Laminate and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are the two most popular hard floors we fit. From a few feet away they can look almost identical, but they’re made very differently — and that affects where they work best.
What’s the difference?
Laminate has a high-density wood-fibre core with a printed photographic layer and a tough, clear wear layer on top. LVT is made from layers of vinyl, so it’s fully waterproof, slightly softer and noticeably warmer and quieter underfoot.
Water and moisture
This is the big one. LVT is 100% waterproof, which makes it the natural choice for bathrooms, cloakrooms and utility rooms. Modern water-resistant laminates handle everyday kitchen spills very well, but they aren’t designed for standing water or wet rooms.
Feel and sound
Laminate has a firm, solid feel and can sound slightly hollow without a good underlay. LVT is softer, warmer and quieter — a real plus in flats and upstairs rooms.
Durability
Both are tough. Laminate is excellent at resisting scratches, especially higher AC ratings. LVT is more resistant to dents and moisture and stays quiet under pets’ claws.
Cost
Laminate is usually the more affordable option to buy. LVT costs a little more but lasts brilliantly in wet and busy areas. Fitting costs vary with the method — click LVT is quicker to fit than glue-down.
Living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms: laminate is great value. Kitchens, bathrooms and homes with pets: LVT is hard to beat.
Still unsure?
Try our floor finder, or book a consultation and we’ll talk you through both.
