What's The Difference Between LVT and Laminate Flooring?

Mar 26, 2025

With so many flooring options available, deciding on the best one for your home can feel overwhelming. Two popular options are Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and laminate flooring. 

Both are stylish, durable, and cost-effective. But what’s the difference between LVT and laminate flooring? 

Knowing their differences is best, so you can make an informed choice for your space. 

If you pick the wrong one, you could end up with flooring that isn't durable enough for a high-traffic area or has poor water resistance in a humid area. 

Here, we break down the key differences between LVT and laminate flooring, look at installation, overall value, and more, so you can clearly see which flooring type is the perfect fit for your home. 

What is laminate flooring? 

Laminate flooring captures the charm of hardwood without making a huge dent in your bank balance. It’s a multi-layered synthetic product. Its core is made from wood byproducts like fibreboard and is topped with photographic layers that mimic the look of real wood. Laminate flooring is designed to be durable and relatively easy to install. 

What is Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)?

Luxury Vinyl Tile is made from multiple layers of PVC vinyl, which makes it both flexible and strong. LVT can mimic the look of stone, ceramic, and wood, giving you a wide range of design choices. 

What’s the difference between LVT and laminate flooring? 

Here, we explore key differences that you’ll want to take into consideration when deciding between laminate and LVT flooring for your home. 

Appearance 

Both LVT and laminate look like natural materials, but their methods of creating this look are somewhat different. 

• Realistic textures and finishes: Laminate flooring tends to have a more pronounced wood grain texture, thanks to its embossed surface. It often looks and feels like real hardwood flooring. LVT, on the other hand, has a smoother finish; this flooring can replicate the look of wood, stone, or even ceramic tiles with incredible detail. Some higher-end LVT options do have embossed textures to add to the realistic look of natural materials. 

• Variety of design options: LVT offers a variety of flooring styles, including wood, stone, tile, and patterned looks. Laminate is mostly limited to wood-effect styles. 

Durability and lifespan 

Both LVT and laminate flooring are built to last, but they perform differently in certain conditions. Here’s what you need to know: 

• Wear resistance: LVT is generally more resistant to wear because it’s made of synthetic materials designed to handle heavy foot traffic. It holds up well to scratches, stains, and dents. Laminate is durable, too, but the fibreboard core means it's more vulnerable to damage from sharp objects and heavy furniture. 

• Scratch and dent resistance: Durability is a big concern for many homes, especially those with children or pets. LVT is softer underfoot, which makes it more resistant to dents from dropped objects, but it can be scratched by sharp items. Laminate is harder, which helps it resist surface scratches, but it can chip or dent more easily if something heavy is dropped on it. 

• Suitable environments: Laminate works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways—areas with moderate food traffic and low moisture. LVT is ideal for use all around the home, even where spills and moisture occur. 

Water and moisture resistance 

LVT takes the crown here. It is made from waterproof materials, making it ideal for use in areas where spills occur or there is humidity. Whether it’s a steamy bathroom or a kitchen, LVT won’t warp or swell like wood-based floors. 

Laminate has a fibreboard core, which means that it absorbs water if exposed to it for too long. This can lead to swelling, warping, or even mould growth. If you’re set on laminate for a kitchen or bathroom, you’ll need to ensure that the edges are sealed properly and that you clean up any liquids immediately. 

Installation 

The ease of installation can be a big deciding factor, especially if you’re planning a DIY job. 

• Click-lock system vs. Glue-down installation: Most laminate flooring comes with a click-lock (or tongue-and-groove) system; this means it can be installed as a floating floor without the need for glue. Many LVT options also use a click-lock system, but some need to be glued down, which takes longer and is less DIY-friendly. 

• DIY: Laminate is often easier for DIYers to install thanks to its tongue-and-groove design. Floating laminate floors can be laid over most existing surfaces without the need for adhesives. You’ll also need to choose the right underlay for your flooring. 

• Floor levelling: Laminate is quite forgiving in that it can be laid on pretty much any subfloor, and different underlays can provide the perfect base. LVT, however, needs to be laid on a level, clean surface. So it’s likely you’ll need to spend time and money preparing the ground ready for the flooring to go on top. 

Maintenance 

No one wants flooring that is a pain to clean and keeps looking fresh. Here’s how LVT and laminate compare when it comes to care. 

Cleaning requirements: Both flooring types are relatively easy to clean, but there are some differences: 

• LVT can handle wet mopping since it’s waterproof. 

• Laminate should be cleaned with a damp mop to prevent moisture from seeping into the seams. 

• Neither is suitable for use with steam mops. The moisture will warp the laminate, and the mop's heat could loosen the adhesives used on the LVT over time. 

• Abrasive scrubbing pads can damage the surface of LVT, so be mindful of that. 

• Harsh chemicals will affect the protective coating found on laminate flooring. 

Cost comparison

Costs are a big factor when deciding on flooring, especially when covering a large space. 

• Laminate is typically cheaper per square metre than LVT. 

• Laminate may need extra care to avoid moisture damage. 

