Hardwood has always been the gold standard when it comes to flooring. Beautiful, timeless and highly desirable, what’s not to love? For one, there’s the price. With material costs rising and more affordable flooring options like LVP floors and laminate flooring dominating the market, Memphis homeowners are asking: “Are hardwood floors in Memphis really worth the money?”
It’s a fair question. Hardwood costs more than other materials, meaning it’s a long-term investment in your home. That said, it remains one of the few flooring options in Memphis that transform a space, raise your property value and last for decades with regular maintenance.
At our Memphis flooring shop, we help Memphis families compare hardwood to alternatives like LVP and laminate so they can make smart decisions that fit their lifestyle, budget and long-term plans. Here’s what you should know before deciding if hardwood is worth the investment.
Understanding the Cost of Hardwood Floors
Hardwood flooring is a premium flooring option. The price reflects its construction, craftsmanship and longevity.
In Memphis, engineered hardwood flooring typically falls within these ranges:
- Standard Line: $5.38 per sq. ft.
- Premium Line: $8.78 per sq ft.
- Installation: $3-$7 per sq. ft., depending on job complexity
Hardwood flooring has a higher upfront cost than its counterparts. When you shop with King Flooring, remember that you’re investing in a real wood veneer, structural stability and professional installation.
Memphis humidity can cause solid hardwood to warp or expand. That’s why engineered hardwood is the best option in our city. The layered core adds stability without sacrificing the natural beauty homeowners love.
Key Benefits to Consider
Is hardwood worth the money? Before coming to a conclusion, you should consider the benefits a hardwood floor can offer your home:
Long-Term Durability
Hardwood flooring is one of the longest-lasting flooring materials on the market. With proper care, it can outlast vinyl, laminate and in some cases, tile flooring.
Engineered hardwood flooring is the most popular option in Memphis. It can last for decades with proper flooring installation and maintenance practices. Even after years of use, most engineered hardwood styles can be refinished at least once, helping them last longer.
Higher Home Value
Hardwood flooring is a top-selling feature in real estate. If you’re considering a long-term investment, hardwood is one of the top choices that boosts home value.
Homes with hardwood tend to:
- Sell faster
- Sell for more
- Appeal to a wider range of buyers
Hardwood communicates “quality” in a way that few materials can match.
A Timeless, Upscale Look
Hardwood flooring never goes out of style. Trends, patterns and colors change, but wood flooring is a classic. It easily fits into modern, traditional, rustic or luxury interiors.
Many homeowners love it. It adds warmth, character and visual depth, something man-made materials struggle to replicate.
Comfortable Underfoot With Natural Warmth
Tile feels cold and hard underfoot, while vinyl might be on the more synthetic side. Hardwood combines natural warmth with comfort to enhance everyday living.
Where can you install hardwood? It can fit into almost any space, including living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms and other spaces where you want an inviting, elevated feel.
Can Be Refinished Instead of Replaced
One of the best parts about hardwood is the ability to refinish it over and over again. This isn’t something you can do with vinyl or laminate. You have to replace them.
Refinishing your hardwood floors helps them last longer and protects your investment. This is especially true in high-traffic areas.
Thinking long-term? Many Memphis homeowners choose engineered hardwood from King Flooring. It provides real-wood beauty with the stability needed for our humid climate.
When Hardwood Floors May Not Be Worth the Cost
Hardwood flooring has many strengths. However, it’s not the best choice for every home or room. Here are times where hardwood might not be the ideal choice:
High-Moisture Rooms
Bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens need waterproof flooring. Even if you wipe up spills, hardwood can be damaged by standing water or excessive humidity.
Tight Budgets
If you’re on a tight budget, hardwood might not be the best choice. Consider luxury vinyl plank (LVP) because it offers a similar look at a lower price and it’s waterproof.
Pet-Heavy or High-Wear Homes
Large dogs, repeated spills or heavy foot traffic can wear down hardwood flooring faster than expected. In such cases, laminate or LVP can provide better durability at a lower cost.
Rental Properties or Flip Projects
For investment properties, consider LVP over hardwood floors because it offers fast installation, waterproof construction and lower risk. It is the best way to maximize your ROI (Return on Investment).
At King Flooring, we pride ourselves on our honest approach to flooring. If hardwood isn’t the right fit for your lifestyle or space, we’ll tell you and guide you toward better options.
Deciding If Hardwood Floor is Right for Your Memphis Home
For the majority of Memphis homeowners, hardwood floors are worth the investment. They provide long-term beauty, elevated style and added value. Specifically, engineered hardwood from King Flooring makes a lot of sense. It provides additional stability while delivering beauty that will last for decades. Bear in mind that hardwood won’t work for every room or budget and there are alternatives available.
Ready to explore your hardwood flooring options? Contact us to schedule an in-home consultation today!
