W hen tasked with writing about the growing popularity of luxury vinyl flooring (LVF), I initially assumed hardwood would still be the top choice for realtors. After all, in the Northeast, where historic homes are common, hard wood is nearly a tradition. But after diving into research and interviewing realtors, I discovered a surprising shift. While hardwood continues to be dominant in places like Albany, New York, where historic homes are abundant, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is quickly carving out its niche. Offering durability and style at a more accessible price, LVF appeals to a variety of buyer lifestyles. For realtors, understanding local trends and property character is essential. A well-chosen floor can boost both buyer appeal and home value. Kevin Clancy, owner of Clancy Real Estate in Albany, explains, “LVT isn’t just a budget-friendly alternative to hardwood—it can help a home sell faster. I’ve even chosen LVT over real hardwood in one of my own flips. It’s easier to repair, offers a wider range of colors and styles, and gives you that high-end look without the high-end price tag.” The Rise of Luxury Vinyl Flooring According to Floor Covering News (June 2023), LVF is gaining significant ground in the real estate market. Resilient flooring, which includes LVT, has now surpassed carpet sales, by over $1.3 billion. This shift highlights changing preferences toward durability, cost-effectiveness, and easy maintenance—qualities that LVF offers in abundance. While hardwood retains its timeless appeal, LVF is proving to be a strong contender in today’s market. For families, pet owners, and those in climates with extreme temperature changes, LVF offers practicality without compromising style. What Realtors Are Saying: Hardwood’s Enduring Appeal Despite LVF’s rise, many realtors still consider hardwood the feature that sets a home apart. It’s especially important in high- end properties, where it conveys quality and sophistication. Becky Critell from Douglas Lance Group, Augusta, Ga. sums it up: “Realtors often describe homes with phrases like ‘solid hardwood throughout,’ tapping into buyers’ emotional connection to the home. Hardwood still holds strong in many markets, but Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF) is closing the gap. LVF now mimics hardwood, stone, and tile, offering durability, moisture resistance, LUXURY VINYL SCORES BIG with REALTORS
Floor EDUCATION
Lis Calandrino Flooring Specialist and Associate Publisher and Director of Social Media for Fabulous Floors Magazine
“ Hardwood still holds strong in many Flooring is closing the gap.”
markets, but Luxury Vinyl
38 Premier Flooring Retailer D2 | 2025
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