LVP vs. Laminate Flooring
What We Tell Homeowners: Off the Clock
If you’ve started shopping for new floors, you’ve probably noticed two options popping up everywhere: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Laminate. On paper, they can sound almost identical. In real life? They’re not.
We install both. We live with floors. We see how they age, where they fail, and what homeowners end up loving — or regretting — a few years in. This guide is meant to be simple, honest, and actually helpful.
No buzzwords. No hype. Just the differences that matter.
The Short Answer
LVP is usually the better choice if:
You have kids, pets, or a busy household
Water, spills, or wet shoes are part of daily life
You want durability with very little maintenance
Laminate is usually the better choice if:
You want the most realistic wood look for the price
Your home stays fairly dry and climate-controlled
You like a firmer, hardwood-style feel underfoot
What They’re Actually Made Of
This is where most of the differences start.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Fully synthetic materials
Water-resistant core
Flexible but tough construction
Why that matters: Water doesn’t bother it. It won’t swell or warp when life happens.
Laminate Flooring
Compressed wood core
Printed wood image with a protective top layer
Rigid structure
Why that matters: It looks great, but moisture is its weak point.
Water: The Deciding Factor for Most Homes
This is usually the deal-breaker.
LVP:
Highly water-resistant
Fine for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms
Spills and pet accidents aren’t a big deal
Laminate:
Handles small spills if cleaned quickly
Standing water can cause swelling or permanent damage
Our honest take: If water is anywhere near your floors, LVP is the safer bet.
Durability in the Real World
LVP:
Handles heavy foot traffic well
More forgiving if something drops
Good choice for active homes
Laminate:
Very scratch-resistant surface
Can chip or crack if hit hard
Damaged boards usually need replacement
In plain terms: laminate resists scratches better, but LVP handles abuse better.
How They Feel Underfoot
This is something people don’t think about until after installation.
Laminate feels firm and solid, closer to hardwood
LVP has a bit more give and tends to be quieter
If you spend a lot of time standing — cooking, working at a counter — LVP is usually easier on the body.
Looks: Which One Wins?
Laminate still has a slight edge when it comes to:
Wood grain detail
Texture and depth
A more natural, matte finish
That said, modern LVP has improved a lot and looks great in many homes. If realism is your top priority, laminate often wins. If performance matters more, LVP usually does.
Installation & Subfloor Reality
Both LVP and laminate are typically installed as floating floors, but they don’t behave the same way.
LVP:
More forgiving over uneven subfloors
Better for older homes
Laminate:
Needs a flatter subfloor
Less forgiving of imperfections
Subfloor prep makes a bigger difference than most people realize.
Cost (General Ranges)
Prices vary by brand and quality, but here’s a rough idea:
Laminate: $2–$4 per square foot (material)
LVP: $3–$6+ per square foot (material)
Installation costs depend on layout, prep work, and existing conditions.
So… Which One Is Right for You?
Choose LVP if you want:
Peace of mind
Water resistance
A floor that can take some punishment
Choose Laminate if you want:
The best wood look for the money
A firmer feel underfoot
Floors in dry, controlled spaces
Our Final Thoughts
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The best floor is the one that fits how you actually live — not just how a showroom looks.
If you’re stuck between options or want an honest opinion for your space, we’re always happy to talk it through.
Built to last. Installed with craftsmanship.
Considering LVP or laminate for your next flooring project? Give us a call at (541) 420-2428 to talk it through and get started with a free estimate—no rush, no pressure, just straightforward guidance when you’re ready.
