Gather ’round with Caleb and some tiny titans for a quick lowdown on flooring options here at Visscher Construction What’s the fuss about laminate flooring versus “LVP” luxury vinyl planking?
Still looking to dig deeper!?
Here’s a breakdown of how LVP compares to laminate flooring:
The Core Difference: Composition
This is the most important distinction and the reason for most of their other differences.
- Laminate Flooring: The core of a laminate plank is made from high-density fiberboard (HDF), which is a wood byproduct. This wood content gives it a hard, rigid feel and excellent dent resistance. However, it also makes it vulnerable to water damage, as the wood fibers can swell and warp if exposed to moisture for too long.
- LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) Flooring: LVP is a 100% synthetic product, with a core made from PVC vinyl. This plastic composition makes it completely impervious to water. You can find different types of LVP cores, such as WPC (wood-plastic composite) and SPC (stone-plastic composite), with SPC being particularly dense and rigid.
Durability and Performance
Both LVP and laminate are durable, but they excel in different areas.
| Feature | Laminate | LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) |
| Water Resistance | Water-resistant. While many newer products offer enhanced water resistance for a period of time (e.g., 72 hours), traditional laminate can swell or buckle with prolonged exposure to moisture. Not ideal for bathrooms. | 100% waterproof. The all-vinyl core and wear layer prevent water from seeping through. This makes it an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms. |
| Scratch Resistance | Excellent. The HDF core and tough, melamine-infused wear layer make laminate highly resistant to scratches and abrasion from things like pet claws and everyday traffic. | Good to excellent. LVP is also very durable, with a strong wear layer. It is highly resistant to scratches and scuffs, but some lower-quality versions may be more susceptible to scratches than a high-quality laminate. |
| Dent & Impact Resistance | Excellent. The rigid, wood-based core makes laminate very difficult to dent from dropped items or heavy furniture. | Good. Because of its vinyl composition, LVP is slightly more flexible and can be more susceptible to denting from heavy furniture or sharp impacts. However, high-quality SPC cores are very rigid and perform much better in this regard. |
| Underfoot Feel | Tends to feel firmer and more solid underfoot, similar to a real wood floor. With a proper underlayment, it can be quite comfortable and quiet. | Tends to be softer and warmer underfoot. It can be quieter to walk on, but can also feel less substantial than laminate. |
| Appearance | Often considered to have a more realistic and authentic look and feel of hardwood, thanks to advanced printing and deep, textured embossing that closely mimics wood grain. | The appearance has improved dramatically, with many high-end LVP products providing a stunning, realistic look of wood or stone. |
Cost and Installation
- Cost: Laminate generally has a lower starting price point, making it the more budget-friendly option. While a high-quality, waterproof laminate can rival the cost of mid-range LVP, LVP can get more expensive, especially for premium, rigid-core products with thicker wear layers.
- Installation: Both are typically installed as a “floating floor” using a click-and-lock system, which makes them both popular choices for DIY projects. However, LVP is often considered slightly easier to install as it doesn’t require a moisture barrier underlayment in dry areas, and it’s less prone to chipping during the process.
The Verdict: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between LVP and laminate really comes down to your priorities and where you plan to install it.
- Choose Laminate if: You prioritize a highly realistic wood look and feel, are on a tighter budget, and are installing in a low-moisture area like a living room, dining room, or bedroom.
- Choose LVP if: You need a truly waterproof solution for a kitchen, bathroom, basement, or laundry room. It’s the best choice for homes with kids and pets, where spills and accidents are a frequent concern.