Flooring trends may come and go, but durability, longevity and resale value continue to drive homeowner decisions across metro Atlanta. Alex Veit, owner of Oakerds Hardwood Floor Refinishing, joins Host Carol Morgan on Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio to discuss best practices for refinishing and installing floors in your home. 

From historic bungalows with hidden hardwoods to modern homes filled with luxury vinyl plank (LVP), Veit has seen firsthand which materials hold up over time and which ones homeowners often regret installing. 

Why More Atlanta Homeowners Are Choosing LVP Over Laminate 

As waterproof flooring products continue gaining popularity, many homeowners still misunderstand the difference between laminate and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. The products often carry similar price points, but their long-term performance can vary significantly, especially in moisture-prone spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms.  

“They’re priced the same, but LVP is truly a waterproof product, where laminate is a water-resistant product at best,” he said. 

After years of replacing swollen laminate flooring damaged by moisture exposure, Veit now steers homeowners toward higher-quality LVP products instead. However, not all vinyl plank flooring performs equally. 

Thin, lower-cost products often fail at the locking system, particularly in high-traffic areas. Oakerds avoids installing LVP products thinner than five millimeters due to durability concerns and product recalls. 

Hardwood Flooring Continues To Set the Standard 

Hardwood flooring remains one of the most durable and desirable flooring materials in the Atlanta market, and natural white oak floors with simple finishes continue to outperform short-lived design trends years after installation.  

Hardwood’s long-term value comes not only from its appearance but also from its ability to be restored rather than replaced. It can often be refinished multiple times throughout its lifespan, making hardwood flooring a strong long-term investment. 

“You could get four to five refinishes out of a floor, and that could span over 100 years,” Veit said. 

While hardwood may scratch more easily than LVP in daily life, refinishing gives homeowners the ability to restore floors instead of fully replacing them after damage occurs. 

Hardwood vs. LVP 

For homeowners weighing hardwood against LVP, the right choice often depends on budget, lifestyle and long-term goals for the home. 

Homeowners looking for longevity and timeless appeal may find hardwood flooring to be the better option. While hardwood typically requires a larger upfront investment, the material can last for generations when properly maintained. 

“It’s been around for over 100 years, and it’s going to be around for 100 more,” he said. 

LVP continues gaining market share because of its versatility and strong day-to-day durability, and it remains especially popular in new construction, rental properties and renovation projects across a wide range of price points. 

For families with children and pets, LVP often performs better against scratches and general wear in the short term. However, once damaged, replacement becomes the only solution.  

Refinishing Hardwood Floors: A Smart Investment 

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is replacing hardwood floors that could have been refinished instead. In many cases, refinishing offers a more affordable solution while preserving the original character of the home. 

Certain conditions, however, may justify replacement: 

• Severe structural damage 

• Major water intrusion 

• Engineered hardwood products with veneers too thin to refinish safely 

Flooring Plays a Major Role in Resale Value 

Flooring can directly influence how buyers perceive a home during showings. Clean, updated flooring can immediately improve the presentation of a property, while damaged or outdated flooring may raise concerns about maintenance throughout the rest of the house. 

“Flooring is probably the first thing people see when they walk into the house,” Veit said.   

Oakerds Launches Online Flooring Calculator 

To simplify the pricing process, Oakerds recently launched an online flooring calculator that helps homeowners, agents and investors estimate project costs before scheduling consultations. Veit created the tool to give consumers faster access to pricing information while helping real estate professionals make quicker renovation decisions during transactions.  

The calculator allows users to estimate refinishing, replacement and installation costs in about one minute. Users can also submit their information directly through the platform to request follow-up consultations and verified project estimates. 

With more than 15 years of experience serving metro Atlanta, Oakerds Hardwood Floor Refinishing provides homeowners, investors and real estate professionals with solutions that balance durability, functionality and long-term value. Whether uncovering original hardwoods beneath outdated carpet or helping clients select the best materials for their homes, the company combines hands-on craftsmanship with practical industry expertise to support confident investment decisions. To learn more about Oakerds Hardwood Floor Refinishing, visit https://Oakerds.com/.  

About Oakerds Hardwood Floor Refinishing 

Based in Marietta, Georgia, Oakerds Hardwood Floor Refinishing specializes in hardwood floor refinishing, hardwood installation, luxury vinyl plank, tile and carpet services throughout metro Atlanta. The company works with homeowners, Realtors and investors on projects ranging from historic home restorations to modern renovations, delivering tailored recommendations backed by extensive industry experience and attention to detail. 

Podcast Thanks      

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About Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio      

Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it. Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio was recently honored on FeedSpot’s Top 100 Atlanta Podcasts, ranking 16th overall and number one out of all ranked real estate podcasts

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