LVP vs Laminate: A Quick Comparison

Are the distinctions between LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) vs laminate flooring becoming increasingly unclear? At Rejuvenation Floor & Design, we frequently advise clients who are unsure of which type of flooring is ideal for their situation. Because of this, we've created an in-depth explanation of the distinctions between Laminate and LVP flooring, and elaborated on the essential characteristics. For the sake of this article, we are only comparing LVP’s to the new generation of flood-rated Laminate flooring made by Audacity, Calypso, Nautilus, and Evoke Surge.

Pricing 

In the beginning of 2020 residential Laminate and LVP flooring were comparable in material and installation cost, with most laminates being slightly less than LVP. As we entered 2021 LVP’s began rising dramatically in cost, due in large part to popularity, as well as associated shipping costs, with most LVP’s traveling from Asia. However, Laminates only experienced a slight increase in pricing, in part because they are composed of recycled wood fibers.

In addition, many laminates are now produced in North America, saving on freight & tariff fees. These days, high quality laminate flooring retails for $5-6 sq/ft, whereas a high quality LVP can eclipse $9 sq/ft. Furthermore, the installation costs associated with LVP are typically greater than Laminate because additional sub-floor prep can be needed to make the thinner LVP’s lay flat, whereas the Laminates are thicker and require less sub-floor prep. 

Thickness

The average range of LVP thickness is 4.2mm - 7.5mm, with thicker options entering the marketplace in 2022. Laminate thickness ranges from 8mm – 12mm, with the most common options being 10mm or 12mm. Expect to see 14mm options coming available in early 2023. When explaining the differences in thickness we often get asked ‘Does thickness really matter?’. The answer to this question is a resounding ‘Yes’. Thickness matters because of its direct correlation with the construction of the locking mechanism...the thinner the floor, the thinner the lock & key system that holds your floor together.



Moisture Control

So which option holds up better to flooding?

LVP flooring is 100% waterproof and can withstand everything from the melting of an ice cube to a blown water line on the dishwasher. However, it is important to note that when a home experiences some type of flooding or water damage, the sub-floor may be impacted in such a way that the old flooring must be removed regardless of how well it resisted water. If the LVP in question has a thickness measuring at least 7.5mm, that flooring can often be uninstalled and reinstalled once the water damage has been mitigated.

How does a flood rated Laminate hold up under the same circumstances?

Most flood rated Laminates have 72 – 100hrs of flood protection built into their core construction, which results in similar performance to LVP’s, although they can never be considered 100% waterproof. If the kitchen experienced a flood for less than three days (72 hours), the Laminate can be uninstalled, the damaged sub-floor would then be repaired, and the old Laminate floor would be reinstalled. In the case of the Laminate, the thicker locking mechanism is usually strong enough to withstand uninstallation and the associated reinstallation.

Durability

We look at durability from the perspective of scratch & dent resistance. Laminate flooring, even the first generation from 1998, is one the most scratch resistant materials ever produced. Luxury Vinyl Plank, although not as resistant to scratches as Laminate, does a better than average job at resisting scratches. In our experience, most LVP manufacturers over estimate the scratch resistance of their floors, whereas most Laminate manufacturers do not. With that said, even a budget friendly LVP still has a tough coating to help protect it from scratches.

LVP vs Laminate with regard to dent resistance

When it comes to dents, Laminate always outperforms LVP, due in large part to the high density fiber core found in Laminate, making it nearly impossible to dent. Whereas, LVP’s have a softer core and they are susceptible to temperature fluctuations. As the sun heats up an LVP, the material can soften, which could result in indentations from, for example, a refrigerator foot, dining hutch leg, or pointy feet on a heavy piece of furniture. It’s worth mentioning than an LVP wouldn’t dent from your average family foot traffic, rather denting is more specifically related to furniture weight, exercise equipment, etc.

Selection

There are approximately 50 color tone options for flood-rated Laminates in the Pacific Northwest. In 2020 there were less than 30 options available. On the other hand, there are several hundred,, possibly thousands, of Luxury Vinyl Plank color tones to choose from. Sometimes, LVP is selected over Laminate simply because more color choices are available. Fortunately, flooring manufacturers have recognized the need for more Laminate color tone options. We expect to see over 100 color choices in flood-rated Laminate by the end of 2022.

Summary 

LVP is the clear winner when it comes to overall color selection and lifetime waterproofing, whereas flood-rated Laminate offers better overall durability and pricing. The thickness of Laminate flooring reduces the need for sub-floor prep. In addition, that thickness allows for a stronger locking mechanism, which creates the possibility for uninstallation and reinstallation, in the event a flood occurs. 

For full transparency, it is worth acknowledging that we approached this article more from an installation perspective than a design perspective, so there may be inherent biases at work. We pride ourselves on the finished aesthetic, but long-term structural integrity is valued most. With that in mind, it's easy to say that flood-rated Laminate flooring will outperform Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring in nearly all residential applications.

Interested in LVP or Laminate for your home? 

If you're ready to explore LVP or laminate flooring for your residential or commercial space, contact us at 503-989-8997 or stop by our showroom. ORWe offer free in-home estimates in Portland,  and surrounding areas.