LVT vs laminate flooring - What’s the difference?

Renovating your home or upgrading tired floors? Chances are you’ve come acrossLVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and laminate flooring. Both promise the look of real wood or stone without the high price tag or maintenance - but how do they actually compare?Here’s the quick difference:

• LVT flooring is waterproof, quiet and comfortable underfoot - ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Laminate flooring is strong and affordable - perfect for living rooms and hallways.

Let’s take a closer look at how they compare.

What's the difference between laminate and LVT?

What’s LVT?

Available in tiles and planks, LVT offers the natural look of hardwood or stone with the bonus of being completely waterproof.“I've laid countless floors with LVT and looks as good as the day I put it in... super easy to cut too with a sharp knife, score once, and snap”- Reddit user Usually, LVT is made up of four layers;

• Aluminium oxide in the top layer prevents scuffs and scratches
• Underneath this sits a clear film protective layer
• The third layer is where the flooring's design sits (usually a photo-realistic print of wood or stone)
• The fourth layer makes up 90% of LVT's thickness (typically 4mm-6.5mm) and forms the backing

What’s laminate?

Laminate flooring consists of multiple layers of compressed HDF (High-Density Fibreboard) topped with a decorative photographic layer and a tough protective coating.It’s a great option for busy homes, resistant to dents, easy to install and available in a wide range of finishes.“If you have heavy furniture with small feet then choose laminate”- Reddit user

LVT vs laminate flooring pros and cons

LVT flooring pros

• 100% waterproof
• Softer, quieter and warmer underfoot
• Great for underfloor heating
• Extremely durable

Cons:

• Slightly higher upfront cost
• Can be harder to remove if glued down

Laminate flooring pros

• Affordable and quick to install
• Hardwearing for everyday use
• Wide choice of styles and finishes

Cons:

• Not fully waterproof
• Louder underfoot without good underlay
• Can swell or warp if exposed to moisture

LVT vs laminate cost

While costs can vary, here’s a general guide:

While laminate is generally more affordable upfront, LVT offers greater long-term value due to its waterproof design, durability and longer lifespan. Our LVT flooring prices  start at around £15, rising to about £37. While our laminate flooring costs start at around £8 per square meter.

Durability

Both laminate and LVT are built to handle daily wear and tear, but LVT usually comes out on top for resilience. LVT is made from flexible yet tough vinyl layers that resist dents, scratches and moisture damage. Laminate, while highly durable, can chip or swell if exposed to standing water for too long. If you’re flooring a hallway, kitchen or bathroom, LVT’s waterproof core gives it the advantage. For bedrooms and living rooms, laminate still performs exceptionally well.

Comfort

LVT tends to feel softer and warmer underfoot, thanks to its layered structure and ability to absorb sound and impact. It can even mimic the texture of wood or stone for a realistic look and feel. Laminate is firmer and can feel cooler, but pairing it with a good-quality underlay can make a big difference in comfort and insulation.

Sound

LVT flooring is known for being quiet underfoot:  “LVT is one of the best for cushioning sound, especially when paired with the right underlay - Prolay Acoustic underlay is made from H-EVA foam, offering excellent thermal properties and sound reduction by up to 15dB.” - Graeme Shelley, Managing Director, Factory Direct Flooring Laminate, by contrast, can be a bit noisier: “Laminate can be noisier by comparison. Use insulated foam sheets as underlay and invest in thicker laminate planks if you can.”

Cleaning and maintenance

Keeping either floor type clean is easy, but how you do it matters.

• Clean an LVT floor by sweeping or vacuuming regularly, then mop with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner.
• When you clean a laminate floor make sure to avoid using excessive moisture.

“If you have laminate flooring, avoid using a steam mop. This is because laminate has an inner core which is made up of high-density fibreboard. While the odd spill - so long as it’s dealt with quickly - is okay, excessive moisture could attack the inner core and damage your laminate. The humidity from a steamer could eventually cause it to warp, loosen or peel. Our experiment found that laminate was one of the toughest floor types to clean effectively, but surprisingly, vacuuming was the best for reducing bacteria found there.” - Graeme

Design

Both LVT and laminate come in a wide range of wood, stone and tile effects, making it easy to find a style that suits your home. LVT often has a more realistic texture, with embossed surfaces that mimic the grain of natural materials. Laminate can achieve a similar effect but tends to have a slightly shinier, more uniform finish. If you’re after a truly natural look, LVT’s 3D printing technology gives it the edge.

