If you live in New England, you already know your house takes a beating. Snow and slush get tracked through the front door, the air swings from bone dry to sticky depending on the time of year, and plenty of homes around here have been standing a lot longer than we have. So when it's time for new floors, the question isn't just which one looks nicer. It's which one will actually hold up.

For most homeowners in Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts, that question comes down to two options: luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or hardwood. Both can be great choices, and both have weak spots. At PT Floors, we've been helping local families answer this question since 1992, and the right pick almost always depends on the room and the way you live in it. Let's walk through how each one handles real New England conditions.

Humidity, Dry Air, and Everything in Between

Our climate is tough on wood. Hardwood naturally expands when the air is humid and shrinks when it's dry, so you may see small gaps open up between boards while the heat is running and close again later in the year. In more extreme cases, boards can cup or crown when moisture gets out of balance. LVP doesn't react to humidity the same way, so it stays stable and flat through the ups and downs. If a room's conditions change a lot, LVP is usually the steadier choice.

Basements, Kitchens, and Mudrooms

Water is where these two floors really part ways. Basement and crawl space moisture is common across Greater Providence and the surrounding area, and hardwood simply isn't made for below-grade spaces. Most LVP is built to resist water, which makes it a smart pick for basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and entry areas. Spills, wet boots, and a dog fresh from the backyard won't do much harm if you wipe them up. For those rooms, LVP holds up better almost every time.

Salt, Sand, Pets, and Everyday Wear

Every New Englander knows the gritty mix of sand and salt that finds its way indoors. That grit acts like sandpaper on any floor, so a good doormat and regular sweeping matter no matter what you choose. LVP has a protective wear layer that resists scratches and scuffs well, which is why it's popular with busy families and pet owners. Hardwood will scratch and dent more easily, especially softer wood species. The upside is that many people love the lived-in look hardwood develops over the years.

The Long Game: Lifespan and Repairs

Here's where hardwood earns its reputation. A solid hardwood floor can be sanded and refinished several times, which is how some original floors in old colonials and capes are still in use today. When it starts looking tired, you can bring it back instead of tearing it out. LVP can't be refinished, but individual planks can often be swapped out if one gets damaged. Over a long stretch of time, a well-cared-for hardwood floor can outlast most other options.

So, Which One Holds Up Better?

The honest answer is that it depends on the room. For basements, kitchens, bathrooms, and busy entryways, LVP is the tougher, lower-stress choice. For living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms where you want a floor that can last for generations, hardwood is hard to beat. Plenty of homeowners end up using both, and that mix works especially well in older New England homes.

If you're still on the fence, the easiest way to decide is to see both side by side. Stop by our showroom, walk on the samples, and tell us about your home. We'll give you an honest take on what will hold up best for your rooms and your budget.

PT Floors is located at 91 North Main St. in Woonsocket, RI. You can also call us at (401) 766-8252 or visit ptfloors.com. We're proud to serve homeowners all across Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts, including Franklin and Milford.

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