LVP vs. Laminate Flooring: Which Should You Buy?
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Get free quotesTwo great value floors — the difference is water
LVP and laminate are the two most popular budget-to-mid floors, and both are click-together "floating" floors that install fast and look like wood. The single biggest difference is how they handle water. LVP is made of PVC (plastic), so it's fully waterproof. Laminate has a wood-fiber (HDF) core, so even "water-resistant" laminate can swell and ruin if water sits on it. That one fact decides most of this comparison.
LVP vs. laminate
| Factor | Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (installed) | $4 – $12/sq ft | $3 – $8/sq ft |
| Water resistance | 100% waterproof | Water-resistant only (can swell) |
| Best rooms | Anywhere — kitchens, baths, basements | Bedrooms, living rooms (dry areas) |
| Feel underfoot | Softer, warmer, quieter | Harder, can sound hollow |
| Wood realism | Very good, improving | Often the most realistic texture |
| Durability | Resilient; won't chip — but a soft surface can dent under heavy furniture | Hard, very scratch-resistant; can chip or crack at edges |
| Lifespan | 15–25 years | 15–25 years |
Prices match our flooring cost guide. Both are DIY-friendly floating floors, though pros ensure proper subfloor prep.
When LVP wins
Choose LVP for any room that might get wet — kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements — and for homes with pets or young kids, where spills and accidents are a fact of life. It's softer and warmer underfoot and quieter than laminate. For most homeowners today, LVP is the default recommendation, which is why it's become the best-selling floor in the country. See best flooring for pets and for kitchens & bathrooms.
When laminate still makes sense
Laminate earns its place when budget is the priority and the room stays dry. It's typically a bit cheaper than LVP, extremely scratch-resistant (great for high-traffic living rooms and hallways), and its printed-and-embossed surface can look and feel remarkably like real wood. Just keep it out of bathrooms and away from standing water. See what flooring costs to compare.
Pro tip from our network contractors
Whichever you pick, the underlayment and subfloor prep matter. A level subfloor prevents the hollow, clicky sound and premature joint failure people blame on the floor itself. And for LVP, a thicker wear layer (12+ mil) is what separates a floor that lasts from one that scuffs — check the spec, not just the price.
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Get free quotesFrequently asked questions
Is LVP or laminate better?
LVP is better for moisture-prone rooms (kitchens, baths, basements) and homes with pets or kids because it's 100% waterproof and softer underfoot. Laminate is cheaper and often has a more realistic wood texture, making it a good value in dry rooms. LVP is the more versatile default.
Is LVP or laminate more expensive?
Laminate is usually a bit cheaper at $3–$8 per square foot installed, versus $4–$12 for LVP. The gap has narrowed, and LVP's waterproofing often makes the small premium worth it.
Is laminate flooring waterproof?
No — laminate is water-resistant at best. Its wood-fiber core can swell and delaminate if water sits on it, so it's not recommended for bathrooms or areas prone to standing water. LVP is the waterproof option.
Which is better for pets, LVP or laminate?
LVP, generally. Both resist scratches well, but LVP's waterproofing handles pet accidents without damage, and its slightly softer, warmer surface is more comfortable. Laminate can be damaged by standing liquid from accidents.
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