Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) vs. Laminate Flooring

When choosing between Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Laminate flooring, homeowners often face a decision that can be confusing. Both offer stylish, cost-effective alternatives to hardwood and tile, but their construction, durability, applications, and performance differ. This guide compares LVT and Laminate flooring, reviews the top five brands, and outlines the best use cases, technical specs, and benefits.

Top Five Brands to Know

The comparison is based on four major evaluation categories

Shaw Floors – Known for premium LVT with realistic textures and durable finishes, including CoreTec.


Mohawk Industries - Offers both LVT (SolidTech) and Laminate (RevWood) with waterproof technology.

Armstrong Flooring – Strong heritage brand with reliable LVT and Laminate lines.


Pergo – Pioneer of Laminate flooring; now also offers luxury vinyl collections.


Mannington – A family-owned U.S. company highly rated for its design-forward LVT and eco-conscious practices.

Technical Specifications

Feature Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Laminate Flooring
Construction Multi-layer PVC with wear layer, print film, and rigid core (SPC or WPC options) Compressed wood fibers (HDF core) with a photographic top layer and a clear wear coating
Water Resistance 100% waterproof; ideal for kitchens, baths, basements Water-resistant, but not waterproof; prone to swelling with standing water
Durability Wear layers (12–30 mil); excellent for heavy traffic AC rating system (AC3–AC5); durable but weaker against moisture
Lifespan 15–25 years with proper care 10–20 years with proper care
Scratch/Dent Resistance Good dent resistance; may scratch more easily than Laminate Excellent scratch resistance; dent resistance varies
Installation Floating click-lock, glue-down, or loose lay Mostly floating click-lock
Subfloor Compatibility Works over wood, concrete, tile, and existing vinyl (may require underlayment Works over wood or concrete (may require underlayment)
Refinishing Cannot be refinished; must replace damaged planks Cannot be refinished; must replace damaged planks
Noise/Acoustics Softer, quieter underfoot; good sound absorption Harder surface; louder, needs quality underlayment
Comfort Warmer and softer; better underfoot feel Harder and cooler feel
Heated Floor Compatibility Safe with radiant heating Compatible with radiant heating systems

Best Applications

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT):

  • Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, mudrooms, and commercial spaces.
  • Best for high-moisture areas and homes with pets or kids.

Laminate Flooring:

  • Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
  • Best suited for medium-traffic areas and households seeking wood-look flooring at an affordable price.

Features & Benefits

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

  • Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, mudrooms, and commercial spaces.
  • Best for high-moisture areas and homes with pets or kids.

Laminate Flooring

  • Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
  • Best suited for medium-traffic areas and households seeking wood-look flooring at an affordable price.

Conclusion & Recommendations

  • Choose LVT if you need waterproof flooring for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, or if you have pets/kids.
  • Choose Laminate if: You want scratch resistance, affordability, and a hardwood look for living spaces and bedrooms.

For Norman Carpet & Flooring customers, both are excellent alternatives to hardwood, but the choice depends on whether moisture protection or scratch resistance is the priority.

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FAQ: LVT vs. Laminate Flooring

What is the main difference between LVT and Laminate?

LVT is a waterproof vinyl-based product designed for use in wet and high-traffic areas, whereas laminate is a wood-based product that’s water-resistant but not waterproof.

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Which flooring is better for bathrooms and kitchens?

Luxury Vinyl Tile is better because it is 100% waterproof and won’t swell or warp.

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Which is more scratch-resistant: LVT or Laminate?

Laminate flooring typically offers superior scratch resistance compared to LVT, making it a better choice for homes with pets.

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Can I install LVT or Laminate myself?

Yes. Both can be DIY-installed using floating click-lock systems, though glue-down LVT may require professional installation.

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How long do LVT and Laminate floors last?

LVT lasts 15–25 years, while Laminate lasts 10–20 years with proper maintenance.

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Do I need underlayment for LVT or Laminate?
  • LVT: Sometimes requires underlayment for soundproofing or added comfort.

  • Laminate: Usually requires underlayment for noise control and moisture protection.

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Are both LVT and Laminate safe for radiant heated floors?

Yes. Both are compatible with heated flooring systems; however, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

Which flooring feels more comfortable underfoot?

LVT is softer, warmer, and quieter underfoot than Laminate.

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Which flooring is more eco-friendly?

Laminate is often more eco-friendly due to recycled wood fiber cores, though many LVT brands now use low-VOC and recycled vinyl content.

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Which is more cost-effective over the long term?

Laminate has a lower upfront cost, but LVT offers better water resistance and lifespan, which may provide better long-term value in high-moisture homes.

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Still Unsure About LVT or Laminate Flooring?

Connect with our team of designers and experts.

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We are a flooring retailer with over 50 years of experience specializing in both residential and commercial projects. Visit one of our showrooms in Bryn Mawr and Conshohocken or let us bring the same quality products to you with a FREE At-Home Consultation appointment. We provide the absolute best service from start to finish with experienced, courteous, salespeople and top quality installation crews. We carry a wide selection of carpet, hardwood, LVT, tile, and area rugs from the highest quality to the best value so you are sure to find the right product for your needs.

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