Yes, engineered hardwood adds value to your home. It provides a strong return on investment because buyers view it as a premium, durable material. While solid hardwood remains the gold standard, high-quality engineered hardwood offers comparable aesthetic appeal.
Homes with upgraded flooring tend to sell faster and closer to the asking price. Even if you're not selling right now, adding engineered hardwood flooring increases your home's perceived value.
In 2026, flooring trends revolve around warmth and natural textures, with cool, flat grays officially on their way out. The most popular colors include:
The drawbacks of engineered wood flooring include limited refinishing capabilities, potential for damage from water if not properly maintained, and susceptibility to scuffs and scratches in high-traffic areas.
Flooring trends prioritize grounding warmth and natural beauty. Dominant styles include wide-plank light oak, intricate patterns like herringbone and chevron, low-sheen matte textures, and the practical durability of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP).
On average, Lowe's flooring installation costs range from $1.50 to $7.00 per square foot for labor, not including the price of flooring materials. This range covers core options such as laminate, vinyl plank, engineered hardwood, and carpet.
The healthiest flooring options for your home are those that are low-emitting, hypoallergenic, and free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic adhesives. The absolute best choices for indoor air quality and chemical sensitivity are solid hardwood, ceramic or porcelain tile, and natural linoleum.
Remember, even though engineered hardwood is less susceptible to scratching, it still features a real hardwood veneer. So you'll still have worries about scratching and denting. And that's true, even though prefinished engineered hardwood typically includes an aluminum oxide coating that helps resist scratches.
How do you clean engineered hardwood floors? The short answer is sweep or vacuum daily, damp-mop (never wet) with a pH-neutral cleaner, and avoid steam or harsh chemicals. That's 80% of the job done.
Gray-toned hardwood and laminate. Wide plank farmhouse-style wood. Painted floorboards. Artificial or fake-looking wood.
In the end, the best choice depends on the unique proportions of your home, the amount of natural light, and the atmosphere you want to create. Whether you choose dark floors to ground your space or lighter floors to lift it, color balance between walls and floors can completely transform how your home feels.
Dark Flooring
Dark-stained floors create a dramatic backdrop that allows furniture to stand out against the rich, velvety darkness. Additionally, the dark color absorbs and reflects light, adding depth and visual interest to the space throughout the home.
Wooden flooring – a fresh take on natural beauty
The year 2026 marks a time when wood regains its true power. Naturalness becomes the central theme in interior design, and wood tones – particularly warm, honey-coloured shades – will reign supreme in modern spaces.
Factors that decrease property value the most fall into three main categories: location issues, structural damage, and poor neighborhood conditions. These factors can collectively slash a property’s value by 5% to 30% or more.
Real hardwood is the undisputed champion of resale value, offering a 70% to 80% return on investment. If solid hardwood exceeds your budget, opt for Engineered Hardwood or Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), which offer durability at a fraction of the cost.
Untreated accidents lead to urine stains, discoloration, and odors that are extremely difficult to remove. Urine can permanently damage your hardwood floors' polyurethane coating and lead to expensive repairs for homeowners and loss of pet deposits for renters.
The most durable flooring for dogs is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) or porcelain tile. Both are 100% waterproof, highly scratch-resistant, and easy to clean.
Engineered Hardwood With Aluminum Oxide Finish
For the best scratch resistance, engineered hardwood with an aluminum oxide finish is a smart investment. Toughest Finish Available: Protects the wood surface from everyday wear. Layered Construction: Adds extra durability while resisting moisture.
Joanna Gaines is known for her signature "modern farmhouse" aesthetic, relying on light wide-plank wood, vintage checkerboard tile, patterned cement, and earthy volcanic ash. She frequently uses durable, high-quality flooring materials that blend old-world character with family-friendly functionality.
The main challenge is choosing the best combination of materials for your purposes that suit your personal taste.
Avoid vinyl (PVC) flooring
Vinyl offgases, contains phthalate chemicals that can migrate into dust, and produces toxic chemicals when burned. If you like the features of vinyl flooring, consider linoleum instead.
The typical price range for hardwood floor installation, including both materials and labor, is generally between $6 and $25 per square foot. ✓ Solid Hardwood: Generally costs more than engineered, ranging from $5 – $28+ per sq. ft. for materials.
The most popular Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) colors are light oaks, greige (a blend of gray and beige), and natural warm browns. While stark, cool-toned grays were previously dominant, homeowners are increasingly shifting toward softer, organic neutrals that create a bright, inviting atmosphere.
The easiest flooring to install is click-lock Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). It is highly DIY-friendly because the planks simply snap together to "float" over your subfloor. There is no need for messy glues or nails, and you can easily cut the planks to size by scoring and snapping them with a simple utility knife.