Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) vs. Laminate: What’s the Best Choice for Your Home?

Flooring decisions can shape the entire look, feel, and longevity of your home. For many homeowners, two popular contenders often rise to the top when exploring affordable and stylish options: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Laminate Flooring.

Though Carolina Pro Flooring specializes in hardwood installation and refinishing, we often help homeowners understand all available flooring types so they can make confident, informed decisions. Whether you’re planning a remodel or choosing materials for a new build, understanding how LVP and laminate differ in appearance, durability, cost, and maintenance can help you select what best fits your lifestyle and budget.

Understanding the Basics

Both LVP and laminate flooring are designed to mimic the beauty of natural wood at a fraction of the cost. They share similarities in appearance but differ in how they’re made and how they perform under everyday conditions.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a synthetic flooring made primarily from PVC vinyl, giving it flexibility, water resistance, and resilience. It features a photographic image layer that replicates real wood patterns and textures. Many homeowners appreciate its ability to handle moisture, making it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

Laminate flooring, on the other hand, consists of a dense fiberboard core layered with photographic paper and a protective top coating. It provides a realistic wood look but is less water-resistant, relying more on proper installation and controlled humidity for long-term performance.

Appearance and Texture

Visually, both options have come a long way. Modern printing and embossing technologies have made it difficult to distinguish high-quality LVP or laminate from genuine hardwood at first glance.

LVP tends to have a smoother texture and softer feel underfoot due to its vinyl composition. It often replicates the look of polished wood or stone. Laminate, with its harder core, produces a more rigid and “clicky” sound when walked on but can feature deeper embossing that imitates real wood grain.

If your goal is to achieve a more authentic wood appearance, laminate usually offers a slightly more convincing texture, while LVP wins in terms of warmth and comfort.

Durability and Water Resistance

This is where the two materials differ most. LVP is fully waterproof, making it ideal for high-moisture environments. Spills, pet accidents, or even minor flooding are less likely to cause damage. It’s a go-to option for families looking for low-maintenance flooring that can handle daily messes.

Laminate flooring, though durable, is only water-resistant, not waterproof. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause swelling or warping. However, laminate remains a strong contender for dry areas such as living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. It holds up well to heavy foot traffic and resists scratches better than many vinyl alternatives.

For homes with pets or children, LVP might offer peace of mind, but laminate provides an excellent balance of toughness and visual appeal if moisture isn’t a major concern.

Comfort and Noise

LVP’s flexible vinyl layers make it slightly softer and quieter to walk on. It’s often installed with a cushioned underlayment, providing sound absorption and a bit of warmth — especially appreciated during colder months.

Laminate is firmer and can amplify sound, particularly in open spaces. Proper underlayment can reduce noise, but it won’t feel as forgiving underfoot as LVP. In multi-level homes or apartments, this might influence your choice.

Installation and Maintenance

Both flooring types are known for relatively quick installation thanks to modern click-lock systems. LVP’s flexibility allows for installation over imperfect subfloors, while laminate requires a more level surface to avoid joint separation or noise over time.

Maintenance is simple for both: regular sweeping and light mopping are enough to keep them clean. However, cleaning methods differ slightly — LVP tolerates damp mops, while laminate should only be cleaned with a lightly moistened cloth to avoid water seepage.

Professionally installed flooring — of any kind — tends to last longer. While LVP and laminate are often marketed for DIY projects, uneven subfloors or incorrect sealing can shorten their lifespan. Carolina Pro Flooring always recommends consulting a professional to ensure proper installation, especially when integrating different flooring types across connected spaces.

Cost Comparison

Budget is often a deciding factor, and both materials are cost-effective compared to solid hardwood or engineered wood.

LVP generally costs $2 to $5 per square foot for materials, with installation averaging $3 to $5 per square foot.
Laminate is slightly cheaper, often $1.50 to $4 per square foot for materials and $2 to $4 per square foot for installation.

While initial costs are low, remember that both materials have a shorter lifespan than hardwood. With proper care, laminate and LVP can last 10 to 20 years, whereas real hardwood can be refinished multiple times to last decades.

Environmental Impact

Eco-conscious homeowners often ask which flooring option is more sustainable. While some LVP manufacturers are improving recyclability, vinyl remains a petroleum-based product that’s challenging to recycle.

Laminate flooring, made with a wood fiber core, may have a smaller environmental footprint — but only if it’s certified low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). For the most eco-friendly results, many homeowners still choose hardwood refinishing or engineered wood, which can be sanded and restored without full replacement.

When to Consider Hardwood Instead

For homeowners who prioritize longevity, character, and resale value, hardwood remains the clear winner. While laminate and LVP provide quick, attractive solutions, hardwood offers durability that pays off over time. It can be refinished several times, adjusted to evolving design trends, and provides a natural warmth that synthetic materials can’t fully match.

At Carolina Pro Flooring, we specialize in helping homeowners revitalize their hardwood surfaces through professional refinishing, buffing, and coating. If you’re considering replacing older laminate or vinyl with real wood, our team can guide you through options that balance cost, maintenance, and beauty.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between LVP and laminate depends on lifestyle, moisture conditions, and budget. Both have their strengths — LVP is waterproof and flexible, while laminate is stylish and scratch-resistant. However, for homeowners who want a long-term flooring investment that adds beauty and value, refinished or newly installed hardwood floors remain the benchmark of quality.

When you’re ready to upgrade, refinish, or simply want honest advice about your flooring options, Carolina Pro Flooring is here to help. Our experts will walk you through the choices, explain the pros and cons, and ensure your floors reflect the comfort and craftsmanship your home deserves.

+1 (704) 804-9093

info@carolinaproflooring.com

11014 Monroe Rd suite b, Matthews, NC 28105, USA