Heat resistance

Both options handle everyday temperature changes well, but LVT is more flexible and expands and contracts naturally with heat, making it ideal for homes with underfloor heating. Laminate can tolerate some warmth but may warp if exposed to extreme or fluctuating temperatures over time.

Installation

Laminate is generally the easiest and cheapest type of flooring to install. Its click-and-lock system means the planks simply slot together, making it a popular choice for DIY projects. Click-fit LVT installs in a similar way. Glue-down LVT is more complex, as it needs adhesive and a perfectly level subfloor, so it’s usually best handled by a professional. Pro tip: "It’s important to stagger your laminate planks, because it not only looks better, but also ensures the floor remains strong and stable. Hold each new plank at a 45-degree angle to interlock the joints, and use a rubber hammer or tapping block for a tight fit. Remember to regularly check for gaps and adjust the boards as you go."

Learn more about how to lay LVT flooring .

Water resistance

LVT is 100% waterproof , making it an easy choice for bathrooms, kitchens and utility rooms. Laminate, on the other hand, is water-resistant, but puddles of water left on the surface can cause damage. Graeme has more:  “Laminate flooring might be tough, but it's not waterproof. When you clean, keep water to a minimum. Too much can seep into the cracks and the laminate itself, leading to warping, stains or fading. Even though laminate handles moisture better than solid wood, it's still wise to go easy on water.”

Underlay

Underlay improves comfort, sound insulation and heat efficiency for both floor types.

• LVT: Use a thin, dense underlay (such as Prolay Acoustic) for stability and sound reduction.
• Laminate: Requires foam or fibre underlay to smooth uneven surfaces and add insulation.

Underfloor heating

If you have underfloor heating, LVT is the better choice because it expands and contracts with temperature changes. "If you have underfloor heating, choosing a floor that deals well with changes in temperature is your best option. LVT is perfect for this because its flexibility allows it to expand and contract” - Graeme

Room suitability

Stain resistance

Both floor types resist everyday spills, but LVT has the edge due to its non-porous surface. Stains can be wiped away easily without leaving marks. Laminate is stain-resistant too, but prolonged exposure to liquids or strong dyes can cause discolouration, especially around seams.

Surface finish

LVT offers a matte, low-gloss finish that hides scuffs and dirt well. Laminate often has a glossier look, which can show scratches more easily. If you prefer a natural, subtle aesthetic, LVT might suit you best.

Sustainability

Both LVT and laminate are increasingly eco-conscious. Many LVT products now use recycled PVC and low-VOC adhesives. While laminate flooring is often made from recycled wood fibres. If sustainability is a top priority, you could also consider bamboo flooring, which grows rapidly and is naturally renewable.

Warranty

Warranties vary by product type but as a rough guide:

• LVT can last 20–25 years (some have lifetime warranties!)
• Laminate: 10–20 years, depending on thickness and care

For peace of mind, always check product warranties and wear layer thickness before buying. Usually, the thicker the wear layer the longer the floor will last!  The way you look after your floor also makes a big difference.

Ask an expert! FAQs about laminate vs LVT

Still have questions? Our experts share their answers on the difference between LVT and laminate…

Is LVT the same as laminate?

How to tell the difference between laminate and LVT?

Is LVT better than laminate?

Is LVT warmer than laminate

Is LVT cheaper than laminate?

What lasts longer, LVP or laminate?

Is LVT more hard wearing than laminate?

Does LVP scratch easier than laminate?

Is LVT harder to install than laminate?

Can you lay LVT over laminate

Should I choose LVT or laminate for the living room?

Should I choose LVT or laminate for the kitchen?

How to choose the right flooring

When it comes down to it, both LVT and laminate flooring are excellent, affordable choices. It all depends on where and how you’ll use them.

• Choose LVT if you want waterproof, durable and low-maintenance flooring that’s ideal for kitchens, bathrooms or high-traffic spaces.
• Go for a good quality laminate floor if you want a cost-effective, wood-like finish for living rooms, bedrooms or areas with less moisture.

Whichever you choose, you’ll find high-quality options at Factory Direct Flooring, with expert advice, free samples and simple online ordering to make the process easy from start to finish. Still unsure? Try free samples of both LVT and laminate flooring to see which feels right in your home.

Sources and references

1. Reddit 
2. Checkatrade
3. Checkertrade, 2025
4. LVT vs engineered wood flooring
5. LVT vs LVP flooring