Hi Dave,

We have a 10-year-old home that originally came with lower-end engineered wood flooring. It’s scratched, chipped, and slightly warped from water spills. We’re looking to replace it with a good-quality laminate with a hand-scraped wood look—not to save money, but for the durability. Would this lower the value of our home compared to engineered wood or porcelain tile? Our home is in the mid-$400s and has a lot of nice upgrades.

– Jeff

Jeff,

Great question—and I’m glad you’re thinking about how your price point affects renovation decisions. Too many people overlook that when making updates. The concern you have about lowering the perceived value of your home with certain flooring choices is valid, especially in a home that already has higher-end features.

Engineered wood and porcelain tile are generally viewed as upscale materials and can elevate a space—but they also come with higher costs for both materials and installation. The good news? There are several beautiful, durable, and cost-effective options that won’t hurt the value of your home—if chosen wisely.

Let’s talk water first. Real wood—whether engineered or solid—doesn’t do well with repeated water exposure. While some engineered products claim to be water-resistant, I’ve seen many break down over time after continued moisture exposure. If you’ve had issues with spills before, choosing a truly water-friendly product is smart.

That brings us to luxury vinyl plank (LVT or LVP). It’s growing in popularity across all price points because of its durability, realistic wood look, and water resistance. LVP doesn’t swell, is easy to install, holds up well to pets and kids, and can be replaced in sections if it’s ever damaged. And the best part? Buyers love it—especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and other wet areas.

If your heart is still set on laminate, be selective. Avoid low-end products. The cheaper it is, the more likely it is to wear poorly and make the wrong impression. A major drawback with some laminate flooring is the “clicky” or hollow sound when you walk on it. In a home at your price point, that can be a turnoff for buyers.

To gauge laminate quality, start with the warranty—longer is generally better. Also look for the NALFA (North American Laminate Flooring Association) certification, which indicates the product has passed rigorous testing for water resistance, durability, and overall performance. Their website—nalfa.com—is a great resource.

So here’s my bottom line:

• If water is a concern, LVP is likely your best option—it’s durable, great-looking, and buyer-approved.
• For dry areas of the home, high-quality laminate can work well, but avoid budget lines that might look or sound cheap.
• When chosen wisely, neither LVP nor laminate should negatively impact your home’s value—especially with the right look and feel for your space.

Do your research, invest in quality, and you’ll find a product that balances durability with style—and keeps your home competitive on the market.

Hope this helps!

—Dave Kimbrough
The Kimbrough Team
Have a Question? Ask Dave!
dave@thekimbroughteam.com