Laminate vs. Luxury Vinyl: Which Flooring Is Best for You?

When it comes to selecting new flooring for your home, two popular choices often come up: laminate and luxury vinyl. Both options are affordable, stylish, and durable—but they each have unique characteristics that can make one more suitable for your space than the other.

If you’re planning a renovation or building a new home, understanding the differences between laminate and luxury vinyl will help you make the right decision based on lifestyle, budget, and performance needs.

What Is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a synthetic product made up of several layers. It typically features a fiberboard core topped with a photographic layer that mimics the look of wood, stone, or tile, finished with a clear protective coating.

Laminate is known for:

• Realistic wood appearance

• Affordable price point

• Ease of installation with click-lock systems

• Good scratch resistance

However, traditional laminate is not waterproof, which can limit where it can be installed—especially in areas prone to moisture like kitchens, bathrooms, or basements.

What Is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?

Luxury vinyl flooring (also known as LVT for tile or LVP for plank) is made from multiple layers of PVC vinyl. It’s flexible yet sturdy and has a wear layer that protects the printed design underneath. Many options also include a rigid core and underlayment for added durability and comfort.

Luxury vinyl is appreciated for:

• 100% waterproof properties

• High durability in high-traffic areas

• Wide variety of realistic styles and textures

• Comfort underfoot and noise reduction

Its resistance to moisture and easy maintenance make it especially popular in households with pets, children, or active lifestyles.

Key Differences at a Glance

Which Flooring Is Best for You?

Choose Laminate if:

• You love the authentic look and feel of wood grain.

• Your budget is tight and you’re looking for an affordable upgrade.

• You’re installing in a low-moisture area like a bedroom or hallway.

• You want quick installation with minimal prep work.

Choose Luxury Vinyl if:

• You need waterproof flooring for bathrooms, kitchens, or basements.

• You have pets or kids and need high durability.

• You want a wide variety of textures and designs.

• You’re looking for lower maintenance and longer lifespan.

What About Installation?

Both laminate and luxury vinyl can be installed over existing floors, and both are available in floating floor systems. However, the skill required may vary depending on subfloor condition and room layout. If you want professional results with minimal hassle, hiring a flooring contractor ensures the job is done right the first time—especially in complex spaces or larger renovations.

Laminate and luxury vinyl flooring both offer impressive style and performance at accessible price points. The right choice depends on where the flooring will be used and how you expect it to perform over time.

Laminate is a solid option for dry, low-traffic areas where wood-like style is desired at a budget-friendly cost. Luxury vinyl shines in moisture-prone, busy areas of the home where resilience and water resistance are critical.

By weighing your needs carefully and consulting with a trusted professional if needed, you can select a flooring option that enhances your home’s beauty and functionality for years to come.