One of the first things you’ll notice when you walk into our showroom is just how many wood tones there are. To the left: hardwood. To the right: luxury vinyl and laminate.

So how do you know which option is right for your home?

Thankfully, one of our in-store experts will greet you as you come in and ask about the function of your space, your lifestyle, your aesthetic preferences, etc.

But, as you're thinking about your project and possibly browsing our online catalog, here are some differentiating factors between luxury vinyl and hardwood to help you get started:

Thanks to modern technology, luxury vinyl performs exceptionally well in moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. Its engineered core and protective surface coating help block moisture from soaking into the material.

That being said, while it may require more care, it is not impossible to use hardwood in these same spaces.

At Floor Store & More, we carry engineered hardwood, which actually handles moisture better than solid hardwood due to its layered construction (real wood on the surface with composite materials underneath).

This makes engineered hardwood a more ideal choice for Texas homes than solid hardwood because it remains more stable with humidity, temperature change, and movement.

We always make sure to tell our customers that, while many of our products are labeled as "waterproof" by suppliers, any flooring that has moisture leak underneath the planks will incur damage.

This water resistance is great protection against liquid that may sit on the surface (bath water, kitchen spills, pet accidents, tracking in from outside), but for the longevity of your flooring, we still recommend cleaning up spills quickly.

The good news: with luxury vinyl and engineered hardwood, it's as simple as wiping up the moisture and going on with your day. 👍

Hardwood has long held the reputation for the most timeless, warm, beautiful choice for flooring, whereas the word "vinyl" used to trigger images of outdated homes built in the 1960's or "cheap" material.

While this may be true of some sheet vinyl, luxury vinyl planks have made huge strides in recent years to rival the natural look and feel of hardwood. Inherently, hardwood does have the advantage of natural wood variation and that authentic texture beloved by homeowners.

This is a shameless plug for why it is SO important to come into our showroom! The best way to decide between hardwood and luxury vinyl is to feel the products and see how well it matches your vision for your space.

With little paws trotting back and forth, monster truck toys doing tricks off of the couch, backpacks being dropped on the floor, and all of the busyness that comes with family life, it is nice not to worry about your flooring getting dented or scratched.

Again, due to its construction, luxury vinyl is generally more resistant to daily wear and tear than hardwood. However, for some homeowners, hardwood with a lived-in look is part of its charm. It can collect subtle character and texture that can speak to generations of memories in a space.

For this category, everybody wins.

Well-maintained hardwood is timeless, long-term investment that can add resale value to your home. At the same time, a quality selection of luxury vinyl can be budget-friendly for the seller to install and appealing to homebuyers because of its durability and ease of maintenance.

When shopping for flooring, you may not think about the sound and feeling of the floor as you walk on it, but there is a distinction between luxury vinyl and hardwood.

If you're seeking comfort, quietude, and softness, luxury vinyl is designed for your home. This is another point in its favor for busy households and open-concept spaces. The temperature of luxury vinyl will also stay more consistent year-round compared to hardwood.

If your style is classic or traditional and you’re looking for flooring with timeless, ageless character, hardwood is often a natural fit and will feel solid under your feet.