When it comes to choosing the perfect flooring for your home, both luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate flooring are popular options. Both offer the appearance of natural wood, durability, and an affordable price tag, but they have distinct features that might make one a better fit for your needs. At FloorMe! in Nashua, NH, we often hear questions about the differences between these two flooring materials, so we’ve broken down the key aspects to help you make an informed decision.

Durability and Lifespan

One of the first things homeowners consider is how long their flooring will last. Luxury vinyl flooring, known for its durability, is made from synthetic materials and can stand up to high-traffic areas, moisture, and even the occasional spill. With proper care, LVP can last up to 25 years, making it a long-lasting investment for any room in your home.

Laminate flooring, on the other hand, is also designed to be durable but may not offer the same level of water resistance as LVP. While laminate can handle light moisture, it is not as forgiving in areas prone to water exposure, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or basements. Laminate flooring can last around 20 years with proper maintenance, though water damage is a risk in high-moisture environments.

Water Resistance and Moisture

A major selling point of luxury vinyl plank is its water resistance. Thanks to the flooring’s multiple layers—including the protective wear layer and a waterproof core—it’s highly resistant to spills and moisture, making it a great option for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. You can even clean LVP with a wet mop without worrying about water damage. In fact, water resistance is one of the reasons many homeowners prefer LVP over laminate flooring when considering areas prone to spills.

Laminate flooring, while durable in many ways, is more susceptible to water damage. Although some higher-quality laminate options are marketed as “water-resistant,” they don’t offer the same level of protection as vinyl. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause laminate planks to swell, warp, or even crack. If you’re considering laminate for high-moisture areas, it’s important to ensure that you stay on top of any spills and avoid cleaning with excessive water. A damp cloth is usually the safest bet.

Appearance and Design Layer

Both luxury vinyl and laminate flooring offer a wide variety of design options, from classic wood-look styles to trendy stone or tile appearances. The design layer of each material plays a critical role in its appearance.

In luxury vinyl flooring, the design layer is printed with high-definition images that mimic natural wood, stone, or tile. This gives LVP the ability to replicate the texture and warmth of wood tile or natural stone with impressive accuracy. Luxury vinyl also tends to have a slightly softer and more comfortable feel underfoot compared to laminate, thanks to its cushioned backing.

Laminate flooring also features a design layer, but it’s typically made from a photographic layer beneath a clear protective coating. While laminate can offer a realistic look of natural wood, its texture can sometimes feel less authentic when compared to the tactile surface of luxury vinyl flooring. However, advancements in laminate technology have made it more difficult to distinguish between high-end laminate and natural wood.

Installation Process

Both LVP and laminate are known for being easy to install, making them ideal for DIY enthusiasts. These floating floors typically use a click-and-lock system, which allows the planks to snap together without the need for adhesives or nails.

Luxury vinyl plank is particularly known for its versatility. It can be installed over most existing subfloors, including tile, wood, or even sheet vinyl. This makes it a great choice for quick remodels or when you want to avoid the mess and cost of ripping up old flooring. Because LVP is a flexible material, it’s less prone to cracking or breaking during installation, even on uneven surfaces.

Laminate flooring also offers straightforward installation but may require a bit more attention to detail, especially when it comes to prepping the subfloor. While it can be installed over existing flooring, laminate requires a more stable, flat surface to prevent any shifting or damage over time. Laminate is a rigid material, so uneven subfloors may cause issues down the line.

Comfort and Noise

One of the benefits of luxury vinyl flooring is its softness and quietness. Because LVP is constructed with multiple layers, including a cushioned underlayer, it tends to be quieter underfoot and offers a bit more give than laminate. This makes it a great option for households with children or pets, as it can help minimize noise when people walk across it.

Laminate flooring, being a harder and more rigid material, can produce more noise, especially in high-traffic areas. However, adding an underlayment beneath laminate can help reduce noise and improve comfort. This underlayment also helps provide some thermal insulation, though it won’t have the same softness as luxury vinyl.

Cost and Budget Considerations

Both luxury vinyl plank and laminate flooring are cost-effective options when compared to natural wood or stone. Pricing for each option can vary depending on the quality, brand, and specific design. On average, LVP tends to be slightly more expensive than laminate, but the difference in price can often be justified by LVP’s superior water resistance and durability.

At FloorMe! in Nashua, NH, our luxury vinyl flooring options range from $2 to $7 per square foot, depending on the design and quality. Laminate flooring generally falls between $1 and $5 per square foot. If you’re on a tighter budget but want a durable and attractive floor, laminate is a solid choice, though luxury vinyl’s water resistance might make it the better long-term investment, especially in moisture-prone areas.

Maintenance and Care

When it comes to maintenance, both LVP and laminate are relatively easy to care for, but luxury vinyl takes the edge with its water resistance. You can use a wet mop on luxury vinyl flooring without worrying about water damage, making it simple to clean up spills or keep floors shining.

Laminate requires a bit more care. Water exposure should be limited to avoid damage, so it’s best to stick to dry mopping or using a slightly damp cloth when cleaning. Laminate is also more susceptible to scratches than LVP, so using felt pads under furniture and area rugs in high-traffic areas can help extend its life.

Which Flooring is Right for You?

Choosing between luxury vinyl plank and laminate flooring depends largely on your specific needs, preferences, and where you plan to install the flooring. If you’re looking for water resistance, easy maintenance, and long-lasting durability, luxury vinyl flooring may be the best choice, especially for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Its ability to mimic natural wood and stone while withstanding spills makes it a versatile option for many homeowners.

However, if you’re working with a tighter budget and prefer a material that can replicate the look of wood at a lower cost, laminate flooring is a great alternative. It’s ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, and other areas where water resistance is not a priority.

At FloorMe! in Nashua, NH, we offer a wide range of both luxury vinyl and laminate flooring options. Whether you’re looking for the water resistance of vinyl or the classic look of laminate, we can help you find the perfect flooring for your home.