LVT vs laminate flooring – what’s best? LVT vs laminate

Among the plethora of flooring choices available, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and laminate emerge as prominent contenders. Each option carries its unique advantages and drawbacks. The pivotal question remains: which one aligns perfectly with your specific project requirements?

What is luxury vinyl tile (LVT)?

Luxury vinyl tile or LVT planks are traditionally made of a plastic core, which makes them flexible and soft. They come in a range of colours and designs, including mimicking wood and stone. Recent advances in LVT technology have resulted in SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) vinyl, which features a more rigid core and offers increased durability and design possibilities.

What is laminate flooring?

The original low-cost alternative to wood, laminate planks are made up of several layers of pressed wood pulp and topped with a durable plastic layer. Laminate flooring is available in a variety of colours and designs and typically features a ‘click’ style fitting technique, making it easy to install.

The difference between LVT and laminate

To look at them on a floor, you might struggle to see the difference between LVT and laminate, but there are quite a few things to be aware of before you make a decision on your flooring project:

Laminate is made from wood pulp and resin with a plastic top layer, whereas LVT is made from plastic or a stone plastic composite.
Laminate is a floating floor, which means it should never be glued or nailed down. LVT can both be glued and float.
Laminate is typically between 6mm and 12mm thick, whereas LVT ranges from 1.5mm to 5mm for luxury vinyl planks.
Manufacturer warranties tend to be longer on LVT compared to laminate, due to higher levels of durability.
Cost-wise, basic LVT is similar to laminate, but choose luxury vinyl tile and you’ll be paying considerably more.
While the differences may not seem significant, there are lots of pros and cons due to the variations in the makeup of LVT and laminate flooring.