LVP, Tile, or Hardwood: The Honest Tradeoffs for Southern California Homes
Our slab foundations, our summers, and our pets all matter when you pick flooring. Here is the honest comparison.
Flooring is one of those choices where the right answer depends on your house, not the trend. Southern California homes have specifics that matter.
LVP wins on durability
Waterproof, pet friendly, goes over slab with minimal prep, and handles heat cycles well. Costs 7 to 11 per sq ft installed. Mid-grade LVP is the default recommendation for most IE tract homes.
Tile wins on longevity
Porcelain tile lasts 50 years. Cool underfoot in summer, which matters here. Costs 12 to 22 installed. Requires proper slab prep and uncoupling membrane so cracks do not telegraph.
Hardwood wins on resale
Still the premium option, still adds the most value. Engineered hardwood is the right pick over slab. Expect 14 to 20 per sq ft installed.
Real talk on carpet
Still best in bedrooms. Cheap everywhere else but dates fast and holds allergens.
For installation details, see our flooring service page.
Flooring
LVP, tile, hardwood, and carpet installed flat, level, and built to last.
Explore the service
