Laminate Flooring vs LVT Which One Is Right for Your Home
- Oskars Strautnieks
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Choosing the right flooring can change the look and feel of your home. Two popular options are laminate flooring and LVT flooring (Luxury Vinyl Tile). Both offer attractive designs and practical benefits, but they differ in key ways. Understanding these differences helps you pick the best fit for your lifestyle, budget, and space.
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is made from several layers fused together. The core is usually high-density fiberboard (HDF), topped with a photographic layer that mimics wood, stone, or tile. A clear protective layer covers the surface to resist scratches and stains.
Key Features of Laminate
Appearance: Laminate often looks like real wood or stone thanks to high-quality photographic layers.
Durability: It resists scratches and dents well, making it suitable for busy households.
Installation: Most laminate floors use a click-lock system, allowing easy DIY installation or quick work by a floor fitter.
Cost: Laminate tends to be more affordable than many other flooring types.
Maintenance: It cleans easily with regular sweeping and damp mopping but should avoid excess water.
Laminate works well in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways where foot traffic is moderate and moisture is low.
What Is LVT Flooring?
LVT flooring is a type of vinyl designed to look like natural materials. It consists of multiple layers, including a vinyl core, a printed design layer, and a wear layer for protection. LVT is flexible and waterproof, making it a versatile choice.
Key Features of LVT
Water Resistance: LVT is highly water-resistant, suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Realistic Designs: Advances in printing technology create very realistic wood, stone, or tile looks.
Comfort: LVT feels softer and warmer underfoot compared to laminate.
Installation: Like laminate, LVT often features click-lock installation but can also be glued down.
Durability: It handles moisture and heavy foot traffic well but can dent under very heavy furniture.
LVT flooring is ideal for areas prone to moisture or where comfort is a priority.
Comparing Durability and Maintenance
Both laminate and LVT flooring offer strong durability, but their strengths differ:
Laminate resists scratches and wear well but can swell or warp if exposed to water.
LVT handles water and spills without damage, making it better for wet areas.
Maintenance for both is simple, but LVT’s waterproof nature means you can mop more freely.
If you have pets or children, LVT’s water resistance and softness might be more forgiving.
Installation and Cost Considerations
A professional floor fitter can install both laminate and LVT flooring. Laminate flooring tends to be cheaper, with most options costing £10-£30 per square meter for the material, while LVT ranges from £15-£60 per square meter, depending on quality and style.
When it comes to installation, the cost varies, depending on the room layout, amount of door ways ect.
It is always best for a floor fitter to measure out the flooring in order to provide an accurate quote.
Appearance and Style Options
Both flooring types come in a wide range of styles:
Laminate often mimics hardwood with detailed grain patterns.
LVT can replicate wood, stone, ceramic tile, and even concrete textures.
LVT’s flexibility allows for more varied shapes and sizes, like planks or tiles, which can create unique patterns.
Which Flooring Is Best for Your Home?
Consider these factors when choosing between laminate and LVT flooring:
Room type: Use LVT in kitchens, bathrooms, or basements. Laminate fits well in dry, low-moisture areas.
Budget: Laminate is usually less expensive upfront.
Comfort: LVT feels softer and warmer underfoot.
Durability needs: For heavy moisture or spills, LVT is safer.
Installation: Both can be installed by a floor fitter or DIY, but LVT may require glue in some cases.
Final Thoughts
Both laminate and LVT flooring offer great looks and practical benefits. Laminate is a budget-friendly choice with strong scratch resistance, perfect for living spaces. LVT flooring provides excellent water resistance and comfort, ideal for moisture-prone rooms.
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