When you’re searching for durable, economical, or attractive flooring options that are easy to install, there are often two top contenders. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and laminate flooring are both easy to install and are attractive flooring options with many choices available. While LVP and laminate may seem very similar to the untrained eye, there are significant differences such as moisture resistance, durability, and maintenance that will have a drastic influence on your decision. Read ahead to learn about the differences between laminate vs. LVP and which flooring is best for your particular home project.
LVP vs. Laminate: Key Differences
Laminate flooring and Luxury Vinyl Plank are popular flooring options with distinct characteristics. Laminate flooring is commonly made from a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core and a photographic layer on top which mimics wood or stone, and it is finished with a protective finished layer on top. Laminate flooring can look very similar to hardwood or stone and is available in various textures and patterns, and laminate options closely resemble hand-scraped hardwood due to its realistic three-dimensional embossing on the surface.
Luxury Vinyl Plank is comprised of several layers of PVC vinyl with a photographic print on the top layer. LVP is available in realistic wood grain patterns and textured surfaces. LVP and laminate are offered at similar price points. Laminate and LVP flooring can both look very similar to hardwood, but the following are some key differences that will help you decide which option is best for your home project.
LVP vs. Laminate: Water-Resistance
LVP flooring is water-resistant flooring and can withstand spills and moisture. It is a superior choice for full bathrooms and damp locations such as kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements.
Older versions of laminate flooring can be damaged if exposed to standing water when not wiped up promptly, and are not recommended for areas that are prone to high humidity or moisture. However, newer laminate floors have enhanced water resilience, and these laminate floors can withstand standing water for some time without absorbing water, which makes them ideal to install in any space of your home.
LVP vs. Laminate: Durability
LVP vinyl is a very durable and low-maintenance flooring. Vinyl flooring is popular for commercial settings, where durability and maintenance are high priority. It is known to offer high resistance to scratches, dents, and stains which makes it a suitable flooring option for homes with pets or children.
Laminate is also durable and low-maintenance, and will always be more durable than an LVP floor. Due to its durability and water resilience, there is an expectation that laminate will become a more popular flooring choice than LVP in the coming years.
LVP vs. Laminate: Underfoot Comfort And Sound
LVP tends to be softer and warmer underfoot and is known to dampen sounds which makes it a good flooring option for upstairs rooms or apartments. The sound of heeled shoes is usually minimal with LVP flooring.
Although both laminate and LVP flooring are comfortable to walk on, laminate flooring does not feel like wood and can sound hollow when walked upon, depending on the underlay. If people are wearing heels around the house, it is likely heel clicks would be heard more on laminate flooring.
LVP vs. Laminate: Care And Cleaning
Both laminate and LVP are easy to clean. They also allow a span of cleaning methods such as sweeping with a dry mop, vacuuming and damp mopping.
The factors that drive one to choose between LVP and laminate flooring is personal, as both have their own set of advantages and considerations. The choice between the two options will come down to factors such as desired aesthetics and the requirements of the space that is being floored.
Smith Bros. Floors has excelled in the flooring industry for over a century and continues to provide our customers with the latest flooring trends. Reach out to us today, and let us guide you to the perfect laminate, hardwood, or vinyl flooring solutions customized to meet your unique requirements.