Real estate agents weigh in on the pros and cons of choosing vinyl flooring over hardwood.
Vinyl plank flooring is a favorite among homeowners who want the look and texture of natural wood or stone without the financial investment. It's durable, waterproof, and a great fit for families with kids and pets, say experts. acoustic wood panels
But if you're replacing your floors with an eye toward resale, it's important to know that vinyl plank flooring won't charm every buyer. Understand your market and potential buyers to decide if vinyl plank flooring is the best upgrade for your soon-to-be-sold space.
Vinyl plank flooring is a type of hard flooring made from layers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). "PVC is a plastic polymer that forms the core material of vinyl planks—it provides stability, durability, and waterproofing," says Colorado-based interior designer Nadia Watts. "The top layer is the wear layer, followed by printed or embossed design layers, a core layer, and a backing layer."
Vinyl plank flooring is designed to look like hardwood planks, stone, or other natural materials—but requires a substantially lower cost investment: Typically $3 to $5 less per square foot.
Vinyl plank flooring isn't just popular because it costs less than natural materials. Homeowners choose it for its durability and for the ease with which it holds up in high-traffic or wet areas, says Watts. "Vinyl is naturally waterproof and can handle moisture, which makes it a great option for basements, kitchens, bathrooms, or any area prone to water exposure," she says. "I like to especially use it in mudrooms in the Colorado area as we get a lot of snow, so water from coats and boots can get on the floor without any damage done."
Vinyl plank flooring can be installed by amateur renovators or professional contractors, making it a go-to choice for beginner DIYers and homeowners investing in a major makeover. Different types can be installed via peel-and-stick backing, by gluing the planks down, or by clicking them together. "All three installation methods are suitable for novices, require little time, and can be laid over any rigid and level subfloor," says Matt Brown, senior merchant of flooring at The Home Depot.
The cost of vinyl plank flooring can range from $1 per square foot to $12 per square foot—or even higher, says Brown (his favorite, Lifeproof Sterling Oak, rings up at $3.49 per square foot). "Factors such as the quality, installation method, water-resistant features, and brand can influence the cost of vinyl plank flooring," he says. If you plan to get your flooring professionally installed, expect the price to go up by at least $2 per square foot, Brown says. But overall, says Brown, "Vinyl flooring is often more affordable than hardwood flooring, providing a similar aesthetic at a fraction of the cost."
If you're replacing an especially old carpet, damaged tile, or ugly linoleum, the immediate impact of vinyl plank flooring can be a simple, low-cost update that brings in buyers.
Vinyl plank flooring often offers more soundproofing than hardwood, so it works well for active homeowners. "Some vinyl flooring products come with an acoustic backing that enhances sound insulation, reducing and absorbing sound, so it’s great for multi-story buildings or homes with children and pets," says Watts. "It’s also soft underfoot compared to harder materials like tile or hardwood. This makes it a great option for those who spend a lot of time standing, cooking, walking, or working out in their homes."
The durability and water-resistance of vinyl also makes it a popular choice for families with smaller, messier members. "Vinyl flooring is easy to clean and maintain," says Watts. "It’s also resistant to stains and spills, so it’s a great option for people with kids and/or pets."
Upscale versions of vinyl plank flooring are increasingly acceptable, even in high-end markets. "I have repeat clients that only install Coretec luxury vinyl plank flooring in their homes," says Linda Briggs from Anne Erwin Sotheby’s International Realty in York, Maine. "They do so for their three dogs, as it is very durable and easy to clean, but more now because they love the look and feel. In the past, buyers have associated luxury and value with solid wood floors. I can see the trend changing to acceptance of luxury vinyl plank, especially now since there are so many color and texture options."
If you're debating between installing vinyl plank flooring or hardwood, natural wood has multiple benefits when it comes to selling your home.
If the comparable homes in your market are filled with hardwood floors, vinyl plank flooring can set your home apart—but not always in a good way. "In the upscale market segment where authentic wood flooring is standard and anticipated within the luxury price range, vinyl flooring might not be considered an improvement," says Francine Huss of Sotheby’s International Realty Wine Country Brokerage. "Nonetheless, vinyl plank flooring can be strategically used in areas of the home that will benefit by its waterproof feature, such as a laundry room."
Hardwood costs more at first, but it has an extended lifespan that makes it a once-in-a-lifetime investment. "While vinyl flooring is often less expensive upfront, hardwood flooring can add more value to a home and has a longer lifespan, which can make it a more cost-effective choice in the long run," says Watts. "Additionally, hardwood can be refinished multiple times, extending its life and maintaining its appearance."
Even the highest quality vinyl plank flooring can't match the warmth and texture of natural materials. "Vinyl can mimic the look of natural materials, however it does not provide the same tactile experience as genuine hardwood or stone," says Watts.
dark hardwood floors Buyers who prefer the look of wood are likely to be turned off by the work and cost involved with replacing vinyl, says Elizabeth Daly of Sotheby’s International Realty Los Feliz Brokerage. "Vinyl floors can actually decrease the value of a home because no buyer wants to spend money for what a seller perceives as an upgrade when it’s something that they will likely have to rip out—the cost combined with the environment impact and waste is enough to turn off the buyer altogether," she says. "Details sell homes, and floors are top among them. In my experience, the cost of hardwoods delivers a $4 return for every $1 spent in terms of sales price. One hundred ways to Sunday, it is worth a seller spending the extra money to install hardwoods."