LVP vs Laminate Flooring: What's the Difference?
LVP and laminate look similar, cost about the same, and install the same way. So what's the actual difference — and which one should you choose?
For a complete overview of LVP flooring, see our LVP Flooring Installation Guide.
The Key Difference: Water
Here's the one thing that matters most:
- LVP is 100% waterproof. The entire plank — core, surface, backing — is impervious to water.
- Laminate is NOT waterproof. The core is made of compressed wood fiber (HDF). When water reaches the core through seams or edges, it swells and never recovers.
This single difference determines where each product belongs in your home.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | LVP | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes — 100% | No — swells at seams |
| Material cost | $1.00 – $7.00/sqft | $1.00 – $5.00/sqft |
| Installed cost | $4 – $10/sqft | $4 – $8/sqft |
| Feel underfoot | Softer, warmer | Harder, hollow sound |
| Scratch resistance | High (wear layer) | Moderate (chips at edges) |
| Dent resistance | Moderate (SPC better) | High (HDF core is rigid) |
| Sound | Quieter | Louder (hollow click) |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years | 15-25 years |
| Repair | Individual planks replaceable | Difficult — must disassemble from wall |
| Installation | Click-lock floating | Click-lock floating |
Where to Use Each
Use LVP In:
- Kitchens — spills, splashes, dishwasher leaks
- Bathrooms — humidity, splashes, toilet overflows
- Basements — concrete moisture, potential flooding
- Entryways/mudrooms — wet boots, rain, snow
- Laundry rooms — washing machine leaks
- Any room with pets — accidents happen
Use Laminate In:
- Bedrooms — dry, low-traffic, cost savings matter
- Home offices — dry environment, chair mats protect high-wear areas
- Upstairs hallways — no water risk, lower cost per sqft
Never Use Laminate In:
- Kitchens (one leak = total replacement)
- Bathrooms (humidity alone can swell edges over time)
- Basements (concrete moisture wicks up)
- Below-grade rooms of any kind
Cost Comparison for a Typical Project
For a 500 sqft main floor (kitchen + living room):
| LVP (20mil) | Laminate (12mm) | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | $1,500 | $1,000 |
| Installation | $2,000 | $1,750 |
| Total | $3,500 | $2,750 |
| Savings with laminate | $750 |
You save about $750 choosing laminate on a 500 sqft project. But if your dishwasher leaks in year 3, you're replacing the entire kitchen floor — another $2,000-$3,000. The "savings" disappear fast.
Durability Over Time
LVP After 5 Years
- Surface looks the same (wear layer protects it)
- No swelling at seams
- Handles spills and pet accidents without issue
- Individual damaged planks can be swapped
Laminate After 5 Years
- Edges may show chipping in high-traffic areas
- Seams may have slight swelling from humidity
- Any water exposure leaves permanent damage
- Repair requires disassembling from the nearest wall
Sound and Feel
This is where personal preference matters:
LVP feels softer and warmer underfoot, especially with attached underlayment. It's quieter — no hollow "click" sound when you walk. It feels more like real wood.
Laminate feels harder and more rigid. It has a distinctive hollow sound when walked on (the "laminate click"). Some people don't mind this; others find it cheap-sounding. A quality underlayment helps but doesn't eliminate it.
Our Recommendation
For homes in the Pacific Northwest — where rain, moisture, and pets are daily realities — LVP is the better choice for 90% of rooms. The $1-2/sqft premium over laminate buys you waterproofing, better scratch resistance, and easier repairs.
The only scenario where laminate makes sense: dry upstairs bedrooms where you want to save money and water exposure is essentially zero.
We Install Both
We install LVP and laminate flooring throughout King, Snohomish, and Skagit County. If you're not sure which is right for your home, get a free estimate or call Fain at (855) 797-4321. He'll look at your space and give you an honest recommendation.