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Laminate vs. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): Which is Best for Your Home?

  • Writer: Mr H Carpets
    Mr H Carpets
  • Sep 23
  • 2 min read

Choosing the right flooring can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Two of the most popular choices today are laminate flooring and luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Both can give you the stylish look of wood or stone without the hefty price tag, but they have important differences that could make one a better fit for your home.


Let’s break it down.


What is Laminate Flooring?


Laminate is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product. It’s made of a high-density fibreboard (HDF) core, a photographic layer that mimics wood or stone, and a protective wear layer on top.

  • Pros: Affordable, easy to install, realistic wood-look finishes, durable against scratches.

  • Cons: Susceptible to water damage, can feel harder underfoot, may sound “hollow” without proper underlay.


What is Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)?

LVT is a type of vinyl flooring designed to closely replicate the look of wood, ceramic, or stone — but with added resilience. It’s typically made from PVC layers, topped with a realistic design film and a protective wear layer.

  • Pros: 100% waterproof, softer and warmer underfoot, excellent durability, quieter than laminate.

  • Cons: Often slightly more expensive than laminate, requires proper subfloor preparation for the best results.


Modern kitchen with LVT herringbone light wood floor, grey cabinets with gold handles, stainless fridge with magnets, and black-framed glass door.

Key Differences Between Laminate and LVT

Feature

Laminate

LVT

Water Resistance

Not waterproof, can swell if wet

Fully waterproof

Durability

Scratch-resistant, less impact-proof

Highly durable, handles heavy use

Comfort

Harder underfoot

Softer, warmer feel

Noise

Can sound hollow without underlay

Quieter, absorbs sound better

Price

Generally cheaper

Slightly higher, but longer lifespan

Best Rooms

Living rooms, bedrooms

Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways


Which Should You Choose?

  • Choose Laminate if… you want a budget-friendly flooring that looks great in low-moisture rooms like bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices.

  • Choose Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) if… you want durability and water resistance in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.


Final Thoughts

Both laminate and LVT offer fantastic style and performance for modern homes. Your choice really comes down to where you’re installing it and how much wear and tear you expect.


For a complete home, many people even mix both — laminate in dry areas and LVT in kitchens or bathrooms.


Still not sure which one’s right for you? Get in touch and we’ll help you choose the best option for your space!



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