Hardwood vs. Luxury Vinyl: Which One to Pick in 2026?
The right flooring does more than just cover your floors — it sets the tone for style, comfort, and everyday living. As we move into 2026, two choices continue to dominate the conversation: hardwood vs luxury vinyl.
Hardwood is a natural wood flooring made from solid or engineered timber, while luxury vinyl is a durable, water-resistant flooring made from synthetic layers designed to mimic real wood or stone.
Our experts at Monarch Floors 1953 put together this in-depth guide to help Edmonton homeowners compare these two flooring giants based on costs, durability, appearance, maintenance, and more.
If you need personalized advice, you can always book a free consultation with us.
Hardwood Flooring vs. Luxury Vinyl: Quick Comparison
Below is a practical, homeowner-friendly comparison table to help you quickly understand where each flooring option shines and where it falls short.
| Feature | Hardwood Flooring | Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Authentic wood grain, rich texture, naturally aging | Hyper-realistic wood visuals, consistent color, scratch-resistant |
| Durability | Can last 50+ years; scratch-prone; sensitive to moisture | Highly durable; water-resistant; excellent for pets and kids |
| Maintenance | Low — susceptible to swelling and warping | High — ideal for kitchens, basements, mudrooms |
| Water & Moisture Resistance | Authentic wood grain, rich texture, naturally aging | Hyper-realistic wood visuals, consistent color, scratch-resistant |
| Comfort & Warmth | Naturally warm; compatible with radiant heat | Slightly firmer; comfortable underfoot; also compatible with radiant heat |
| Installation | Professional installation recommended; more complex | Faster installation; floating or glue-down |
| Lifespan | Decades with proper care; can be refinished | 15–30 years; cannot be refinished |
| Best Rooms | Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms | Mudrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, rentals |
| Pros | Boosts home value; timeless look; long lifespan | Affordable; waterproof options; pet-friendly; low maintenance |
| Cons | Higher cost; moisture-sensitive; prone to scratches | Doesn’t boost resale like hardwood; may fade over time |
| Cost Range | Higher upfront investment | More budget-friendly |
Most Popular Hardwood and LVP Flooring in 2026
Flooring choices shift with lifestyle changes, design preferences, and even local climates. Edmonton’s cold winters, for example, make durability and warmth major priorities.
Here’s what our flooring experts believe homeowners will be gravitating toward for hardwood and luxury vinyl plank in 2026. If you need help selecting the most suitable flooring for your house, call us at (587) 402-8455 or visit our flooring showroom in Edmonton: 14240 118 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5L 2M5. We offer a wide selection of residential and commercial flooring services.
🔥 Our Hardwood Flooring Suggestions for Homeowners
1. Wide Planks with Natural Finishes
7-inch (and wider) planks are appearing in more Edmonton homes, giving rooms an airy, upscale feel. Matte finishes also remain popular because they hide small scratches and dust better.
2. White Oak Remains a Favourite
White oak continues to stand out thanks to its stability, subtle grain, and ability to look great in modern or classic interiors. It's also less reactive to humidity—ideal for cold, dry Edmonton winters.
3. Warm, Earthy Stains
Homeowners are moving toward soft browns, warm beige, and honey-coloured floors. These tones feel grounded, calm, and timeless.
4. Engineered Hardwood Rising in Demand
More homeowners are choosing engineered hardwood when comparing engineered hardwood vs luxury vinyl because it offers greater moisture resistance than solid wood while maintaining the beauty of real timber.
🔥 Popular Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Options for 2026
1. Hyper-Realistic Wood Replicas
2026 LVP is more realistic than ever, with textured grain, subtle knotting, and multi-tone planks that closely mirror natural wood.
2. Waterproof Flooring for Busy, Active Homes
Because luxury vinyl is waterproof, it’s becoming the go-to choice for kitchens, basements, bathrooms, mudrooms, and rental properties, especially useful in Edmonton, where slush and melting snow are a daily reality.
3. Long, Wide Planks for Modern Interiors
Just like hardwood, LVP is now being produced in longer and wider boards to create smooth, clean lines throughout the home.
