Laminate vs. luxury vinyl plank flooring: which is better?
Short answer: Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is usually the better choice where water is likely, such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms, because many makers sell it as waterproof. Standard laminate has a fiberboard core that can be damaged by water. Laminate suits dry living areas. Both commonly install as click-lock floating floors.
What is the difference between laminate and luxury vinyl plank?
Both are plank floors with a printed wood or stone look under a clear protective top layer. The main difference is the core.
- Laminate traditionally uses a wood fiberboard core. COREtec, a vinyl maker, notes that laminate “can have a hard, water-resistant finish,” but the fiberboard core “still becomes vulnerable to water if the floor receives any damage.”
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) uses a plastic-based core. Many makers market it as waterproof.
Some newer laminates are sold as waterproof. Alpine Floor, which sells both, says laminate in a bathroom is possible, but buyers should look for products “specifically labeled as waterproof laminate.”
Keep in mind that the sources here are manufacturers. Their claims are marketing claims, not independent test results. We have not tested these floors.
Laminate vs. LVP comparison
| Factor | Laminate | Luxury vinyl plank |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Fiberboard (standard products) | Plastic-based composite |
| Water | Water-resistant surface; core can be damaged by water unless labeled waterproof | Often sold as waterproof; check the specific product |
| Water damage repair | COREtec says water-damaged laminate “cannot be repaired”; sections must be replaced | Depends on product and subfloor |
| Scratch resistance | Makers publish their own ratings; compare within a brand | Depends on wear layer thickness, listed in mils |
| Sound | Some owners report a “hollow” footstep sound | Products with attached pads are marketed as quieter |
| Installation | Click-lock floating, DIY-friendly | Click-lock floating, DIY-friendly |
| Best rooms | Dry living areas, bedrooms | Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms |
Which is better for bathrooms, kitchens and basements?
Both sources sell vinyl, so weigh their claims accordingly. COREtec calls its waterproof vinyl “especially beneficial” for kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms. Alpine Floor says LVP “proves to be formidable” in bathrooms and kitchens because of its waterproof nature. It recommends laminate for “dry to moderately humid environments.”
Basements add moisture from the slab below. Neither source covered basement installs in detail. Read the product’s installation guide for concrete subfloors, moisture testing, and any required vapor barrier before you buy.
Which is more scratch resistant?
There is no single answer across brands. Alpine Floor’s comparison table gives laminate a “scratch resistance rating of 4-5” and rates LVP at “20-30 mil.” It does not explain either scale, and the two are not directly comparable.
A practical approach is to compare products within one type. For LVP, makers generally market a thicker wear layer (in mils) as more durable. For laminate, compare the abrasion or wear rating the maker publishes. Felt pads under furniture and trimmed pet nails help with either floor.
Which feels and sounds better underfoot?
Hard floating floors can sound hollow underfoot. COREtec says homeowners describe a “hollow footstep” on laminate. It markets the built-in cork underlayment on its own vinyl planks for less noise and added warmth.
Underlayment matters for both types. Some planks come with a pad already attached. Others need a separate underlayment. If a plank already has a pad, check the installation guide before adding another layer.
How are they installed?
Most laminate and LVP sold for DIY use clicks together as a floating floor. The planks lock to each other and rest on the subfloor without glue or nails. Alpine Floor describes both of its products as click-lock.
Before installing:
- Acclimate per the maker. Each brand sets its own acclimation time and room conditions. Follow the instructions in the box.
- Check the subfloor. It should be clean, dry and flat to the tolerance the maker specifies.
- Leave an expansion gap. Floating floors need space at walls; the installation guide gives the size.
- Use the specified underlayment. Or skip it if the plank has an attached pad.
Alpine Floor says both can typically go over existing flooring but advises consulting a professional. Confirm with the product’s installation guide.
So which should you choose?
Choose LVP for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and other areas with spills or splashes. Choose laminate for dry rooms if you prefer its look or feel, or pick a laminate specifically labeled waterproof for damper spaces. In either case, the specific product’s warranty and installation guide matter more than the category.
Quick answers
Is luxury vinyl plank waterproof? Many LVP products are sold as waterproof. Check the specific product and its warranty terms.
Can laminate go in a bathroom? Only a laminate specifically labeled waterproof, according to Alpine Floor. Standard fiberboard-core laminate can be damaged by water.
Does LVP need underlayment? Some planks have a pad attached and need none. Others need the underlayment the maker specifies.
Do laminate and vinyl need to acclimate? Follow each maker’s instructions. Acclimation time and conditions differ by product.
Is laminate or vinyl louder? Floating laminate can sound hollow. Planks with attached pads are marketed as quieter.