These are the two floors we install, and the two we are asked to compare most often. Both can look excellent. They differ in what they are made of and in how they handle water.
What they are
Luxury vinyl plank is a printed design layer under a clear wear layer, on a flexible vinyl or rigid composite core.
Laminate is a printed design layer under a hard wear layer, on a dense fiberboard core.
Side by side
| Luxury vinyl plank | Laminate | |
|---|---|---|
| Water at the surface | Very tolerant | Wipe up promptly; seams can swell |
| Scratch resistance | Good | Very good |
| Feel underfoot | Slightly softer and warmer | Firmer |
| Sound | Generally quieter | Can sound hollow without good underlayment |
| Wet rooms | Suitable | Not recommended |
| Repair | Replace damaged planks | Replace damaged planks |
How to choose
Choose luxury vinyl plank for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, rentals, homes with large dogs, and anywhere water is a regular risk.
Choose laminate for bedrooms, living areas, dens and offices where scratch resistance and value matter most and water is not a daily concern.
Plenty of homes use both, with transitions planned so the change reads as deliberate.
Cost drivers
The product itself is only part of the price. Removal of the existing floor, slab preparation, stairs and trim often make a bigger difference than the choice between these two materials. See what affects installation cost.