"Hardwood or LVP?" is the most common question we get during free estimates. Both are excellent flooring options — but they're different products built for different situations. After 10+ years and 500+ projects across Central Florida, here's what we actually tell homeowners.
| Category | Solid Hardwood | LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) |
|---|---|---|
| Installed Cost (Central FL) | $10–$18 / sq ft | $5–$9 / sq ft |
| Water / Humidity Resistance | Low — swells & warps | 100% Waterproof |
| Works on Concrete Slab | No (engineered only) | Yes |
| Can Be Refinished | Yes — 3–5 times | No |
| Lifespan | 50–100+ years | 15–25 years |
| Resale Value | Higher premium | Good, gap narrowing |
| Scratch Resistance | Moderate (refinishable) | High (wear layer) |
| Underfoot Feel | Warm, natural, solid | Good, slightly hollow |
| Installation Time | 3–7 days | 1–3 days |
| Real Wood | Yes — solid wood | No — vinyl with wood print |
Engineered hardwood sits between these two options — real wood surface layer, moisture-resistant core. Learn more about engineered hardwood →
Most flooring comparisons are written for homes in the Northeast or Midwest. In Florida, the conditions are different — and they shift the calculus in important ways.
Central Florida's average relative humidity runs 70–90% in summer. Solid hardwood expands and contracts with humidity changes. In a well-air-conditioned home with stable humidity (45–55% RH year-round), solid hardwood performs fine. But in homes with inconsistent AC, seasonal openings, or Florida rooms, the movement can cause gapping, cupping, and squeaking.
LVP is dimensionally stable — it doesn't move with humidity. This is one reason it's become the dominant choice for Florida's concrete slab homes.
Roughly 70% of Florida homes are built on concrete slabs rather than wood subfloors. Solid hardwood cannot be nailed to concrete — and gluing it directly risks moisture migration from the slab. LVP floats freely over concrete with no moisture risk. Engineered hardwood can be glued or floated on slabs with a proper moisture barrier.
If your home is on a slab, your practical choices are LVP or engineered hardwood — not solid hardwood.
Hardwood floors still command a premium in resale — buyers recognize and pay for them. High-quality LVP has narrowed the gap, especially in the $300k–$500k home range where LVP is now expected. In luxury homes ($700k+), real hardwood is still a differentiator. Refinished existing hardwood almost always outperforms a new LVP install in resale value perception.
Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer surface over a moisture-resistant core — giving you the look and feel of hardwood with better slab compatibility than solid wood. It can be refinished 1–2 times, handles Florida humidity better than solid hardwood, and costs less than solid installation. It's our most-recommended option for Central Florida homeowners who want real wood on a concrete slab.
After walking hundreds of Central Florida homes, our honest answer is: there's no universal winner. It comes down to your subfloor, your household, and your priorities.
What we will tell you is what many contractors won't: if you already have hardwood floors and they're in refinishable condition, refinishing them is almost always the best value. You get real wood, updated color, and a fresh surface for a fraction of new floor installation cost.
If you're installing new, we'll assess your subfloor, measure your space, and give you a straight comparison of costs and trade-offs — without pushing you toward whichever product has the best margin. That's just how we work.
It depends on your subfloor and priorities. LVP is 100% waterproof and handles Florida's humidity and concrete slabs better than solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood is a solid middle ground — more moisture-resistant than solid wood while still being real wood. For kitchens, bathrooms, and slab-on-grade homes, LVP or engineered hardwood is typically the better Florida choice.
Not quite — solid hardwood still commands a premium. However, high-quality LVP has narrowed the gap significantly, especially in mid-range homes. For luxury homes, real hardwood remains a clear differentiator. The cost savings on LVP vs hardwood can outweigh the small resale value difference on many Central Florida projects.
Solid hardwood should not be glued or nailed directly to concrete slabs in Florida — moisture migration from the slab is a real risk. Engineered hardwood can be floated or glued to concrete with a moisture barrier. LVP installs directly on concrete with no moisture concerns.
LVP installation in Central Florida typically runs $5–$9 per sq ft installed. Solid hardwood runs $10–$18 per sq ft. On a 1,000 sq ft project, LVP can save $5,000–$10,000 compared to solid hardwood.
No — LVP cannot be sanded and refinished. Once the wear layer is scratched through, the damaged planks must be replaced. Hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished 3–5 times over their lifetime, making them a longer-term investment.
LVP is generally more practical for active households — it's waterproof, scratch-resistant (depending on wear layer thickness), and easy to clean. Hardwood can scratch and is vulnerable to water. However, hardwood scratches can be refinished away; damaged LVP planks must be replaced.
Explore more of our professional flooring services
Professional hardwood floor installation, refinishing, and restoration in Orlando.
Luxury vinyl plank installation throughout Central Florida.
Engineered hardwood installation in Orlando — ideal for Florida's climate and concrete slabs.