5 Flooring Styles That Will Boost Your Home Value, According to Realtors

Flooring is one of the first features buyers notice, and one of the most expensive things to replace.

“[It's] something that makes or breaks a home in terms of its desirability,” says Thomas O’Shaughnessy, vice president at Clever Offers. “It also plays a significant role in resale value and days on the market.”

Consistency matters just as much as the material itself. Buyers overwhelmingly prefer cohesive flooring throughout the home, rather than a patchwork of mismatched surfaces. Neutral tones, durable finishes, and thoughtful upgrades don’t just elevate aesthetics—they help buyers picture themselves living there, which ultimately drives value.

Below, we asked real estate agents and design experts to share the flooring styles that help homes stand out and sell more strongly.

Light Oak Solid Hardwood

Hardwood remains the gold standard in resale. “It's timeless and appealing to the masses,” says Ashley Biscan, interior design and trend expert at Floor & Decor. “It can also be refinished over time for a sustainable refresh.”

Matt Brown, a broker associate at William Raveis, notes that light oak tones are especially strong in 2026. “It creates a bright, airy feel and makes rooms appear larger,” he says.

Why it adds value: Solid hardwood installations can yield an estimated 106 to 118 percent return on investment, according to Brown, and refinishing existing floors can recover as much as 147 percent of its cost. Homes with hardwood in main living areas also tend to spend 15 to 20 percent fewer days on market, O’Shaughnessy adds.

Wide-Plank Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is increasingly viewed as equal to solid wood in many markets, especially in humid climates or homes built on concrete slabs.

“Don’t overlook engineered hardwood,” says Biscan. “It’s crafted with real wood and an innovative base, making it a compelling solution for active households.” Brown adds that wider planks create a more seamless, contemporary look that buyers associate with luxury.

Why it adds value: Engineered wood typically offers a 75 to 95 percent ROI, according to Brown, and is often viewed equivalently to solid hardwood by buyers and appraisers.

Luxury Vinyl Plank

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) has evolved far beyond its early iterations. “LVP has experienced tremendous growth in popularity due to its capacity to offer wood or stone looks for less, and with better moisture resistance,” says O’Shaughnessy.

Modern versions use embossed-in-register technology to mimic the grain and texture of real wood. It’s also 100 percent waterproof and scratch-resistant, making it especially appealing for families and pet owners.

Why it adds value: Brown estimates ROI at 50 to 70 percent or more in many markets, particularly in mid-tier homes. In competitive segments, homes with updated LVP tend to attract more first-time buyers than homes with dated carpet.

Large-Format Porcelain Tile

In kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways, large-format tile continues to signal durability and modern design. “Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines, which reduces visual clutter and makes spaces look sleeker,” Brown says.

Tile is especially important in warm or coastal markets. “Depending on the home location, stone and tile might be more suitable,” says Biscan. “Natural stone is a premium choice for coastal areas.”

Why it adds value: O’Shaughnessy notes that in warm climates, well-designed tile floors can help sellers achieve 2 to 3 percent higher sale prices compared to comparable homes. Porcelain tile also offers long-term durability, which reassures buyers.

Heated Floors

Sometimes the most valuable upgrades aren’t immediately visible. Radiant floor heating, particularly in bathrooms and primary suites, adds an unexpected layer of comfort that buyers remember during showings.

Why it adds value: While ROI varies by region, Thomas O’Shaughnessy notes that comfort-driven upgrades can meaningfully influence buyer perception, especially in colder climates.