LVP vs. Tile vs. Hardwood — What Flooring Is Best for Seattle Homes?

2025 Eastside Home Expert Guide

Choosing the right flooring for your Seattle-area home is one of the most important decisions during a remodel. With our region’s unique climate — moisture, humidity, and temperature shifts — not all flooring materials perform the same.

As a general contractor serving Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, and the Greater Seattle area, we’ve installed thousands of square feet of flooring. Here’s a clear breakdown of LVP vs. Tile vs. Hardwood and which one is best depending on your home and lifestyle.

What Makes Seattle Flooring Unique?

Seattle homes deal with:

• Constant moisture

• Cooler temperatures

• Seasonal humidity changes

• Mud from outdoor activity

• Pets in many homes

• Mix of older homes + newer builds

This means flooring needs to be durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to maintain.

Now, let’s compare.

1. LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank)

LVP is one of the most popular flooring choices in Seattle and the Eastside — and for good reason.

Why LVP Works Well in Seattle Homes

• Completely waterproof

• Handles moisture and humidity without warping

• Soft and warmer underfoot

• Extremely durable (great for kids & pets)

• Very realistic wood look

• Minimal maintenance

• Budget-friendly

Best Places to Use LVP

✔ Living rooms
✔ Bedrooms
✔ Basements
✔ Hallways
✔ Kitchens
✔ Condos & townhomes

When LVP Might Not Be Ideal

• Extremely high-end luxury homes wanting real hardwood

• Homes with radiant heat (requires specific type)

2. Tile Flooring (Porcelain or Ceramic)

Tile is the most durable and water-resistant flooring option available.

Why Tile Works Well in Seattle Homes

• 100% waterproof

• Excellent for moisture-heavy areas

• Perfect for bathrooms and laundry rooms

• Very long-lasting

• Easy to clean

• Works well with radiant heating systems

Best Places to Use Tile

✔ Bathrooms
✔ Laundry rooms
✔ Mudrooms
✔ Entryways
✔ Kitchens (for some homeowners)

When Tile Might Not Be Ideal

• Feels cold in winter

• Hard surface (not ideal for kids or long standing)

• Higher installation cost

• Can feel too firm in living spaces

3. Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood is classic, warm, and timeless — especially popular in older Seattle and Kirkland homes.

Why Hardwood Is Loved

• Real wood = high resale value

• Beautiful, natural look

• Can be refinished multiple times

• Adds warmth and character

• Great in living rooms & primary bedrooms

Challenges of Hardwood in Seattle

• Not waterproof

• Sensitive to moisture and humidity

• Can expand or warp with temperature changes

• Scratches more easily than LVP

Best Places for Hardwood

✔ Living rooms
✔ Dining rooms
✔ Bedrooms
✔ Hallways
✔ Older homes with existing hardwood

Where to Avoid Hardwood

✘ Bathrooms
✘ Laundry rooms
✘ Basements
✘ High-moisture areas

Which Flooring Is Best for Your Seattle Home?

Here’s a quick summary depending on your priorities:

⭐ Best Overall Choice: LVP

Most Seattle and Eastside homeowners choose LVP because it handles moisture, looks like real wood, and is extremely durable.

⭐ Best for Wet Areas: Tile

If the room deals with constant water (bathrooms, laundry, mudroom), tile is the clear winner.

⭐ Best for Luxury Look: Hardwood

For a warm, timeless, natural look — especially in older Seattle craftsman homes — hardwood is unmatched.

Recommended Flooring by Room (Eastside Edition)

Room Best Option Living Room LVP or Hardwood Kitchen LVP or Tile Bathroom Tile Basement LVP Laundry Room Tile Bedrooms LVP or Hardwood Entryway / Mudroom Tile

What Flooring Do Most Kirkland & Bellevue Homes Use?

In 2024–2025 across Eastside projects:

• LVP is the #1 choice for most remodels

• Tile is most common in bathrooms & laundry rooms

• Hardwood is popular in higher-end or older homes

Moisture + durability is a major factor in our region — and LVP wins for overall day-to-day performance.

Need Help Choosing the Right Flooring? We Can Help.

Eastside Home Expert offers:

✔ LVP installation
✔ Tile installation
✔ Hardwood installation & refinishing
✔ Subfloor repair
✔ Baseboards & transitions
✔ Full flooring remodel services
✔ One-year labor warranty

Contact Us Today
📞 Office: (425) 600-2000

Serving Seattle, Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, Sammamish, and the Greater Eastside.