Laminate or LVP. All real wood scratches. How affordable and durable?

What is LVP? Would consider laminate, but really would like a durable hardwood that won't break the bank. So, I've heard that Hickory, Oak, and Bamboo are all durable---but what is the best bang for the buck? What hardwoods should I absolutely avoid?

You could do an engineered wood, if you wanted to stick to wood and save money. You can refinish them as often as a solid wood, but they look nice.

Engineered can only be refinished limited times - it depends on the thickness of the wear layer. Solid hardwood can be refinished multiple times and many last for decades. The finish on all hardwoods can scratch. I have site finished on the main level and prefinished upstairs. The prefinished has a harder finish (and was not too expensive) but when it does scratch, it tends to show more. The prefinished is Bruce 2 1/4 solid oak for about $3.79 sq.ft. uninstalled (gunstock).

Avoid birch and pine, too soft...the 3 you mentioned are good, also maple

Would you consider tile that looks like wood. I have in 60% of my house. Looks great and super easy to maintain!!!

Everything has a maintenance "price" . Beautiful wood floors ( pre finished ) can be had for five and six dollars a square foot. Choose something with a consistent grain, oak or hickory perhaps, mid tone color, and avoid the clearer woods such as cherry and maple. Sweep , dust regularly, put felt under chair legs. It will last. Beautifully.

Go to a local mill that mills heir own hardwood floors. It is more environmentally sustainable, affordable, and, in my opinion, cooler because your house now has helped support your local economy. :)

I was able to save $2/sq ft by using a local mill. I would suggest calling or visiting the mill to find out what local woods they offer and what local wood they would suggest that has the highest durability to price index.

We live in Maine and went with Ash from a local mill and are super happy with it.

Domestic hardwoods are most affordable - here's an infographic we made detailing the domestic and exotic hardwoods with the highest durability. You can also check the Janka hardness scale for more info.

I found bamboo that is about $5-6/sf not installed and tested it in my home with water, 4 cats, tools and it survived and didn't scratch. Get samples of what you like with the finish you want and test/abuse it like you would with a kitchen counter sample. That will tell you if it's right for you. The one I like is from Lowes called Cali Bamboo and its fossilized bamboo.

Dark finish:

Medium finish:

The app cut off my last 2 pics.

Antique finish

I am currently putting the Bruce 3 1/4" "character grade" oak flooring in my 2nd home and have obviously been very happy with it. I love the gunstock color because it doesn't show dirt/dust as much. It was under $3/sq ft. I have 4 small kids and a dog and after having for 5 years in last house there was very minimal wear/tear. Kids drove toy trucks, dropped metal toys, etc and there was minimal scratching/dents when we moved. Just looks classic, nothing trendy and can be refinished in the future.

My definition of "durable" is not perfection, I'm not unrealistic. But, I have boys and a dog---goal will be to keep the dog off the wood. We have decided to go with Bamboo. I also, just heard about "lyptus"---now that is intriguing too!