LVT vs Laminate Flooring

Luxury vinyl tiles and laminate flooring are two common options for flooring and can be used all over your home. In this article, we’ll be highlighting the differences to help you decide which is right for your property.

LVT is made from PVC-based materials, making it supremely strong. This means that typically LVT receives longer warranties and can be much quieter and warmer underfoot than laminate flooring.

Check out our detailed guide to learn more about what LVT flooring is.

LVT, vinyl and laminate is often used interchangeably, however, they are not the same type of flooring. LVT is thicker and has a more durable finish which makes it less prone to scratches and scuffs. Read our guides to learn more about the differences between LVT vs vinyl.

Laminate flooring is usually made from high-density fibre boards, which are small pieces of recycled wood pulp pressed tightly together under high pressure. So if you’re conscious of your environmental impact, laminate is a more environmentally friendly production method that’s both practical and affordable. However, in terms of longevity, it’s not as durable as LVT and will therefore need to be replaced sooner which is putting waste back into the environment quicker.

Aesthetically, LVT and laminate flooring are quite similar, but there are several key differences that could influence which option is best for your project:

• In most cases, laminate is made from high-density fibre boards, whereas LVT is made from PVC.


• LVT flooring typically has a longer manufacturer warranty.

Laminate flooring is typically cheaper than LVT, though you can get low-cost luxury vinyl tiles.

When it comes to their waterproofing qualities, this is where LVT excels. As it is made from fibre boards, laminate flooring is only water resistant, and so, cannot withstand water for prolonged periods. This means that if you opt for laminate flooring, you need to clean up spills or leaks quickly to keep it in good condition.

LVT however, is waterproof because it is made from PVC. Not only does this make it a versatile material that can be used in all rooms, but it makes it particularly suited to moisture-prone areas. Bathroom LVT and kitchen LVT are popular choices for this reason, offering both durability and water resistance where it’s needed most.

Unlike solid wood flooring, LVT and laminate are both coated in a tough wear layer that makes them resistant to scuffing. This makes both flooring options highly durable and perfect for areas that receive a lot of foot traffic.

When it comes to long-term durability, LVT has the advantage because you can recoat the surface to make it more resistant to wear and tear. That being said, if laminate becomes chipped or damaged it can usually be replaced provided you’ve correctly stored additional planks from your initial order.

If you’re an avid DIYer, good news! Both laminate and LVT can be installed on your own, saving you the cost of hiring a professional floor fitter.

When it comes to installing LVT, all of our ranges feature either a 5Gi or 2G click system with integrated underlay. This means there’s no need for a separate layer of underlay, making installation quicker and easier while still giving you a secure finish.

Laminate flooring is just as straightforward, with simple click systems and integrated underlay across all of our ranges. This helps the planks lock together seamlessly without the need for glue or nails, so you can achieve a durable result with less effort.

Typically, laminate flooring is the more affordable option, with most ranges priced under £30 per square metre. LVT usually sits a little higher, between £20 and £45 per square metre, with prices varying depending on the quality, style and popularity. Since both laminate and LVT ranges now include integrated underlay, there’s no extra cost for this, which makes the overall price of each option more efficient.

While hiring a professional floor fitter isn’t always necessary, it is worth factoring in if you don’t plan to install the flooring yourself. In some cases, laminate may cost less to fit as it can be quicker to lay.

Laminate flooring is compatible with both electric and water-based underfloor heating to a maximum of 27°C. Excessive heating can cause the boards to warp and shift.

With underfloor heating, warmth has to pass through the layer of flooring to heat the room. A key advantage of LVT is that it is relatively thin, which means heat can travel through it more easily to warm your space. Similar to laminate flooring, 27°C is usually the manufacturer’s set limit for temperature with this kind of flooring, as higher temperatures can cause warping or damage.

You will need to check with the LVT supplier on whether your particular range is suitable for underfloor heating in general and whether it can be used in conjunction with electric underfloor heating systems or only water-based systems.

Whether LVT is better than laminate depends on your specific design needs and how their advantages align with your priorities. Generally, LVT tends to be a superior choice for bathrooms and kitchens due to its waterproof nature, ease of cleaning, and often antibacterial properties. In contrast, while laminate is water-resistant, it can warp and swell with prolonged exposure to moisture, requiring more careful maintenance.

Here’s a quick summary of the main features of laminate and LVT flooring.

Whether LVT or laminate flooring is the best option for you, will depend on your specific circumstances. When you're ready to decide, take a look at our selection of both laminate flooring and LVT tiles to find the best fit for your next project.