LVT vs Laminate: Which is right for your home?
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and laminate look similar in a brochure, but they behave very differently once they're down. We fit both. Here's how we decide which to recommend for each room - and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Need this sorted?
Need help with lvt fitting? Get a quote from JT Flooring.
The short answer
- Kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, hallways with a back door → LVT.
- Bedrooms, living rooms, dry hallways on a budget → laminate is still excellent.
- Rentals you want to last 10+ years through tenant changes → LVT.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | LVT | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | Fully waterproof - safe in kitchens and bathrooms. | Surface is water-resistant; joints swell if water sits. |
| Durability | 20+ years with a 0.5mm+ wear layer. | 10-15 years; can dent under heavy furniture. |
| Underfoot feel | Warmer, softer, quieter - works with underfloor heating. | Harder and louder; needs decent underlay to soften. |
| Look | Realistic wood and stone - herringbone and large planks available. | Wood looks only; bevelled edges read very natural. |
| Cost (supplied & fitted) | £35 - £65 / m² typical. | £25 - £45 / m² typical. |
| Subfloor prep | Needs a smooth subfloor - usually 6mm ply or self-levelling screed. | More forgiving; underlay handles minor unevenness. |
| Install speed | Slower - glue-down or click, plus prep day. | Fast - click system, often same-day for a whole floor. |
| Repairs | Individual planks can be lifted and replaced. | Damaged plank means lifting from the wall back to it. |
LVT fitting
- Karndean, Amtico & equivalent ranges
- Herringbone, plank & tile layouts
- Self-levelling screed where needed
Water resistance - the deciding factor
This is the single most common reason we steer customers one way or the other. LVT is a solid vinyl plank - water sits on the surface and wipes off. Laminate is a wood-fibre board with a printed top; water that gets into the seams swells the core, lifts the edges and ruins the look permanently.
If a room sees liquid - kitchen splashes, bathroom drips, washing machine leaks, wet dog towels by the back door - fit LVT. If it doesn't, laminate is a fine choice.
Cost: what people miss
People compare material prices and assume laminate wins. It often does - but only on the box. LVT usually needs the subfloor latexed or overlaid with 6mm ply for a glassy finish, which adds £8 - £15 / m² in materials and labour. Once that's in, LVT installed is typically £10 - £20 / m² more than laminate.
Over 15 years, LVT often works out the same or cheaper because laminate joints in a kitchen tend to fail and need replacing.
Installation reality
- Laminate is a one-day floor in most rooms; LVT is usually two (prep day, fit day).
- Both need acclimatising in the room for 24-48 hours before fitting.
- Neither should be fitted onto a damp concrete subfloor - moisture test first.
Which lasts longer?
In a domestic setting, quality LVT with a 0.55mm wear layer comfortably outlasts laminate. We've returned to LVT kitchens we fitted 8+ years ago that still look new. Laminate in the same room usually starts showing edge swelling around year five.
Our recommendation per room
Waterproof at the joints; warm underfoot.
Standard laminate isn't suitable here.
High traffic, mud and rain at the front door.
Laminate is cheaper; LVT feels more premium.
Dry, low traffic - laminate is great value.
Washing machine leaks happen - be safe.
Want a professional to handle it?
Get your free quote in 60 seconds
Send your details and we'll get in touch about your flooring.
FAQs
Is LVT better than laminate?
For wet areas, yes. For dry rooms on a budget, quality laminate still does a brilliant job.
Which lasts longer?
Good LVT (0.55mm wear layer or thicker) lasts 20+ years domestically; laminate 10-15 if joints stay dry.
Can either go in a bathroom?
LVT yes. Standard laminate no. There are "waterproof" laminates but LVT or sheet vinyl is the safer bet.
Which is cheaper installed?
Laminate is usually £10 - £20 / m² cheaper installed because it needs less subfloor prep.
Still not sure? We'll measure up free.
Book a free site visit and we'll bring samples of both LVT and laminate, look at the subfloor, and give you an honest recommendation for your rooms.
Ready for a free, no-obligation quote?
Friendly local team. Free site visits across South East London & Kent.