For homebuyers weighing the choice between classic hardwood flooring and increasingly popular synthetic alternatives, there are several factors to consider:
Aesthetics
Cost
Durability
Environmental impact
Long-term value
Here’s NewHomeSource’s breakdown of hardwood flooring vs synthetic to help you choose the best flooring for your new home.
Aesthetics
There are numerous synthetic and hardwood flooring styles to choose from, so knowing your interior design goals from the start is going to help make the decision easier.
For example, luxury vinyl plank delivers modern, clean lines and uniform textures with high resistance to wear. Meanwhile, matte-finished oak hardwood provides a minimalist look that remains warm and natural.
Hardwood flooring: Homeowners often praise hardwood for its longevity and aesthetic, and because it’s easy to refinish. However, it is also expensive, vulnerable to water damage, and susceptible to scratching.
Synthetic flooring: Water-resistant, budget-friendly, and easy to install, though it tends to have a shorter lifespan and is more time consuming to repair or replace in sections.
“Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) are gaining in popularity, and they offer a realistic appearance and can imitate the look of hardwood or stone, ” said Paul Dashevsky, co-CEO of Great Buildz.
“Consider your home’s design and style, as well as how the flooring will complement the overall look and aesthetic, Dashevsky said. “Pick colors and patterns that will complement your interior design.”
Cost
Hardwood flooring: Typically costs between $5 and $20 per square foot, depending on the species and labor costs. Engineered hardwood is comparable to solid hardwood.
Synthetic flooring: Luxury vinyl plank and laminate are more affordable, coming in around $2 to $8 per square foot, though the cost can vary.
Durability
Hardwood flooring: “Hardwood flooring is renowned for its resilience and longevity. With the appropriate care and maintenance, it can survive decades,” Dashevsky said. You can expect hardwood flooring to last 50-100 years.
Protecting the appearance (and value) of hardwood floors over its lifespan involves cleaning consistently, avoiding standing water, using protective rugs and furniture pads, and refinishing periodically.
Oak, walnut, maple, and hickory typically hold more value over time. They combine aesthetic appeal with structural durability and respond well to refinishing.
Engineered hardwood has a lifespan of 20 to 40 years and can typically be refinished, depending on the thickness of its top veneer layer.
Maintenance includes occasional cleaning with hardwood-safe products and refinishing every 7-10 years, but overall costs remain moderate.
Synthetic flooring: Luxury vinyl plank typically lasts between 15 and 30 years. It is easier to maintain and clean than hardwood; however, it cannot be refinished and is more likely to need a full replacement once worn or damaged.
Among the most durable synthetic flooring types for busy households are stone-plastic composite (SPC) vinyl plank, wood-plastic composite (WPC) vinyl plank, luxury sheet vinyl, waterproof laminate, and high-pressure laminate. These materials are engineered to handle heavy foot traffic and resist moisture.
“Consider the room’s function and anticipated foot traffic,” said Dashevsky. “For instance, high-traffic rooms like the living room and kitchen will require a more durable flooring option than the bedroom. Luxury vinyl demands less upkeep than hardwood and tile flooring.”
“Hardwood needs more care. It doesn’t love water, and heavy furniture or pet nails can leave scratches,” said Ariel Darmoni, general manager of 123 Remodeling. “Synthetic flooring is easier to clean and more forgiving in homes with kids or pets.”
Environmental Impact
Responsibly-sourced hardwood, especially reclaimed or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)–certified wood, offers a renewable, biodegradable option with a relatively low environmental footprint.
Reclaimed hardwood has unmatched sustainability benefits. While it can be more expensive and may require additional preparation, some homeowners find the unique patina and eco-friendly appeal worth the investment.
Traditional synthetic flooring: Includes materials such as vinyl and laminate and is largely petroleum-based and less biodegradable. Its manufacturing often involves higher emissions.
Newer synthetic products: Synthetic flooring made from recycled PET bottles, plant-based vinyl resins, and other sustainable materials are quickly gaining ground. While still relatively new to the market, these alternatives aim to rival hardwood in performance and appearance while having a smaller carbon footprint.
“Sustainability depends on the product. Responsibly sourced hardwood can be eco-friendly, especially options ... that are locally grown,” Darmoni said. “Bamboo is fast-growing and another solid option, but some products are heavily processed, so it’s important to check how they’re made. Vinyl can contain plastics and other materials that raise environmental concerns, so buyers should always read the label.”
Long-Term Value
Hardwood flooring: Whether solid or engineered, hardwood floors can significantly boost home resale value.
Synthetic flooring: While LVP and laminate are appreciated for their durability and affordability, they rarely sway buyers the way real hardwood does.
“When it comes to resale value, buyers often still see hardwood as a premium feature. It adds warmth and natural character that’s difficult to replicate,” Darmoni said. “Synthetic options can still show well, but hardwood tends to make a stronger impression.”
The Bottom Line
If you're looking for a long-term investment with lasting beauty and resale appeal, solid or engineered hardwood is hard to beat. Buyers on tighter budgets or with children and/or pets might lean toward vinyl plank or laminate.
Environmentally conscious homeowners may gravitate toward reclaimed wood or cork, while renters and flippers may opt for easy-to-install, durable synthetic materials.
Hardwood floors are still very popular, being so sturdy and aesthetically appealing, but you may start seeing more sustainably sourced vinyl and laminate in the future.
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