Replacing carpet with LVP or hardwood flooring: Is it worth it?
The complete guide for your home in Charlotte, NC.
Thinking about replacing your carpet with hardwood or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) in Charlotte, NC?
Flooring plays a major role in your home’s comfort, design, and long-term value. For many homeowners, carpet starts to show wear, trap allergens, or feel outdated, which leads to the question: is it worth upgrading to LVP or hardwood?
At Ultimate Flooring LLC, with 20 years of experience serving the Charlotte community, we help families make confident flooring decisions. Below, we break down the benefits, costs, and considerations when replacing carpet with hardwood or LVP so you can choose the right investment for your home.
Why replace carpet?
Carpet can be cozy, but it also collects dust, pet dander, and allergens, making it harder to keep your home fresh. It shows stains and wear quickly, especially in high-traffic areas. Many Charlotte homeowners decide to replace carpet not just for style, but also for easier maintenance, better indoor air quality, and improved property value.
Hardwood vs LVP: durability and daily performance
Hardwood flooring is timeless and extremely long-lasting when properly maintained. It can be refinished multiple times, meaning you can restore its original beauty even decades later. However, hardwood is more sensitive to scratches, moisture, and sudden spills.
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is designed for everyday life. It is water-resistant, highly scratch-resistant, and perfect for households with pets and kids. While it cannot be refinished like hardwood, its durability and ease of care make it a practical choice for busy families.
Cost comparison: short-term and long-term value
Replacing carpet with hardwood in Charlotte typically costs around $7 per square foot, while LVP averages closer to $5 per square foot.
- Hardwood offers long-term value by increasing your home’s resale price and lasting for generations.
- LVP provides an affordable upfront investment with excellent durability and low maintenance, making it budget-friendly without sacrificing style.
Style and aesthetics
Hardwood delivers the natural beauty and authentic feel of real wood. Each plank is unique, adding warmth and elegance that never goes out of style.
LVP, on the other hand, provides exceptional design versatility. Modern technology allows it to mimic hardwood so closely that most people cannot tell the difference. It comes in a wide variety of colors, grains, and textures, giving homeowners more freedom to match their interior design.
Maintenance and lifestyle considerations
- Hardwood requires more specialized care, including wood-safe cleaning products and refinishing over time.
- LVP is nearly maintenance-free. It only needs sweeping and occasional mopping, making it ideal for families with kids, pets, or busy schedules.
Is it worth replacing carpet with hardwood or LVP?
Yes! For most Charlotte homeowners, replacing carpet is a smart investment. Whether you choose hardwood or LVP depends on your priorities.
- If you want a classic, high-end look and are willing to invest in ongoing care, hardwood is worth it.
- If you prefer water resistance, durability, and low maintenance at a more affordable cost, LVP is the perfect option.
Upgrade your Charlotte home with Ultimate Flooring LLC
At Ultimate Flooring LLC, we specialize in both hardwood and LVP installations. Our licensed and insured team has over 20 years of experience helping Charlotte families transform their homes. We provide:
- Free in-home quotes within 24 hours
- A one-year labor warranty
- Professional installation from a trained and dedicated crew