Choosing new flooring is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your home. In the Denver metro area—from the historic bungalows of Wheat Ridge to the modern family homes in Parker—homeowners often find themselves torn between two heavyweights: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Classic Hardwood.
Here is our expert breakdown to help you decide which surface fits your Colorado lifestyle.
The Top 2 Flooring Options in Denver, Colorado
Before we dive into the details, let’s define what we’re looking at:
Hardwood: The gold standard of flooring. Whether it is solid or engineered, hardwood is made of real timber. It offers unmatched warmth and can often be refinished.
LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank): A high-tech, multi-layered flooring designed to mimic the look and texture of wood. It’s prized for its durability and "life-proof" qualities.
What’s the Difference Between LVP & Hardwood?
Durability and the "Colorado Lifestyle"
Living in the Front Range means dealing with unique environmental factors. We track in snow and slush in the winter and grit and red dust in the summer.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP is the champion of durability. Most high-quality LVP is 100% waterproof, making it ideal for mudrooms in Golden or finished basements in Arvada.
If you have high-energy dogs or young children who treat the living room like a racetrack, LVP’s wear layer resists scratches and dents in a way that wood simply cannot.
Hardwood
Hardwood is durable in a different sense—it lasts for generations. However, it is susceptible to moisture and scratches. In our dry Colorado climate, hardwood can also "gap" or "cup" if your home’s humidity isn't regulated.
For many, these small imperfections are part of the wood's "character," but if you want a floor that looks brand new ten years from now despite heavy foot traffic, LVP has the edge.
Aesthetics and Feel
Hardwood
There is a depth to real wood that is difficult to fully replicate. Each plank is unique, featuring natural knots, grain patterns, and mineral streaks. Hardwood also adds a level of "warmth" underfoot—it naturally insulates and feels softer than stone or tile. For homes in Centennial or Denver looking to maintain a high resale value and a timeless aesthetic, hardwood is hard to beat.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Modern LVP has come a long way. High-definition printing and "embossed-in-register" technology mean the texture of the plank actually matches the visual grain of the wood. To the casual observer, it’s often indistinguishable from real wood. However, LVP can feel slightly "cooler" and harder underfoot compared to the natural give of timber.
Maintenance and Care
We know our neighbors in Aurora and Wheat Ridge are busy. You want a floor that works for you, not a floor you have to work for.
LVP Maintenance: Extremely low. You can wet-mop LVP without fear of warping the boards. It doesn't require special oils or waxes—just a quick sweep and an occasional damp microfiber mop.
Hardwood Maintenance: Requires more intentional care. You must use wood-specific cleaners and avoid excess water. Over decades, you may need to have the floors screened or refinished to remove surface scratches and restore the shine.
Cost and Value
At Simply Floors, we are transparent about the "why" behind our pricing.
Initial Investment: LVP is significantly more budget-friendly than hardwood, both in terms of material cost and installation labor. Because LVP often uses a "click-lock" system, it installs faster.
Long-Term Value: Hardwood is an investment that typically increases a home’s resale value. It is one of the few features homebuyers specifically look for in listings. While LVP is a fantastic, high-quality choice, it doesn't always carry the same "prestige" in a real estate appraisal as genuine oak or hickory.
Comparison at a Glance
Feature | Luxury Vinyl Plank | Real Hardwood |
|---|---|---|
Water Resistance | 100% Waterproof | Sensitive to Moisture |
Scratch Resistance | Very High | Moderate (can be scratched) |
Lifespan | 20–30 years | 50–100 years (can be refinished) |
Cleaning | Wep Mop Friendly | Wood-Safe Cleaners Only |
Best For | Kitchenss, Basements, Pets | Living Areas, Bedrooms |
Shop for New Hardwood Flooring & Luxury Vinyl Flooring in Denver, CO
Whether you are looking for the rugged durability of LVP or the timeless elegance of hardwood, we provide a curated selection of premium flooring at prices that make sense for your budget.
At Simply Floors, we believe the best way to make this decision isn't by staring at tiny swatches in a warehouse. It’s by seeing how those materials look against your baseboards and under your home’s unique natural light. Visit one of our showrooms in Arvada, CO, Centennial, CO, Aurora, CO or try out our mobile showroom experience to try out our LVP & Hardwood Options.
Our Service Areas: Wheat Ridge, Centennial, Denver, Arvada, Aurora, Golden, and Parker, CO
LVP vs. Hardwood Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can LVP be installed over my existing floor?
In many cases, yes! As long as your subfloor is level and structurally sound, LVP can often be installed over tile or existing sheet vinyl, saving you the mess and cost of a total "tear-out."
Q: Does Colorado’s dry air affect my floors?
Yes. Hardwood is a natural material that breathes. In Denver’s low humidity, wood can shrink, leading to small gaps. LVP is dimensionally stable and won't react to the dry air, making it a "set it and forget it" option for our climate.
Q: Which is better for resale value?
Hardwood generally wins for resale value in the Denver market, especially in higher-end or historic neighborhoods. However, a high-quality LVP is much more attractive to buyers than old, stained carpet!
About Simply Floors
Expert Flooring, Brought Right to Your Denver Doorstep.
At Simply Floors, we’ve reimagined the flooring experience. As a woman-owned, family-operated business serving the Colorado Front Range, we traded the overhead of "mega-showrooms" for a personalized, shop-at-home model.
We believe you should choose your floors where they’ll actually live. Owners Buddy and Karyn Mitchell founded Simply Floors on a promise to enthusiastically exceed expectations. From our friendly office staff in Wheat Ridge to our thoroughly screened installation teams, we are more than just contractors—we are your Denver flooring experts.
