Engineered hardwood vs. luxury vinyl plank: Which is better for moisture resistance?

Understanding Moisture Resistance in Flooring

Moisture resistance is a key factor when choosing flooring for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, or any area prone to spills or humidity. Let’s compare how engineered hardwood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) perform in these environments.

Engineered Hardwood and Moisture Resistance

Engineered hardwood is more stable than solid hardwood because it’s made with a real wood veneer over a plywood or HDF core. This layered construction makes it less likely to warp with humidity changes, but it’s still not waterproof.

Strengths:

• More moisture-resistant than solid hardwood
• Better dimensional stability in humid environments
• Can be installed in kitchens or basements with precautions

Limitations:

• Not waterproof—standing water can cause swelling and warping
• Requires sealing and careful maintenance in moisture-prone areas
• Risk of damage in bathrooms or laundry rooms

Luxury Vinyl Plank and Moisture Resistance

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is made of synthetic materials and is 100% waterproof. It’s designed to withstand spills, humidity, and even standing water, making it one of the best options for moisture-prone rooms.

Strengths:

• Fully waterproof—safe for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements
• Highly resistant to mold, mildew, and warping
• Easy to clean and maintain with no sealing required

Limitations:

• Doesn’t offer the same natural warmth or real wood feel as engineered hardwood
• May not increase home value like real wood products

Comparison: Moisture Resistance and More

Feature	Engineered Hardwood	Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Waterproof	No	Yes
Moisture Resistance	Moderate	High
Suitable for Bathrooms	Risky (requires sealing)	Yes
Suitable for Basements	Yes (with proper installation)	Yes
Material Composition	Real wood veneer + plywood/HDF	100% synthetic (PVC)
Appearance	Authentic wood look and feel	Realistic wood visuals, but synthetic
Maintenance	Moderate (avoid standing water)	Low (water-friendly)

Which Flooring Is Better for Moisture-Prone Areas?

Luxury vinyl plank is the clear winner when it comes to moisture resistance. If you’re flooring a bathroom, laundry room, or basement, LVP offers peace of mind and long-lasting performance. Engineered hardwood can still work in areas with occasional moisture, like kitchens, but requires more care and protective measures.

Conclusion

While engineered hardwood provides the natural beauty of real wood, it falls short in high-moisture environments. Luxury vinyl plank offers superior water resistance and is better suited for rooms where spills, humidity, or wet conditions are common. Choose based on the room’s needs and how much moisture exposure your flooring will face.