Hardwood vs. LVT vs. Tile: Which Flooring Is Right for Your Maine Home?

Choosing new flooring is a bigger decision than it looks. Beyond color and style, the right material depends on the room, your household, and — especially in Maine — the climate. Here's how hardwood, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and tile compare.

Hardwood Flooring

Classic, warm, and long-lasting, hardwood remains the top choice for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms.

• Pros: Timeless appeal, adds resale value, can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its life
• Cons: Sensitive to humidity swings and moisture; not ideal for bathrooms, mudrooms, or basements
• Maine consideration: Homes near the coast or with older HVAC systems should pay close attention to acclimation before installation, since Maine's humid summers and dry winters cause wood to expand and contract

LVT / LVP (Luxury Vinyl Tile/Plank)

A modern, budget-friendly option that mimics the look of hardwood or stone with far greater moisture resistance.

• Pros: Waterproof or highly water-resistant, budget-friendly, comfortable underfoot, easy to install (great for DIY projects)
• Cons: Doesn't add the same resale value as solid hardwood; quality varies significantly by brand
• Maine consideration: A strong fit for mudrooms, basements, and laundry rooms — spaces where Maine's snow, slush, and seasonal moisture take a toll

Tile Flooring

Durable and versatile, tile is a go-to for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.

• Pros: Extremely durable, fully water-resistant, wide range of styles from natural stone to porcelain
• Cons: Cold underfoot without radiant heating, harder and less forgiving if something is dropped
• Maine consideration: Pairs well with radiant floor heating systems, which many Maine homeowners already use to offset cold-weather discomfort

So Which Is Right for You?

• Living rooms & bedrooms → Hardwood
• Mudrooms, basements, laundry rooms → LVT/LVP
• Kitchens & bathrooms → Tile

Many homeowners mix flooring types by room to get the best of durability, comfort, and style throughout the house.

Still Not Sure?

Visit our showroom on Route 1 in Scarborough to see and feel these materials in person, or request a free estimate and our team will help you match the right flooring to your space and budget.