LVT and laminate flooring are both durable, stylish alternatives to natural wood and stone, but there are some important differences between them. LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) is vinyl-based, while laminate flooring has a high-density fibreboard (HDF) core. This affects everything from water resistance and comfort to installation and price.

So, is LVT better than laminate? Neither is the best choice for every home. LVT is particularly well suited to kitchens, bathrooms and areas where waterproof flooring is important, while laminate offers excellent scratch resistance, realistic wood designs and great value for money. Choose from Herringbone LVT and Parquet designs to classic Plank and Tile styles, with leading brands including Karndean, Quick-Step, Moduleo and Polyflor.

Choose LVT if you want:

• Waterproof flooring
• A quieter, softer feel underfoot
• Flooring for a bathroom or kitchen
• A choice of wood, stone, parquet and other effects
• Click or glue-down installation options

Choose laminate if you want:

• Excellent value for money
• High scratch resistance
• A realistic wood-floor appearance
• Straightforward click installation
• A durable floor for busy living spaces
  

Quick verdict: LVT generally has the advantage where waterproofing and versatility are priorities, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. Laminate is an excellent alternative if you want a durable, realistic wood-effect floor at a competitive price.

The main difference is their construction. LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) is made from layers of vinyl-based materials, with a decorative layer that can recreate the appearance of wood, stone and other natural surfaces. It is available in several formats, including click, rigid-core and glue-down LVT. Laminate flooring has a high-density fibreboard (HDF) core topped with a decorative design and protective wear layer. Modern laminate can reproduce natural wood extremely realistically and is usually installed using a floating click system. This difference in construction is important because it affects how each floor responds to water, scratches, sound and installation.

Laminate is generally cheaper than LVT, making it an attractive option if you're looking for durable, realistic wood-effect flooring on a tighter budget. Current UK comparisons similarly tend to position laminate as the more affordable option, particularly when compared with premium LVT. However, it's important to compare the total flooring cost rather than price per square metre alone. Laminate will usually require a suitable underlay, while LVT installation costs depend on the type you choose. Click LVT can be installed as a floating floor, whereas glue-down LVT requires adhesive and careful subfloor preparation.

Best for lower upfront cost: Laminate

Best for waterproof performance and installation choice: LVT

Laminate flooring starts from £9.99 per m², whilst LVT starts from £16.99 per m².

For scratches and everyday wear: Laminate is particularly strong.

For water and spills: LVT has the advantage.

For busy households: Both can be excellent choices—look at
the individual product's durability specification and suitability for your
room.

Verdict: There isn't a universal winner on durability. Choose based on the type of wear your floor is most likely to face.

Both are highly durable. Laminate is particularly resistant to scratches and everyday wear, while LVT combines good durability with waterproof performance.

For scratches: Laminate

For water and spills: LVT

Yes. LVT's vinyl-based construction is waterproof, making it an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms and other moisture-prone areas.

Water resistance varies between laminate products. If you're using laminate in a kitchen or bathroom, choose a range specifically approved for that environment.

Laminate is usually installed using a floating click system, making it popular with competent DIYers. Click LVT can be similarly straightforward, while glue-down LVT requires adhesive and careful subfloor preparation.

Easiest options: Laminate and Click LVT

Both can work well in homes with pets. Laminate offers excellent scratch resistance, while LVT's waterproof surface is useful for muddy paws, spills and accidents.

For pets, look beyond flooring type and compare scratch resistance, water resistance and ease of cleaning.

LVT Flooring
Subfloor preparation matters
LVT needs a smooth, level subfloor, as imperfections underneath can sometimes affect the finished appearance.

Heavy furniture can leave an impression
Very heavy furniture or appliances may leave indentations over time. Furniture pads can help protect the floor.

Quality makes a difference
Thickness, wear layer and construction can vary between LVT products, so choose a floor suited to the demands of your room.

Consider direct sunlight
Prolonged exposure to strong sunlight and heat can affect some LVT floors over time, so always check the manufacturer's guidance.

Laminate Flooring
Water resistance varies
Many modern laminates offer excellent water resistance, but suitability varies by product, particularly for kitchens and bathrooms.

Underlay makes a difference
Laminate can sound slightly hollow underfoot, but a good-quality underlay can improve acoustics, comfort and overall feel.

Damaged boards may need replacing
Laminate can't be sanded like real wood, so significant damage may mean replacing an individual board.

Expansion gaps are important
Laminate naturally responds to temperature and humidity, making the correct expansion gap important to help prevent lifting or buckling.

Still deciding between LVT, laminate and engineered wood flooring? All three can create a stylish, durable floor, but they suit slightly different priorities.

LVT flooring is a practical choice where water resistance and easy maintenance matter. Its vinyl-based construction makes it particularly well suited to kitchens, bathrooms and busy areas, with wood, stone and patterned designs available.

Laminate flooring offers excellent value and scratch resistance. It can recreate the appearance of natural wood extremely effectively and is a popular choice for busy living spaces where durability and affordability are priorities.

Engineered wood flooring has a genuine timber surface, giving it the natural grain, texture and variation of real wood. It generally costs more than LVT or laminate but offers authentic character and, depending on the wear layer, the potential to be sanded and refinished.

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose LVT for water resistance, versatility and easy maintenance.
• Choose laminate for value, scratch resistance and realistic wood designs.
• Choose engineered wood for genuine timber, natural character and restoration potential.

There isn't one flooring type that's best for every home. Consider your room, budget and how you want your floor to look and perform before making your choice.