LVP vs. Hardwood in Atlanta: Which Is Better for Humid Summers?

In Atlanta, hot and humid summers are a constant. This weather can affect your flooring, making it essential to choose the right materia

hardwood. Both have unique advantages, but which one performs better in Atlanta’s humid climate?

This blog will compare LVP vs. hardwood flooring, focusing on how they handle moisture, durability, maintenance, and cost.

By the end, you’ll know which option is best for your home in the summer heat.

Understanding Atlanta’s Humid Summers

Atlanta is known for its long, humid summers. This high moisture in the air can cause many materials to expand and contract, especially in flooring.

High humidity can lead to warping, swelling, and other forms of damage to flooring materials like hardwood. This is an issue for homeowners who want long-lasting, low-maintenance floors.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is made from synthetic materials, which makes it more resistant to moisture. In contrast, hardwood is a natural material that absorbs moisture, which can affect its shape and finish.

Knowing how these two materials react to humidity will help you decide which is better for your home.

What is LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank)?

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a synthetic flooring material designed to look like wood or stone. LVP consists of several layers, including a durable wear layer, a design layer that mimics wood or stone, and a solid core that adds strength.

The most important feature of LVP is its moisture resistance. Because it’s made of synthetic materials, LVP doesn’t absorb water. This makes it ideal for homes in humid climates like Atlanta.

LVP is also known for being easy to install, clean, and maintain. It’s scratch-resistant and can withstand spills, making it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.

The material is available in various colors and finishes, so you can choose the one that suits your style. If you live in an area prone to moisture, LVP will perform well without the worry of warping or swelling.

What is Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwood flooring is a classic choice for many homeowners due to its natural beauty and long-lasting appeal.

Made from solid wood, hardwood comes in a variety of species, including oak, maple, and cherry, each offering unique grain patterns and colors.

Hardwood is durable and can last for decades when properly maintained.

However, hardwood is more vulnerable to the effects of humidity. Wood absorbs moisture, which can cause it to expand or contract.

In Atlanta’s humid climate, this can lead to warping, cupping, or cracking. Even though hardwood floors are sealed during installation, they still require special care in humid conditions to prevent damage.

This means they may not be the best choice for areas exposed to moisture, like bathrooms or basements.

Durability: LVP vs. Hardwood in Humidity

When comparing LVP and hardwood in terms of durability, LVP is the clear winner in a humid environment. LVP is designed to handle moisture, so it won’t warp, swell, or shrink when exposed to humidity.

It can handle spills and moisture without losing its shape or appearance. This makes LVP a great option for homes in Atlanta, where the humidity is a constant concern.

In contrast, hardwood is much more vulnerable to moisture. While hardwood is durable in dry conditions, it can be damaged in high humidity.

Wood absorbs water, which can lead to issues like warping, cupping, or even rotting over time. Even with proper maintenance, hardwood floors can suffer from the effects of moisture in a humid climate.

In terms of durability, LVP is the better choice for homes in humid areas. It can withstand the effects of moisture and last longer than hardwood without showing signs of wear.

Maintenance Requirements: LVP vs. Hardwood

One of the main benefits of LVP is its low maintenance. It is easy to clean and doesn’t require special care. All you need is regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a gentle cleaner.

LVP is also resistant to scratches, stains, and dents, making it ideal for households with children or pets. If you experience a spill or moisture exposure, simply wipe it away without worrying about long-term damage.

Hardwood, on the other hand, requires more care. It needs to be swept and cleaned regularly to avoid dirt buildup, and you should immediately clean up any spills to prevent water damage.

Hardwood floors also need to be resealed periodically to maintain their moisture resistance. In areas with high humidity, you may need to reseal the floors more often to protect them from moisture.

Hardwood can also be scratched or dented more easily than LVP, especially in high-traffic areas.

For homeowners who want a low-maintenance option, LVP is the better choice. It requires far less upkeep than hardwood and is more resistant to damage from humidity.

Aesthetic Appeal: LVP vs. Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is highly sought after for its natural beauty. Each plank has its own unique grain, and it adds warmth and character to any room.

Hardwood floors can also increase the resale value of your home, making them a popular choice for long-term investments. Many homeowners appreciate the classic, timeless look that hardwood provides.

LVP, while synthetic, has come a long way in terms of appearance. High-quality LVP can mimic the look of real wood very closely. It offers a similar aesthetic without the high cost and maintenance requirements of hardwood.

LVP is also available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you can easily find one that fits your home’s décor. However, LVP may lack the authentic feel and natural texture of hardwood, which some people prefer.

While hardwood offers a more classic and natural appearance, LVP is a great alternative if you want a similar look with fewer maintenance requirements. The choice depends on your personal style and preference.

Cost Comparison: LVP vs. Hardwood

When it comes to cost, LVP is generally more affordable than hardwood. Hardwood floors can be expensive, both in terms of material costs and installation.

The price varies depending on the type of wood, but hardwood tends to be one of the more expensive flooring options.

LVP, on the other hand, is much more budget-friendly. The material itself is less expensive, and installation costs are lower as well. LVP is a cost-effective option, especially if you have a large area to cover.

Although the initial price of LVP is lower, it’s also important to consider long-term maintenance costs. Since LVP is durable and easy to maintain, you’ll save money in the long run compared to hardwood, which requires more upkeep.

If you’re on a budget or looking for a more affordable flooring option, LVP is the better choice. It offers great value while still providing the look and feel of hardwood.

Environmental Impact of LVP and Hardwood

When considering the environmental impact, hardwood floors have an advantage. As a natural material, hardwood is biodegradable and sustainable when sourced from responsibly managed forests.

Some hardwood brands are certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), ensuring that the wood is harvested in an eco-friendly manner.

LVP, however, is made from synthetic materials like PVC, which are not biodegradable. The manufacturing process for LVP can release harmful chemicals into the environment.

However, some LVP manufacturers are moving toward more sustainable practices, using recycled materials and reducing their carbon footprint.

If sustainability is a priority for you, hardwood is the better choice. However, if you are looking for an eco-friendly option with low maintenance, some brands of LVP now offer more sustainable solutions.

Installation Considerations

When it comes to installation, LVP is much easier and more affordable than hardwood. Many LVP products come with click-lock or peel-and-stick installation systems, making it possible to install them yourself.

This can save you money on labor costs and reduce installation time. If you choose to hire a professional, the installation process is quicker and less expensive than installing hardwood floors.

Hardwood floors, on the other hand, require professional installation. The process is more time-consuming, as each plank must be carefully placed and nailed or glued down.

Hardwood floors also require acclimation to the room temperature before installation, which can add additional time to the process. Due to the complexity of installation, hardwood floors are typically more expensive to install.

For a quicker, more cost-effective installation, LVP is the better choice.

Your Best Flooring Choice for Atlanta’s Humid Summers

For Atlanta’s humid summers, LVP outperforms hardwood with superior moisture resistance, durability, and low maintenance. While hardwood offers classic beauty, it warps and requires costly upkeep in high humidity.

LVP provides a wood-like aesthetic at a lower price, with easy installation and humidity-proof performance.

Ready for humidity-resistant floors? Contact Greensummit Contracting today for expert LVP installation in Atlanta!