Carpet vs LVT vs Wood: Which Flooring Should You Choose?
Buying Guides · August 2026
The three most popular flooring types, compared on comfort, durability, maintenance and cost, so you can make the right call before you buy.
Carpet, LVT and wood are the three options most customers are weighing up when they first walk into the showroom, so here's a straightforward comparison of how they stack up.
Comfort: carpet wins hands down for warmth and softness underfoot, which is why it remains the go-to for bedrooms and living rooms. LVT and wood are firmer but can be paired with underfloor heating for a similar cosy feel.
Durability: LVT is the toughest of the three day-to-day. It's scratch, dent and water resistant, and ideal for busy households. Wood is durable too but needs a little more care around moisture. Carpet is the most vulnerable to spills and stains, though modern stain-resistant ranges have closed that gap considerably.
Maintenance: LVT and vinyl are the easiest to keep clean. A quick mop does the job. Wood needs occasional refinishing over its lifetime. Carpet needs regular vacuuming and the occasional professional clean to keep it looking its best.
Cost: carpet is generally the most affordable starting point, LVT sits in the middle, and hardwood tends to be the biggest investment, though engineered wood offers a more affordable route to a similar look.
There's rarely a single "best" answer. Most homes end up with a mix, and that's exactly what we help customers plan out, room by room, with a free home consultation if you'd rather we came to you.