Choosing the right flooring for your Florida home is crucial, especially in coastal areas like Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, and St. Johns County where humidity and moisture are constant concerns. Two popular options dominate the market: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and traditional hardwood flooring.

Understanding LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) Flooring

Luxury Vinyl Plank is a synthetic flooring product designed to mimic the look of real hardwood. Modern LVP technology has advanced significantly, offering realistic wood grain textures and colors that can fool even experienced contractors.

Key Benefits of LVP for Florida Homes:

  • 100% Waterproof: Unlike hardwood, LVP won't warp, buckle, or swell when exposed to moisture. Perfect for Florida's humid climate and surprise rainstorms.
  • Lower Cost: Typically 40-60% cheaper than hardwood installation. Expect $3-7 per square foot installed vs. $8-15 for hardwood.
  • Easy Maintenance: Simple sweep and mop. No refinishing needed ever.
  • Scratch Resistant: Better resistance to pet claws and furniture scratches than many wood species.
  • DIY Friendly: Click-lock installation systems make it possible for homeowners to install themselves.

Drawbacks of LVP:

  • Cannot be refinished - when damaged, planks must be replaced
  • No increase in home resale value (considered a synthetic material)
  • Can fade in direct sunlight over time
  • Some buyers specifically seek "real" hardwood floors

Traditional Hardwood Flooring

Real hardwood floors have been the gold standard in homes for centuries. Oak, maple, and hickory remain popular choices for St. Johns County homeowners who want authentic wood beauty.

Benefits of Hardwood in Florida:

  • Authentic Beauty: Nothing matches the natural warmth and character of real wood grain
  • Adds Home Value: Hardwood floors can increase resale value by 2-5% according to real estate data
  • Longevity: Can last 50-100 years with proper care
  • Refinishing Option: Can be sanded and refinished 5-7 times, effectively creating a "new" floor
  • Better for Environment: Natural, renewable resource when sourced responsibly

Challenges of Hardwood in Coastal Florida:

  • Moisture Sensitivity: Wood expands and contracts with humidity changes, causing gaps or cupping
  • Higher Initial Cost: $8-15 per square foot installed for mid-grade oak
  • Maintenance Requirements: Regular refinishing every 7-10 years ($3-5 per sq ft)
  • Water Damage Risk: Standing water can permanently damage hardwood
  • Scratches Easily: Shows wear in high-traffic areas

Cost Comparison for St. Johns County

Based on local installation costs in Ponte Vedra and Nocatee areas:

LVP Total Costs:

  • Material: $2-5 per square foot
  • Installation: $1-3 per square foot
  • Total: $3-8 per square foot
  • 1,500 sq ft home: $4,500-$12,000

Hardwood Total Costs:

  • Material: $5-10 per square foot
  • Installation: $3-5 per square foot
  • Total: $8-15 per square foot
  • 1,500 sq ft home: $12,000-$22,500
  • Add refinishing every 10 years: $4,500-$7,500

Best Choice for Different Rooms

Choose LVP For:

  • Bathrooms: Moisture is guaranteed
  • Kitchens: High spill risk areas
  • Basements: Below-grade moisture concerns
  • Laundry Rooms: Water exposure common
  • Rentals: Lower cost, higher durability

Choose Hardwood For:

  • Living Rooms: Showcase areas with climate control
  • Dining Rooms: Formal spaces where authenticity matters
  • Bedrooms: Low moisture, low traffic areas
  • Home Offices: Professional appearance

Florida Climate Considerations

St. Johns County's climate presents unique challenges:

  • Average Humidity: 70-75% year-round
  • Seasonal Swings: Summer humidity can exceed 90%
  • Hurricane Risk: Flooding potential makes waterproof flooring appealing
  • Salt Air: Coastal areas have additional moisture in the air

Pro Tip: If choosing hardwood in Florida, engineered hardwood is more stable than solid hardwood because it's less susceptible to humidity changes.

Our Professional Recommendation

For most St. Johns County homes, we recommend a hybrid approach:

  • Use LVP in: Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and entryways
  • Use hardwood in: Living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms (if budget allows)

This maximizes both durability and home value while protecting your investment from Florida's challenging climate.

Installation Timeline

  • LVP: 1,500 sq ft typically takes 2-3 days
  • Hardwood: 1,500 sq ft typically takes 4-5 days plus 2-3 days for finishing

© 2024 Handyman St Johns. This article may be shared with attribution. All flooring installation and cost information based on St. Johns County market conditions as of February 2024.