Carpet vs LVT: which is right for your home?
The short answer
Carpet for bedrooms, lounges and stairs where comfort matters. LVT for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and open-plan living where cleaning and water resistance matter. Most Kent homes we fit are a mix of both.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Carpet | LVT |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort underfoot | Softest option — winner for bedrooms and lounges | Firm but warm with UFH — needs a rug for lounges |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years in a family lounge before matting | 20+ years with a proper wear layer |
| Water & spills | Absorbs — needs quick cleaning | Wipes clean — safe for kitchens/bathrooms |
| Sound | Absorbs footsteps — quiet for flats | Reflects footsteps — needs acoustic underlay in flats |
| Pet-friendly | Prone to claw pulls and odour retention | Excellent — claws don't damage, spills wipe up |
| Cost (supplied & fitted) | From £18/m² | From £45/m² |
| Install time (10m² room) | 2–3 hours | 1–1.5 days including screed prep |
Room-by-room recommendation
Warmth, softness, sound absorption
Depends on how the room's used
Muddy shoes, buggies, dogs, high traffic
Spills, water, hot pans dropped
Fully waterproof required
Softer, safer, quieter
Frequently asked
Carpet is warmer barefoot in a room without underfloor heating. LVT is warmer with UFH installed underneath — the heat conducts through the plank directly.
A good LVT lasts 20+ years; a good carpet 8–12 years in a family lounge before it flattens. LVT wins on lifespan; carpet wins on comfort and price per year.
Yes and it's increasingly common in Kent. Add a fluffy rug for comfort. The main trade-off is sound — LVT reflects footsteps, carpet absorbs them.
LVT wins on cleaning — no absorbed odours, wipeable spills, no claw damage. Carpet needs regular vacuuming and is prone to pull-threads from claws.
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