If you’re in the market for new flooring, you may be wondering about the differences between luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate. Both options have their pros and cons, and it’s important to consider factors such as waterproofing, cost, resale value, scratches, durability, installation, moisture, cleaning, and budget when making your decision.
LVP is a popular choice for its waterproof properties, making it a great option for bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas prone to moisture. It’s also highly durable and scratch-resistant, making it a good choice for homes with pets or children. On the other hand, laminate is a more budget-friendly option that can mimic the look of hardwood or tile. It’s also easy to install and maintain, but may not hold up as well in high-traffic areas.
Ultimately, the decision between LVP and laminate comes down to your specific needs and preferences. Consider your budget, the level of moisture in your home, and how much wear and tear your floors will see. By weighing the pros and cons of each option, you can make an informed decision that will meet your needs and fit your lifestyle.
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Waterproofing
LVP Waterproofing: Waterproof
LVP, or luxury vinyl plank, is a popular flooring choice due to its waterproof properties. LVP is made from synthetic materials that are impervious to moisture, making it ideal for use in areas prone to spills or high humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Additionally, LVP is resistant to mold and mildew, which can be a concern in damp environments.
Most LVP flooring comes with a waterproof core, which means that even if the surface layer becomes damaged, the core will remain unaffected. This makes LVP a durable and long-lasting flooring option that can stand up to heavy foot traffic and daily wear and tear.
LVP is a good choice for homeowners who want a waterproof flooring option that is also budget-friendly. The cost of LVP can vary depending on the brand and quality, but it is generally less expensive than other waterproof flooring options, such as tile or hardwood.
Laminate Waterproofing: Water-resistant
Laminate flooring is also a popular choice for homeowners who want a waterproof option. Laminate is made from a composite wood material that is covered with a photographic layer that mimics the look of wood or stone. The top layer is then covered with a clear protective layer that makes it resistant to moisture and scratches.
While laminate is not completely waterproof, it is water-resistant and can withstand spills and moisture to a certain extent. However, it is important to note that if laminate flooring is exposed to standing water or high humidity for an extended period of time, it can become damaged and warp.
Laminate flooring can be a good choice for homeowners who want a flooring option that is easy to clean and maintain. Laminate is also a budget-friendly option, with prices that are generally lower than hardwood or tile.
Durability
LVP Durability: Best for Heavy Foot Traffic
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is known for its durability. It is made of multiple layers, including a wear layer that protects against scratches, dents, and stains. LVP is also waterproof, making it a great choice for areas prone to spills or moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. According to the National Floor Safety Institute, LVP has a high slip resistance, making it a safer option for homes with children or elderly individuals.
When it comes to longevity, LVP can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. It is resistant to fading from sunlight and can withstand heavy foot traffic without showing signs of wear and tear. LVP is also easy to clean, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
Laminate Durability: Best for Moderate Foot Traffic
Laminate flooring is also known for its durability. It is made of a composite wood core with a high-resolution image of wood or stone on top, protected by a clear wear layer. Laminate is scratch-resistant but not scratch-proof, and it can be damaged by heavy furniture or pet claws. Laminate is also not waterproof, making it a less desirable option for areas prone to moisture.
Laminate flooring has a lifespan of up to 25 years with proper maintenance. It is resistant to fading from sunlight and can withstand moderate foot traffic without showing signs of wear and tear. Laminate is also easy to clean, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
Overall, both LVP and laminate flooring are durable options for any home. However, LVP is the better choice for areas prone to moisture and heavy foot traffic, while laminate is better suited for areas with moderate foot traffic and less exposure to moisture.
Scratch Resistance
LVP: Higher Scratch Resistance
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is known for its scratch-resistant properties due to its strong wear layer. The wear layer is a protective coating that sits on top of the vinyl plank, making it more resistant to scratches and scuffs. LVP has a high resistance to scratches, which makes it ideal for high traffic areas and homes with pets. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, LVP has a rating of 20 mils or higher for its wear layer thickness, which makes it a durable and long-lasting flooring option.
Laminate: Scratch Resistance
Laminate flooring is also known for its scratch-resistant properties. It has a wear layer that protects the surface from scratches and scuffs. However, the scratch resistance of laminate flooring largely depends on its AC rating. The AC rating measures the durability of the laminate flooring, with AC1 being the least durable and AC5 being the most durable. Laminate flooring with an AC rating of 3 or higher is considered to be scratch-resistant.
It is important to note that although laminate flooring is scratch-resistant, it is not scratch-proof. Heavy furniture or sharp objects can still leave scratches on the surface. Additionally, laminate flooring can be more prone to scratches in areas with high foot traffic or homes with pets.
When it comes to scratch resistance, both LVP and laminate are good options. However, LVP has a higher wear layer thickness and is generally more durable than laminate flooring.
LVP flooring has a higher scratch resistance than laminate flooring. In their scratch test, LVP flooring showed minimal damage, while the laminate flooring had visible scratches.
When choosing between LVP and laminate flooring, it is important to consider your lifestyle and the amount of foot traffic in your home. If you have pets or high foot traffic, LVP may be the better choice due to its higher scratch resistance and durability.
