We fit both LVT and laminate every week, so we have no horse in this race — the honest answer is that each one wins in different rooms. Here's how we'd choose.
Water: the deciding factor
LVT (luxury vinyl tile) is waterproof through its full thickness. Spills, wet shoes, dog bowls and bathroom splashes simply don't bother it. Standard laminate is a compressed wood-fibre board with a decorative layer — and wood fibre swells when water gets into the joints. Water-resistant laminates have improved, but if the room regularly sees water (kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, busy hallways), LVT is the safer specification.
Feel and sound underfoot
LVT is slightly softer and warmer underfoot, and quieter — there's no hollow click as you walk. Laminate fitted on a good underlay closes the gap, but LVT still feels more forgiving, which matters in flats and upstairs rooms.
Durability and repairs
Both wear well when correctly fitted. The difference shows when something goes wrong: a damaged LVT plank can often be replaced individually, while laminate repairs usually mean working back from the nearest wall. For rentals and busy family homes, that repairability is worth having.
Cost — day one and whole-life
Laminate is usually cheaper to buy and quicker to fit, so it wins on day-one budget. LVT costs more up front but tends to live longer in hard-working rooms and survives accidents that would finish a laminate floor. Over ten years the gap narrows considerably.
Our rule of thumb
Living rooms and bedrooms on a budget: laminate is a strong, sensible choice. Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, rentals and anywhere with water or heavy traffic: specify LVT. Not sure? We'll bring samples of both to your free measure and price the two options side by side.
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