LVP vs. Laminate Flooring: Pros, Cons, and Expert Recommendations

If you’re considering new flooring, you’ve probably come across two popular options—Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Laminate. Both offer affordability, durability, and a stylish look, but which one is the better choice for your home? As experts in the flooring industry, we’ve worked with both materials extensively and have insights into their strengths and weaknesses.

Here’s everything you need to know before making your decision.

What’s the Key Difference Between LVP and Laminate?

The biggest difference between LVP and laminate is water resistance.

• LVP is fully waterproof on the surface, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and high-moisture areas.
• Laminate is water-resistant but can swell and deteriorate if water sits on it for too long.

For this reason, we stopped carrying laminate in our showroom years ago. While some manufacturers claim to have improved waterproofing in newer laminate products, we’ve had far better results with LVP, so that’s what we recommend.

Pros & Cons of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

✅ Pros of LVP:

✔ Waterproof: Perfect for moisture-prone areas.
✔ Durable: Holds up well against scratches, dents, and everyday wear.
✔ Pet-Friendly: Resists damage from pet nails and accidents.
✔ Easy Maintenance: Simple to clean with regular sweeping and mopping.
✔ Realistic Look & Feel: Available in textures that mimic real hardwood.

❌ Cons of LVP:

✖ Susceptible to Deep Scratches: Heavy furniture or dragging objects with metal or hard plastic feet can cause damage.
✖ Not Waterproof From Below: If water gets trapped underneath (e.g., from a dishwasher leak), it can lead to issues.
✖ Some Grades Are Softer Than Others: Lower-end options may dent or gouge more easily.

Pros & Cons of Laminate Flooring

✅ Pros of Laminate:

✔ Budget-Friendly: Often slightly cheaper than LVP.
✔ Scratch-Resistant: Typically holds up well against minor scratches.
✔ Easy Installation: Click-and-lock installation makes it DIY-friendly.

❌ Cons of Laminate:

✖ Not Waterproof: Prone to swelling and damage if exposed to standing water.
✖ Less Realistic Feel: While it can mimic wood, it lacks the depth and texture of LVP.
✖ Not as Durable as LVP: Can chip, warp, or wear down over time.

What Scratches More Easily—LVP or Laminate?

Laminate tends to scratch more easily than LVP. However, both materials can be damaged if heavy furniture is dragged across the surface.

Tips to Prevent Scratches on LVP & Laminate:

✔ Use felt pads under furniture legs.
✔ Avoid dragging heavy objects—lift instead of slide.
✔ Use area rugs in high-traffic areas.
✔ Choose higher wear-layer LVP (12, 20, or even 25 mil for extra durability).

Does LVP Hold Up Against Pets?

Yes! LVP is one of the best flooring choices for pet owners.

• Most LVP options come with a wear layer (measured in mils), which determines scratch resistance.
• Higher mil ratings (20+ mil) are ideal for homes with large dogs or active pets.
• While no flooring is completely scratch-proof, LVP holds up far better than laminate or hardwood.

What’s More Realistic—LVP or Laminate?

LVP wins here.

LVP flooring comes in various textures and finishes, including options that mimic real hardwood with grooves and embossed grain patterns. You can choose between smooth or textured finishes, making it look and feel like authentic wood.

Laminate, on the other hand, can look good but lacks the same depth and realism.

What Damages LVP?

While LVP is highly durable, a few things can cause damage:

🚨 Water Getting Underneath – LVP is waterproof on top, but if water seeps under the planks (from a leaking appliance, for example), it can cause problems.
🚨 Dragging Heavy Objects – Furniture with hard metal or plastic legs can scratch the surface. Use felt pads to prevent this.
🚨 Extremely Heavy Items – Large, concentrated weight over time can cause dents.

We always test basement floors for moisture before installing LVP. If needed, we use a moisture barrier to help prevent water-related issues.

Which Flooring is Best for You?

🏡 Choose LVP if:✔ You want a fully waterproof option.
✔ You have pets or kids and need something durable.
✔ You want the most realistic hardwood look.

🏠 Choose Laminate if:✔ You’re on a tight budget and don’t expect frequent spills.
✔ You prioritize scratch resistance over water resistance.
✔ You’re comfortable taking extra precautions against moisture.

Final Thoughts

LVP has become our go-to flooring recommendation because of its waterproofing, durability, and realistic appearance. While laminate may have improved in recent years, we’ve consistently seen better long-term performance with LVP.

If you have questions about your flooring project, feel free to reach out! We’re always happy to help homeowners choose the best flooring for their needs.