Cost
When it comes to cost, both LVP and laminate flooring have their advantages and disadvantages. LVP is generally more expensive than laminate, with prices ranging from $2 to $7 per square foot. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, can be found for as little as $0.50 per square foot, with higher-end options costing up to $5 per square foot.
It’s important to keep in mind that the cost of installation can add significantly to the overall cost of either type of flooring. LVP is typically easier to install than laminate, which can be a factor in the overall cost. Additionally, if you’re planning to hire a professional installer, the cost of labor can vary depending on your location and the complexity of the installation.
One factor that can affect the cost of both LVP and laminate flooring is the thickness and quality of the material. Thicker, higher-quality options will generally be more expensive than thinner, lower-quality options. It’s important to consider your budget and the level of durability and quality you’re looking for when making a decision between the two.
| Average Cost per Square Foot | Installation Cost per Square Foot | |
| LVP | $2-$7 | $1-$3 |
| Laminate | $0.5-$5 | $1-$2 |
It’s important to remember that while cost is certainly a factor to consider when choosing between LVP and laminate flooring, it shouldn’t be the only factor. It’s also important to consider factors such as durability, moisture resistance, and resale value when making your decision.
Installation
Installing luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is relatively easy and can be done by most DIY enthusiasts.
Laminate flooring is also relatively easy to install, although it may require a bit more skill than LVP.
Here are the general steps to follow for installing LVP or laminate flooring:
- Prepare the subfloor by cleaning it thoroughly and making sure it’s level.
- Measure the room and calculate how many planks you’ll need.
- Start laying the planks from the longest wall, using spacers to maintain a consistent gap between the planks and the wall.
- Stagger the seams between planks to create a more natural look.
- Trim the last plank to fit if necessary.
- Install the baseboards or trim to cover the gaps.
LVP is a floating floor, meaning it doesn’t need to be glued or nailed down. This makes it a great option for DIYers who want to save money on installation costs.
Like LVP, laminate is also a floating floor and doesn’t need to be glued or nailed down. However, it’s important to note that laminate can be more difficult to cut than LVP, so it may be best to leave this task to a professional.
Both LVP and laminate can be installed over most subfloors, including concrete, wood, and existing vinyl or tile flooring.
Moisture Resistance
LVP: Excellent Moisture Resistance
LVP, or luxury vinyl plank, is well-known for its excellent moisture resistance. It is made of synthetic materials that do not absorb water, making it ideal for areas with high humidity or frequent exposure to water.
Additionally, LVP is often installed as a floating floor, meaning that it is not glued or nailed down. This installation method creates a small gap between the floor and the subfloor, allowing any moisture to evaporate and preventing it from being trapped under the flooring.
According to the National Wood Flooring Association, LVP is suitable for installation in below-grade areas such as basements, as long as the concrete subfloor is properly sealed and moisture levels are within acceptable limits.
Laminate: Moisture Resistance
Laminate flooring is also resistant to moisture to some extent, but it is not as waterproof as LVP. Laminate is made of a high-density fiberboard core, which can swell and warp when exposed to water for extended periods of time.
However, many laminate manufacturers are now producing waterproof or water-resistant laminate options that are designed to withstand spills and moisture better than traditional laminate. These waterproof laminates often have a moisture-resistant backing layer and a locking system that prevents water from seeping between the planks.
Despite these advancements, it is still important to take precautions when installing laminate in areas with high humidity or potential water exposure. Laminate should not be installed in bathrooms or other areas where standing water is common.
Overall, LVP is the clear winner in terms of moisture resistance. Its synthetic materials and floating installation method make it the ideal choice for areas with high humidity or frequent exposure to water. However, with the advent of waterproof laminate options, laminate can still be a viable choice for areas with lower moisture levels.
Cleaning
LVP flooring is easy to clean and maintain. It is waterproof and can be cleaned with a damp mop or cloth. You can use mild soap or a pH-neutral cleaner to remove stains or spills. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers on LVP flooring as they can scratch the surface. Always wipe up spills as soon as possible to prevent stains or damage to the floor.
Laminate flooring is also easy to clean and maintain. You can use a damp mop or cloth to clean the surface. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers as they can scratch the surface. You can use a pH-neutral cleaner or vinegar and water solution to remove stains or spills.
LVP and laminate flooring are both easy to maintain and clean. It is important to use the recommended cleaning products and avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers to prevent damage to the surface. Regular sweeping or vacuuming can help to remove dirt and debris from the floor.
Resale Value
When it comes to resale value, both LVP and laminate flooring have their advantages and disadvantages. While LVP is a newer product on the market, it has quickly gained popularity due to its durability and waterproof properties. This can be a major selling point for potential buyers, especially in areas prone to moisture or humidity.
Laminate flooring, on the other hand, has been around for decades and has a proven track record of holding up well over time. While it may not have the same waterproof properties as LVP, it is still a durable and cost-effective option for homeowners.
According to a recent study by the National Association of Realtors, hardwood flooring is still the most popular flooring choice among homebuyers, followed closely by ceramic tile. However, both LVP and laminate flooring are gaining popularity, especially in areas where moisture is a concern.
Overall, the resale value of both LVP and laminate flooring will depend on a variety of factors, including the location of the home, the type of flooring installed, and the preferences of potential buyers. However, both options can be a great investment for homeowners looking to improve the value of their property.