LVT vs. Laminate Flooring: How to Choose the Perfect Floor for Your Home & Budget
- Charlie Mac
- Jul 11
- 4 min read
LVT vs. Laminate Flooring: How to Choose the Perfect Floor for Your Home & Budget
"The best floors are the ones you forget about because they just work." — A homeowner after switching to LVT flooring
Which Flooring Type Should You Choose?
You're renovating your space and standing in a showroom. On one side: Laminate flooring. On the other: LVT, or Luxury Vinyl Tile. Both look good. Both claim to be durable. But which is better for your style, your lifestyle, and most importantly your budget?
This blog will break down everything you need to know about LVT vs laminate flooring so you can make the best choice for your home. We’ll look at what each option is, how they compare in real-world performance, and what matters most to homeowners today.
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a synthetic floor made by layering materials together. Think of it like a floor sandwich:
Bottom layer: stabilises the plank
Core layer: high-density fibreboard (HDF) for strength—some higher-end types use moisture-resistant green HDF for better durability
Image layer: high-resolution photo of wood or tile
Wear layer: clear top layer that protects from scratches
Laminate also comes with AC ratings (Abrasion Class) that range from AC1 to AC5:
AC3: Suitable for living rooms and bedrooms (moderate foot traffic)
AC5: Built for commercial areas and busy households (high durability)
Laminate is known for its wood-like appearance, affordability, and easy installation with its click-lock system.
What Is LVT Flooring?
LVT stands for Luxury Vinyl Tile. It's a high-performance vinyl flooring made from multiple engineered layers:
Wear layer: protects against scuffs, stains, and scratches, measured in mils (typically 12–22 mils for residential)
Printed design layer: mimics stone, wood, or ceramic
Vinyl or composite core: provides flexibility or rigidity depending on the type
Backing layer: adds stability, cushioning, and waterproofing
Types of LVT Core Materials
Flexible LVT: Best for budget projects, thinner, glued down
LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank): Wood-look in long plank formats
SPC (Stone Plastic Composite): Rigid, extremely dense, ideal for busy areas
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite): Softer, cushioned feel underfoot, quieter
SPC and WPC are the go-to options for modern UK homes in 2025 due to their versatility and waterproof properties.
Key Differences Between Laminate and LVT
Let’s get into the details that matter most:
1. Durability and Water Resistance
Feature | Laminate | LVT |
Water resistance | Limited (can swell or warp) | Fully waterproof (ideal for spills) |
Scratch resistance | High (AC3–AC5) | Very high (22 mil wear layers) |
Impact resistance | Moderate (HDF core dents easily) | Excellent (SPC core resists dents) |
Lifespan | 10–20 years | 15–30 years (with care) |
Verdict: LVT is more durable in wet zones and handles impact and scratches better.
2. Comfort and Noise
Laminate is harder and may echo footsteps. Its core is made from compressed wood fibres.
LVT has a vinyl core, making it softer and better at absorbing impact. Many LVTs include acoustic backing, helping achieve IIC ratings over 60, which reduces noise between floors.
Verdict: LVT wins on comfort and sound dampening (source).
3. Looks and Style Variety
Both options are stylish, but LVT has evolved rapidly:
Laminate: Best for traditional wood visuals
LVT: Offers a wide range of wood, stone, ceramic, and even patterned designs
LVT collections in 2025 often include herringbone, wide planks, and stone-textured finishes.
4. Installation
Laminate: Click-lock floating floor, must avoid moisture beneath
LVT: Click-lock, glue-down, or loose-lay. Can be installed over tile, concrete, or existing vinyl
Verdict: LVT offers more versatility, especially over uneven subfloors or concrete slabs.
5. Maintenance and Cleaning
Laminate must stay dry and can't be steam cleaned
LVT is waterproof and easy to clean using standard vinyl-safe cleaners
Verdict: LVT is more forgiving and less maintenance-intensive.
Environmental Impact & Indoor Air Quality
Laminate often contains recycled wood fibres and can be a greener choice, but may emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds) if uncertified
LVT: Some modern versions are FloorScore-certified or low-VOC, but recycling LVT at end-of-life is difficult
Always look for third-party certifications and EU REACH compliance for indoor air safety.
Repairability
Laminate: Replacing damaged planks requires disassembly of a large section due to the interlocking system
LVT: Individual planks or tiles can often be lifted and replaced easily (especially with loose-lay or click-lock types)
Verdict: LVT is significantly easier to repair.
Budget Comparison: LVT vs Laminate
Feature | Laminate (per m²) | LVT (per m²) |
Material cost | £10–£20 | £15–£120+ |
Installation cost | £5–£10 | £15-90 |
Long-term value | Moderate | High (due to durability) |
Laminate is cheaper upfront, but LVT is often a better investment long term for kitchens, basements, and busy households.
Which Is Better for Style?
LVT flooring is winning hearts in modern UK interiors for its ability to mimic stone, wide oak, and aged timber in wet or dry rooms. It works equally well in bathrooms, kitchens, and lounges.
Laminate is still great for dry rooms and those wanting a classic wood floor at a low cost.
Pros and Cons Overview
Laminate Flooring
Pros:
Budget-friendly
Realistic wood finishes
Easy DIY installation
Often made with recycled wood
Cons:
Not waterproof
Tougher to repair
Can sound hollow underfoot
LVT Flooring
Pros:
100% waterproof
Softer and quieter
Versatile design options
Easy to maintain and repair
Cons:
Slightly higher cost
Less eco-friendly unless certified
Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Laminate if: you're renovating on a budget, want wood-look flooring in dry spaces, and enjoy DIY.
Choose LVT if: you need waterproof, durable, and stylish floors in high-traffic or wet areas.
FAQ: LVT vs Laminate
Q: Can I install either in the bathroom?: Only LVT is 100% waterproof and safe for bathrooms.
Q: Which is more eco-friendly?: Laminate can be greener due to wood content, but LVT is catching up with low-VOC options (source).
Q: Is either floor good for pets?: Both are good, but LVT is better for scratch resistance and water accidents.
Q: Can I install them over underfloor heating?: Yes. Both are compatible with most modern systems—always follow manufacturer recommendations.
Q: What about concrete subfloors?: LVT is preferred as it can go directly over concrete without swelling.
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