Choosing the right flooring comes down to three factors: where it's going, how much traffic it gets, and your budget. Hardwood remains the gold standard for living rooms and bedrooms, while LVP dominates in basements, kitchens, and high-traffic entries.
Hardwood flooring adds warmth and long-term value. Oak, hickory, and walnut are the most popular species in DC Metro homes. A properly maintained hardwood floor can last 50–100 years and can be refinished multiple times. Installation runs $8–$15 per square foot.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) has improved dramatically in recent years. Premium LVP is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and virtually indistinguishable from real wood at a glance. It's the go-to choice for basements, kitchens, and homes with pets. Quality LVP runs $5–$9 per square foot installed.
Subfloor condition matters more than most homeowners realize. Concrete slabs work well with LVP but require moisture testing for hardwood. Plywood subfloors work with both but may need leveling or repair before installation. An uneven subfloor will telegraph through any flooring material.
Kevin Scofield handles flooring projects of all sizes across the DC Metro — from single-room repairs to full-home installations with clean transitions between materials.