Luxury Vinyl Plank vs. Laminate: what’s the real difference?

If you’re shopping for new floors, chances are you’ve come across two of the most popular options on the market: luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate flooring. Both offer the look of real hardwood at a fraction of the cost, but what sets them apart?

At first glance, they may seem similar. But when it comes to performance, durability, and comfort, there are some important differences that could impact your decision.

In this article, we break down luxury vinyl plank vs laminate to help you choose the best flooring for your lifestyle, space, and budget.

What is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)?

Luxury vinyl plank is a multi-layer synthetic flooring that mimics the appearance of hardwood. It’s made from compressed PVC vinyl with a printed design layer and a clear protective topcoat.

Why homeowners love LVP:

• 100% waterproof.
• Scratch- and stain-resistant.
• Comfortable underfoot.
• Compatible with any room in the home.

It’s ideal for families, pet owners, and anyone who wants a durable floor without sacrificing style.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is also a multi-layer product, but it’s made from high-density fiberboard (HDF) instead of vinyl. It has a photo-realistic image layer (usually wood grain) topped with a tough wear layer.

Key benefits of laminate:

• Scratch-resistant.
• Affordable.
• Easy to install and maintain.
• Great wood-look visuals.

Laminate is a great choice for dry areas like bedrooms, offices, and living rooms.

Waterproofing and moisture resistance

This is where the luxury vinyl plank vs laminate debate gets serious.

• LVP is 100% waterproof. It won’t swell, warp, or bubble if exposed to water. That makes it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and entryways.
• Laminate is water-resistant, not waterproof. While newer laminates have improved protection, standing water can still damage the core over time.

Verdict: if moisture is a concern, LVP is the safer and longer-lasting option.

Durability and lifespan

Both floors are built to last, but there are key differences in how they handle wear and tear.

• LVP: The thicker the wear layer, the better. High-quality LVP resists dents, pet claws, and heavy traffic. Many products come with 15–30 year warranties for residential use.
• Laminate: Very tough against scratches, but vulnerable to moisture damage. Good for light-to-moderate use in dry spaces.

Verdict: LVP offers better all-around durability, especially for homes with kids, pets, or high foot traffic.

Comfort and noise

Comfort underfoot can make a big difference in how a floor feels day-to-day.

• LVP is softer and slightly warmer than laminate, especially with built-in padding or an underlayment. It absorbs impact well and reduces noise.
• Laminate can feel harder and sometimes louder to walk on, especially in open spaces. However, underlayments can improve both comfort and sound insulation.

Verdict: LVP generally feels better and quieter, making it great for active homes.

Style and Realism

Both LVP and laminate come in a wide variety of designs, but technology has changed the game.

• LVP: Advanced printing and textured finishes make LVP incredibly realistic. Wood, stone, slate, and even patterned looks are available.
• Laminate: Also visually convincing, though usually limited to wood visuals. It can look slightly more “printed” compared to high-end LVP.

Verdict: tie. Both can look stunning, but LVP wins in variety and realism.

Installation process

If you’re hiring professionals like MAR Flooring, both options are fast to install. But if you’re considering DIY:

• LVP: click-lock planks make installation easy. Can be installed directly over many existing floors.
• Laminate: also uses a floating floor system and installs quickly. However, it requires a very flat subfloor to avoid movement or squeaks.

Verdict: LVP offers a bit more flexibility for subfloor conditions and is easier for DIY projects.

8. Maintenance and cleaning

This is where LVP shines:

• LVP: daily sweeping and occasional damp mopping is enough. No special cleaners required. It handles spills with zero stress.
• Laminate: needs dry or slightly damp cleaning. Excess moisture can damage it—so avoid steam mops or wet mopping.

Verdict: LVP is lower maintenance and better suited to busy households.

Which is best for you?

Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

Why homeowners in Missouri choose MAR Flooring

At MAR Flooring, we’ve helped hundreds of families and property owners choose between luxury vinyl plank vs laminate based on their lifestyle, budget, and space.

• Honest product recommendations.
• Competitive pricing.
• Fast, clean installation.
• 1-year service warranty.
• Flooring options in stock, ready for your project.

We bring the showroom to you, so you can compare styles in your lighting, your layout, and your space.

Still comparing luxury vinyl plank vs laminate? Let MAR Flooring help you make the right choice without the guesswork.

Get expert guidance tailored to your home.