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.
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. |
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.
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.