existing floors. In rentals, kids' rooms, kitchens and basements it beats every alternative on TCO. Resale-wise, buyers no longer discount LVP the way they did in 2019 — it's mainstream.

When hardwood still wins

Main-floor living areas of homes priced above the neighborhood median. Buyers still pay a $3–$8/sq ft premium for real wood on the ground floor. Above the ground floor? LVP is fine and appraisers don't care.