LVP vs Engineered Hardwood for Living Area with Existing Hardwood in Bedrooms

[Kim Hopkins]

Hello!

We had a dishwasher leak in one of our AirBnBs (in Flagstaff) that destroyed the kitchen and dining room and the (ugly tile) flooring was removed in those areas. It's the same flooring throughout the common area (open concept). As such, we're replacing all the common area flooring. 

There is real hardwood in the 3 bedrooms. 

Our contractor has suggested Engineered Hardwood for the common area because it's thicker (1/2 inch thick) vs LVP and so the transition from the bedrooms to common area hallways will be smoother. He says that with LVP, we would need some sort of sub-floor installed underneath it to match the thickness of the hardwood. 

Two questions: 

1) Is it true that engineered hardwood is really subpar to LVP in durability? I hear mixed comments. Some say it scratches easily (e.g. from dogs which we allow) and will buckle if a small pool of water sits too long. Others say they've had no issues. 

2) Is there a specific type or specification of LVP we can buy that would best address the concerns of matching the height of the real wood (best here meaning lowest cost relative to durability and transition height requirements)? 

Thanks!
Kim