4. Matte, Low-Gloss Finishes
A matte finish gives LVP a softer, more natural look and hides scuffs from pets and kids.
Cost of Hardwood Flooring vs Luxury Vinyl Plank
When comparing the costs of hardwood flooring vs luxury vinyl plank, you’ll quickly see the difference in price, installation needs, and long-term value.
Hardwood Flooring Costs (2026)
Hardwood is the premium option. It’s more expensive upfront but offers strong long-term value and higher resale appeal.
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Material | $8–$22 per sq. ft. depending on species and grade |
| Installation | $6–$12 per sq. ft. depending on subfloor prep and finishing |
| Long-term Cost | Lower over 30–50 years because hardwood can be refinished |
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Costs (2026)
LVP remains the budget-friendly choice and is extremely practical for moisture-prone or high-traffic areas.
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Material | $3–$7 per sq. ft. |
| Installation | $2–$4 per sq. ft. |
| Long-term Cost | Moderate; LVP cannot be refinished but is low maintenance |
Which Is More Cost-Effective Overall?
When comparing hardwood vs luxury vinyl, the “better” choice depends on whether you’re looking at upfront costs or long-term value.
Melissa Woodcock, broker and owner of Staged Nest Real Estate and president of the Greater Capital Association of Realtors, shared her vision:
“LVP flooring is becoming increasingly popular in new-construction homes and may be emerging as a new standard. The price difference between LVP and hardwood in new construction is substantial, making LVP a more cost-effective choice while still offering style and durability.”
In short, hardwood wins when it comes to long-term value and home appreciation, while luxury vinyl plank offers lower upfront costs, easier maintenance, and excellent durability.
For Edmonton homes that battle snow, pets, and temperature swings, many homeowners choose both: hardwood in living spaces and LVP in mudrooms and kitchens.
FAQ: Hardwood vs Luxury Vinyl in 2026
Hardwood installation is more complex and often involves acclimating the wood, preparing the subfloor, nailing or gluing the planks, and allowing time for finishing if needed. This process takes longer but results in a premium, long-lasting surface. Some hardwood species also require specific humidity levels during installation to prevent shifting.
LVP installation, on the other hand, is faster and easier. Most luxury vinyl planks click together and float above the subfloor. This makes it ideal for renovations or for covering existing flooring (when appropriate). LVP installation is also less sensitive to humidity and temperature changes.
If you’re comparing engineered hardwood vs luxury vinyl plank, engineered hardwood installation is slightly easier than solid hardwood but still more involved than vinyl.
If you need help, at Monarch1953 Flooring, we offer expert flooring installation services.
Hardwood maintenance tips:
- Sweep regularly to remove dirt and grit
- Use hardwood-safe cleaners
- Avoid excess water
- Refinish every 10–20 years
- Maintain stable humidity levels
These steps keep hardwood looking beautiful and help it last for decades.
LVP maintenance tips:
- Sweep and mop with vinyl-safe cleaners
- No refinishing needed
- Water-resistant surface handles spills and slush
- Great for pets, kids, and high-traffic areas
Luxury vinyl Edmonton homeowners choose is designed to handle the city’s wet winters with ease.
Our experts suggest that hardwood flooring offers the highest return on investment. Buyers see hardwood as a premium feature that increases home desirability and price.
However, luxury vinyl plank has grown in popularity and still appeals to many buyers because of its durability and low maintenance. While it doesn’t boost home value like hardwood, it can help speed up a sale, especially in family-friendly neighborhoods.
For homeowners comparing engineered hardwood vs luxury vinyl, engineered hardwood typically offers better resale value because it contains real wood.
Looking For the Best Flooring for Your Home?
At Monarch Floors 1953, our team will help you choose the perfect flooring based on your lifestyle, budget, and design goals.
👉 Visit us at 14240 118 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5L 2M5
👉 Or call (587) 402-8455 to book your personalized flooring consultation today.
We’ll help you find the perfect floor for your Edmonton home, one that keeps you warm, stylish, and comfortable.