• LVT will typically last longer compared to laminate. 

• In some instances, LVT planks can be replaced if they get damaged. This means you won’t need to replace a whole floor, as you would with laminate. 

Comfort and sound 

Whether you have a busy house, live in an apartment, or simply prefer a quieter, softer feel, here we show; what’s the difference between LVT and laminate flooring? 

Is LVT quieter or softer to walk on?

• LVT is softer underfoot as it’s made of PVC, which gives it a little more flexibility. Some LVT options have built-in underlays which gives it extra cushioning. 

• Laminate is firmer and harder, and while it’s not uncomfortable, it doesn’t have the same amount of give as LVT. Again, the underlay will have a big impact on how your laminate feels underfoot. 

Does laminate echo? 

Laminate can be noisier, especially in large or open-plan spaces. The hard surface creates an echo effect, amplifying the sound of footsteps, dropped objects, or even pets scooting across the floor. 

LVT is quieter because it naturally absorbs sound better than laminate, making it ideal for apartments or multi-storey homes. 

Impact on home value

The flooring you choose in your home can make a big difference when it comes to reselling it. Buyers look for durability and a high-end look. So, how do LVT and laminate stack up? 

LVT can help to increase a home’s value, especially high-quality designs that are created to mimic natural materials. Laminate will also add value, especially in rooms where real wood might not be practical. 

When you’re selling, buyers might be more inclined to purchase with selling points like real wood flooring or a premium LVT. But typically, if your flooring is well-kept, in good condition, and styled well with the rest of the home, then it’s a big plus for potential buyers. 

Temperature resistance and expansion

Floors can expand and contract depending on temperature and humidity levels, which is something to consider for your home, especially if you’re using underfloor heating. 

LVT is typically stable in different temperatures, which means it works well with underfloor heating. However, if installed where direct, prolonged sunlight gets to it, your LVT can fade or slightly expand. LVT with UV protection can help with this. 

Laminate expands and contracts more with temperature and humidity changes because of its fibreboard core. When fitting, it’s ideal to leave an expansion gap around the edges of the room to help prevent warping. 

Choosing the right flooring for your needs 

Picking the right flooring isn’t always just about how it looks; you need to find the best fit for your lifestyle. Here are some things that we think you should consider. 

Family homes 

If your home is filled with pets, children, and everyday chaos, with kids running around and pets scratching the floor, you’ll need a floor that’s going to keep up. 

LVT is the ideal choice for durability and water resistance. Drink spills? No problem. Muddy paws? They're easily cleaned up. 

Laminate can be damaged if water sits on it for too long, so you’ll need to spend time house-training any new puppies. But it’s scratch-resistant, so great for pets. 

Rental properties 

Landlords and renters, you want floors that look great, last a long time, and don’t require much maintenance. Laminate is the obvious choice here as it’s the much cheaper option up front, however, if it does get damaged, you’ll need to replace the whole floor. 

Bathrooms and Kitchens

LVT is the clear winner for bathrooms and kitchens as it’s 100% waterproof. Whether it’s a splash from the tub or a leaking dishwasher, LVT won’t warp, swell, or be ruined by moisture. But please be mindful, as it can be slippery when wet. 

High-traffic areas 

Both flooring options are great in high-traffic areas. They’re hardwearing and resist the everyday wear and tear that comes with busy spaces in the home. Just be mindful of the impact that heavy furniture can have on flooring if you’re prone to moving things around within the home. 

Pros and cons 

Laminate flooring

LVT

Round up: What’s the difference between LVT and laminate flooring? 

While both flooring options can look really similar when laid, the differences you’ll notice are with how both products are made, which impacts how they're best used in the home and how they wear. 

Choosing between LVT and laminate flooring depends on what works best for your lifestyle, budget, and home environment. 

If you need something waterproof, durable, and easy to maintain, LVT is a fantastic choice. If you’re after a budget-friendly, stylish, and easy-to-install option, laminate is the perfect way to get a classic wooden-flooring look in your home without breaking the bank. 

Still not sure which one is right for you? Mersey Flooring is here to help. Our experts can guide you through your options, ensuring you pick the perfect flooring for your space.

Get in touch with us today or visit our showroom to see our stunning range of flooring in person. 

FAQs 

Is LVT more expensive than laminate flooring? 

Yes, typically LVT can be more expensive than laminate. However, you will find that prices can vary depending on the brand, quality, and specifications of the flooring. 

Can laminate flooring be used in kitchens? 

Yes, laminate can be used in kitchens. However, it’s not always advised due to the fact it's susceptible to water damage. If you do want laminate flooring in your kitchen you’ll need to act quickly when water spills to stop it from damaging the floor. 

Is LVT flooring suitable for underfloor heating? 

Yes, many LVT products are suitable for being laid on top of underfloor heating. Just double-check with the manufacturer before you purchase. 

How long do laminate and LVT floors last? 

With proper care, both laminate and LVT flooring can last between 10 and 20 years. Factors such as the quality of the product, the installation, and the maintenance of your floor will affect its longevity.