Hardwood vs. Luxury Vinyl Plank: Choosing Flooring in Edmonton

Flooring is one of the most impactful — and most debated — decisions in any renovation. For Edmonton homeowners, the choice usually comes down to two front-runners: traditional hardwood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Both look great in 2026; they just suit different rooms, budgets and lifestyles. Here's how to choose.

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The quick verdict

Choose hardwood for main living areas where you want timeless appeal and long-term resale value, and you're comfortable with a higher budget and a bit of care. Choose luxury vinyl plank for basements, kitchens, bathrooms, rentals and busy family homes where moisture resistance, durability and value matter most.

Hardwood: pros and cons

Solid hardwood is beautiful, adds resale value, and can be sanded and refinished multiple times over decades. The trade-offs: it's the most expensive option, it's sensitive to moisture and humidity swings (a real consideration in dry Edmonton winters), and it can scratch and dent.

Engineered hardwood

Engineered hardwood — a real wood veneer over a stable plywood core — handles humidity changes better than solid wood and can often go over more subfloor types, including some below-grade applications. It's a strong middle path for Edmonton homes.

Luxury vinyl plank: pros and cons

LVP has come a long way; today's products convincingly mimic wood and stone. It's highly durable, scratch- and dent-resistant, comfortable underfoot, and most importantly waterproof — which is why it dominates basements and wet areas. The trade-offs: it won't add the same resale cachet as real wood and it can't be refinished (though good LVP lasts many years).

Cost comparison

General installed 2026 ranges for the Edmonton market (planning only):

Flooring	Rough installed cost (per sq ft)
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP)	$4–$9
Laminate	$3–$8
Engineered hardwood	$8–$16
Solid hardwood	$10–$20+

Subfloor prep and removal of old flooring add to all of these. Your real number depends on the product, the room and the subfloor — we confirm it in a fixed quote.

Moisture and basements

This is the deciding factor for many Edmonton projects. Below-grade spaces and rooms exposed to water are far safer with waterproof LVP or tile than with solid hardwood. If you're developing a basement, LVP is usually the smart call.

Resale value

Real hardwood still carries the strongest resale appeal, particularly in main-floor living and dining areas. Many homeowners get the best of both worlds: hardwood (or engineered) on the main floor, and LVP in the basement, laundry and high-traffic zones.

Which floor for which room?

• Living / dining / bedrooms (main floor): hardwood or engineered hardwood
• Kitchen: LVP or tile (engineered hardwood with care)
• Bathrooms: tile or LVP
• Basements: LVP (waterproof, warm underfoot)
• Rentals / high-traffic homes: LVP for durability and value

Need help deciding for your home? Learn about our team, return to our home page, or book a free consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Is luxury vinyl plank better than hardwood?

Neither is universally better. LVP wins on price, durability and waterproofing (ideal for basements, kitchens and busy homes), while hardwood wins on timeless appeal and resale value for main living areas.

What flooring is best for an Edmonton basement?

Waterproof luxury vinyl plank (or tile) is usually the best choice for basements because below-grade spaces are more prone to moisture, where solid hardwood can be damaged.

How much does flooring cost in Edmonton?

As a 2026 guide, LVP runs roughly $4–$9 per square foot installed, engineered hardwood $8–$16, and solid hardwood $10–$20 or more, plus subfloor prep and old-floor removal.

Can you install hardwood in a basement?

Solid hardwood is not recommended below grade due to moisture and humidity. Engineered hardwood handles it better, but luxury vinyl plank or tile are the safest basement choices.