Flooring Comparison
LVP vs Carpet: Which Flooring Should You Choose?
We install both every day. Here's an honest breakdown of when carpet makes sense, when LVP wins, and how to decide for your home.
⚡ Quick Answer
- Bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms
- You want soft, warm flooring (Michigan winters!)
- Kids' rooms where a soft landing matters
- You want noise reduction between floors
- Budget-friendly without sacrificing comfort
- Kitchens, bathrooms, or basements (waterproof needed)
- You have pets prone to accidents
People ask us this question every week: "Should I get carpet or LVP?" The answer depends on the room, your lifestyle, and what you care about most. We've installed thousands of both across Metro Detroit. Here's what we tell customers.
LVP vs Carpet: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Carpet | LVP |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | ✓ Lower | Higher |
| Durability | Varies with traffic* | ✓ Generally longer-lasting |
| Waterproof | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Pet Friendly | ✗ Not ideal | ✓ Yes |
| Comfort Underfoot | ✓ Soft & warm | Harder (use rugs) |
| Noise Reduction | ✓ Excellent | ✗ Echoes more |
| Warmth (Winter) | ✓ Insulates well | Cold underfoot |
| Installation Time | ✓ 1 day | ✓ 1 day |
| Cleaning | Vacuum + occasional deep clean | ✓ Sweep & mop |
| Best For | Bedrooms, cozy spaces | Kitchens, baths, high traffic |
*Durability varies based on product quality, installation, traffic, and maintenance. Ask about specific product warranties.
Cost: What You'll Actually Pay
Carpet wins on upfront cost. But "cheap" depends on how you look at it.
Example: 1,000 sq ft living area
- Builder-grade carpet: Lower upfront cost, but typically needs replacing sooner
- Mid-range LVP (12-20 mil): Higher upfront cost, but generally lasts longer with proper care
Contact us for current pricing on your specific project. Material costs change, and every job is different.
Selling soon? Carpet might make more sense financially. Lower cost now.
Staying long-term? LVP may cost less over time since it's generally more durable. But it depends on your household—pets, kids, and traffic all affect how long any flooring lasts.
Room-by-Room: What We Recommend
Kitchen & Bathrooms → LVP
No question here. Water happens. LVP is waterproof. Carpet in a bathroom would be a disaster waiting to happen. Same for kitchens—spills, splashes, dropped food. LVP handles it all.
Bedrooms → Carpet (Our Pick)
We recommend carpet in bedrooms. That soft, warm feeling when you step out of bed on a cold Michigan morning? You can't beat it. Carpet also reduces noise—important for upstairs bedrooms. Plus it's the most budget-friendly way to make bedrooms feel cozy and complete.
Living Room & Family Room → Depends on Your Situation
No pets? Carpet makes living rooms feel warm and inviting. It's softer for kids playing on the floor, quieter, and more affordable. Modern stain-resistant carpet handles everyday family use well. Have pets? LVP is easier to clean up accidents. Many families go carpet and just keep pets out of the living room.
Kids' Rooms & Playrooms → Carpet
Kids fall. A lot. Carpet provides a soft landing that LVP can't match. It's also warmer for kids playing on the floor and quieter—you won't hear every toy car rolling across it. For nurseries and playrooms, carpet is hands-down the better choice.
Basement → LVP (Definitely)
Basements have moisture. Even "dry" basements get humid. LVP is waterproof and won't grow mold. Carpet in basements often develops that musty smell. We've ripped out a lot of moldy basement carpet over the years. Save yourself the headache.
Got Pets? Here's the Truth
We love dogs and cats. But they're hard on flooring. Here's the reality:
- Pet accidents: Urine soaks into carpet and pad. Even professional cleaning can't always get the smell out. With LVP, you wipe it up. Done.
- Scratches: Dog claws scratch both, but LVP scratches are less visible and don't create loose fibers. Carpet fibers can snag and pull.
- Hair: Pet hair vacuums off LVP in seconds. It embeds in carpet and takes more effort.
- Tracking dirt: Muddy paws are easy to clean off LVP. Carpet? Not so much.
Our recommendation: If you have pets, go with LVP in main living areas. You can still do carpet in bedrooms if you keep pets out of those rooms.
For Landlords & Property Managers
We work with a lot of landlords and property management companies across Metro Detroit. Here's what we typically recommend:
- Kitchens & bathrooms: Always LVP. Tenants will spill things. Waterproof matters.
- Bedrooms: Builder-grade carpet works fine. It's cheap to replace between tenants.
- Pet-friendly units: LVP throughout. Trust us on this one.
- Premium rentals: LVP throughout looks modern and attracts better tenants.
We do most rental units in one day to minimize vacancy. See our rental property flooring services for volume pricing and NET-30 terms.
Installation: How Long Does It Take?
Good news: both are fast.
- Full house carpet: Usually 1 day
- Full house LVP: Usually 1 day
- Larger projects (schools, community centers): May take longer
- Subfloor repairs needed: Adds time—we'll tell you upfront
We schedule efficiently and show up when we say we will. No waiting around wondering when the crew will arrive.
Common Questions
Is LVP or carpet cheaper to install?
Carpet is typically cheaper upfront, especially builder-grade carpet. LVP costs more initially but is generally more durable. Your actual costs depend on traffic, maintenance, and the specific products you choose.
How long does it take to install carpet vs LVP?
Both can be installed in one day for a typical home. A full house of carpet or LVP usually takes our crew one day to complete. Larger homes or those needing subfloor repair may take longer.
Which is better for pets - LVP or carpet?
LVP is better for pets. It's waterproof so accidents don't soak through, it's scratch-resistant, and it's easier to clean. Carpet absorbs odors and stains from pet accidents, and pet claws can snag carpet fibers.
Is LVP waterproof?
Yes, LVP (luxury vinyl plank) is 100% waterproof. Water sits on top and can be wiped up. This makes it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and homes with pets or kids. Carpet is not waterproof and will absorb moisture.
Which flooring is better for bedrooms?
Many people prefer carpet in bedrooms for the soft, warm feel underfoot, especially in Michigan winters. LVP with area rugs is another option if you want easier cleaning. It comes down to personal preference and whether you have allergies (carpet can trap dust).
What flooring is best for rental properties?
For rentals, LVP in kitchens and bathrooms (waterproof, durable) and builder-grade carpet in bedrooms (cheap to replace) is a common combination. If you allow pets or want easier turnover, LVP throughout works well. It costs more upfront but handles tenant wear better.
The Bottom Line
For most Metro Detroit homes, carpet in bedrooms and living areas plus LVP in wet areas is the winning combo. Carpet gives you the warmth, comfort, and quiet that Michigan winters demand—at a price that makes sense. Save LVP for kitchens, baths, and basements where waterproof matters.
Not sure what's right for your situation? We've been installing carpet across Metro Detroit for years—it's our specialty. We're happy to walk through your home and give you honest recommendations. No pressure, no sales pitch—just practical advice from people who install flooring every day.
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Tell us about your project and we'll get back to you with pricing