Before we get into the deeper comparisons, it helps to define both flooring types. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a synthetic flooring material designed to mimic the look of real wood. It’s made in layers, including a wear layer on top for durability, a design layer that replicates wood grain, and a core layer that gives the plank its strength and structure. Some LVP even comes with waterproof cores, which is a huge plus in certain areas of the home. Traditional hardwood, on the other hand, is exactly what it sounds like—flooring made from solid wood species such as oak, maple, or walnut. These planks are typically milled from a single piece of timber and then sanded and finished. Hardwood has been around for centuries and is often seen as a symbol of craftsmanship and luxury.