When planning your next home renovation or design project, choosing the right flooring is an important step. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and laminate flooring are many people’s top contenders. Both options offer durability and style, but when it comes to specific projects, LVP is often the superior choice.
You may not know the difference between LVP and laminate flooring, so let’s start by unpacking what makes each flooring choice unique.
What Makes LVP Unique?
What is LVP flooring? It’s a type of vinyl flooring designed to mimic the appearance of natural materials like hardwood or stone. It evolved from traditional vinyl flooring in the early 2000s as manufacturers sought to combine the water-resistant benefits of vinyl with the aesthetic appeal of wood. LVP’s multi-layered construction, including a protective wearlayer, a printed design layer, and a waterproof core, makes it highly durable, waterproof, comfortable, and quiet.
What Makes Laminate Flooring Unique?
Laminate flooring is a composite material made from wood fiber and resin. Its surface is a printed image, often designed to resemble wood or stone, topped with a clear protective layer. While it offers a similar aesthetic to hardwood floors, laminate is not waterproof, which limits its usability in certain areas.
6 Key Differences Between LVP and Laminate Flooring
1. Water Resistance
LVP: One of the most significant advantages of LVP is its waterproof nature. Because of its vinyl core, LVP can be installed in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, without worrying about water damage.
Laminate: While some laminate options are marketed as water-resistant, they are not fully waterproof. Excess moisture can cause the laminate to swell or warp, making it less suitable for areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements where water exposure is likely.
2. Durability
LVP: With its tough wear layer, LVP is highly resistant to scratches, dents, and wear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Its resilient surface means it can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a favorite for families with pets or children.
Laminate: Laminate floors are also durable, but they are more prone to scratching, especially in high-traffic areas. Once damaged, laminate flooring is difficult to repair and may need replacing, while LVP can often handle more significant impacts without visible damage.
3. Installation
LVP: LVP offers a relatively simple installation process, often featuring DIY-friendly click-and-lock planks. Its flexible nature allows it to be installed over various subfloors, including uneven surfaces.
Laminate: Laminate is also easy to install with similar click-and-lock technology. However, laminate requires a completely flat surface for proper installation, and subfloor preparation can be more intensive.
4. Comfort & Sound
LVP: LVP tends to be softer and quieter underfoot, as its vinyl material offers more give than laminate flooring. This makes it more comfortable to stand on for long periods. It’s also quieter when walked on, a big plus for multi-level homes or apartments.
Laminate: While affordable, laminate floors can feel harder and noisier underfoot, especially without an underlayment. This can result in a hollow sound when walking across them.
5. Aesthetic Options
LVP: Advances in LVP technology have made it possible to achieve incredibly realistic wood, stone, and tile aesthetics. With textured surfaces and high-definition printing, LVP can convincingly mimic natural materials, offering versatility in design.
Laminate: Laminate also provides a variety of design options but generally lacks the authenticity and depth of texture found in LVP. This difference is especially noticeable up close.
6. Maintenance
LVP: Cleaning LVP is easy and requires low maintenance. Its waterproof nature allows for regular mopping and cleaning without worry.
Laminate: Laminate requires more careful maintenance, as standing water can seep into the seams and cause damage. Wiping up spills quickly is essential to prolonging its life.
LVP Is The Superior Choice For Projects
LVP is a fantastic choice for any space. It offers the perfect balance between style and affordability. With advanced design technology, LVP can mimic the natural look of hardwood, stone, or tile with impressive realism. Whether designing a modern kitchen, a casual family room, or a rustic study, LVP gives you the look you want at a budget-friendly price, providing the best of both worlds.
Its waterproofing properties combine LVP’s stylish appearance with the peace of mind that it won’t be compromised by spills or humidity. Whether upgrading a bathroom, remodeling a kitchen, or finishing a basement, LVP ensures a long-lasting, resilient, and low-maintenance flooring solution perfect for any area, particularly high-moisture spaces.
For homes or offices with heavy foot traffic, LVP’s is the most durable option. With options for overall thickness and wearlayer, LVP passes the test for durability, longevity, comfort, and aesthetics. Plus, its easy-to-maintain surface will also save you time and hassle over the long term.
Our Wide Selection of LVP Flooring
The LVP Warehouse offers one of the widest selections of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring options. We have a large color selection available in multiple core thicknesses and wearlayers. Our flooring isn’t the only thing our customers find attractive—they love our budget-friendly prices. We can help you save money on your flooring projects without compromising performance or quality. Contact us today to learn more about how we can supply the perfect LVP flooring for your home renovations.