Laminate vs LVT Flooring: Ultimate Comparison

When renovating or building a home, choosing the right flooring is crucial as it affects both the aesthetics and functionality of your space. Two popular options are laminate and luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Both flooring types offer unique benefits and drawbacks. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of laminate VS LVT flooring to help you make an informed decision.

 

Introduction to Laminate and LVT Flooring

Laminate Flooring: Laminate is a synthetic flooring product made in layers to simulate wood (or sometimes stone) with a photographic applique layer under a clear protective layer. The inner core layer is typically composed of melamine resin and fibreboard materials.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): LVT is a modern flooring option that replicates natural surfaces like wood, stone and ceramic tile, but is more durable and easier to install. It consists of several layers, including a durable wear layer, an image layer, a core, and a backing.

 

1. Laminate vs LVT: Durability

Laminate:

• Pros: Laminate is highly durable and resistant to scratches, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. It’s also easy to clean, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
• Cons: It can be susceptible to water damage, and once the top layer is heavily scratched or dented, it cannot be refinished but must be replaced.

LVT:

• Pros: LVT is exceptionally durable and water-resistant, which makes it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. It’s also scratch and stain-resistant and can be used in commercial spaces.
• Cons: Although it is durable, it can be cut or gouged if sharp objects are used forcefully.

 

2. Laminate vs LVT: Maintenance and cleaning

Laminate:

• Pros: Easy to clean, requires sweeping and occasional mopping with specific laminate cleaners.
• Cons: As laminate is subject to water damage, it’s advisable to clean it with a broom or a dry cloth rather than with a damp mop. This may be frustrating for those who like to do a deep clean.

LVT:

• Pros: Extremely easy to clean and mop. As LVT is water-resistant, you don’t have to worry about drying surfaces as meticulously as with laminate.
• Cons: None really.

 

3. Laminate vs LVT: Installation

Laminate:

• Laminate planks are designed to interlock, which makes the installation process straightforward and suitable for DIY enthusiasts. However, it requires a smooth and perfectly level subfloor.

LVT:

• LVT comes in click-lock and glue down options.
• Click LVT flooring is popular among DIY enthusiasts as it's extremely easy to install and forgiving for mistake-prone beginners.
• Glue down LVT requires a little more precision and is recommended to be installed by a professional fitter.

4. Laminate vs LVT: Comfort and Sound

Laminate:

• Laminate tends to feel hard underfoot and can be loud when walked on, though this can be mitigated with quality underlayment.

LVT:

• LVT is softer and warmer than laminate, making it more comfortable to stand on for prolonged periods. It also tends to be quieter, which is an advantage in busy households.

 

5. Laminate vs LVT: Aesthetic and Design Variety

Laminate:

• Offers a wide variety of wood-look designs and colours. High-quality laminate can closely mimic the appearance of real wood.

LVT:

• Provides an extensive range of options not only in wood-look but also in stone and ceramic appearances. It offers more realistic textures and patterns due to its advanced photographic technology and realistic embossing patterns.

 

6. Laminate vs LVT: Cost Comparison

Laminate:

• Laminate is one of the cheapest flooring options in the market. Whilst different brands offer a range of price points and quality, laminate is generally considered a very budget-friendly choice.

LVT:

• Whilst LVT tends to be slightly pricier than laminate, it features better durability and wear, along with a more realistic appearance. Having said that, LVT flooring is still a lot more affordable than natural materials such as hardwood and stone.

 

LVT vs Laminate Compared

Feature	Laminate Flooring	Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Flooring
Appearance	Simulates wood (or stone) with a photographic layer under a clear protective layer.	Offers realistic textures and patterns in wood, stone, and ceramic tile looks through advanced printing.
Durability	Good durability. Resistant to scratches but can be damaged by moisture and cannot be refinished.	Excellent durability. Resistant to water, stains, scratches, and can handle heavy foot traffic.
Water resistance	Not waterproof. Susceptible to water damage, making it unsuitable for damp areas.	Highly water-resistant and suitable for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Maintenance	Easy to clean. Requires sweeping and occasional mopping with specific laminate cleaners.	Very easy to maintain. Can be cleaned with regular sweeping and mopping.
Installation	Typically uses a click-and-lock system. DIY-friendly but requires a perfectly level subfloor.	Click-lock and Glue Down options. Click LVT is DIY-friendly, while a professional is recommended for Glue Down LVT.
Comfort & sound	Hard surface and can be noisy. Underlayment can help reduce noise.	Softer and warmer underfoot. Generally quieter than laminate.
Cost	Generally less expensive than LVT. Costs vary based on thickness and quality.	Slightly more expensive than laminate, but offers better durability and water resistance.
Lifespan	Around 15 years, depending on maintenance and traffic.	Typically lasts 20-30 years with proper care, some brands offer a lifetime warranty.
Repair and refinish	Cannot be refinished. Damaged planks need to be completely replaced.	Easier to replace individual pieces without replacing the entire floor. Cannot be refinished.
Heat and sound insulation	Offers moderate insulation against heat and sound. Additional underlayment can improve performance.	Better natural insulation properties and can be enhanced with specific underlayment.