Both luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate flooring are popular, durable, and affordable alternatives to hardwood. With similar appearances, many people confuse the two options; however, they have distinct differences when it comes to materials, durability, and maintenance. 

If you’re considering which type of flooring would be best for your home or business, keep reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between LVP and laminate flooring to help you make the right decision.

What is LVP?

LVP is a type of vinyl flooring that’s made to mimic the appearance of hardwood, stone, or tile, which is achieved with realistic textures and designs. Its multi-layered construction features a protective wear layer on top, followed by a printed design layer, vinyl core, and backing layer. 

This flooring is 100 percent waterproof, making it ideal for any room, including kitchens and bathrooms. It’s comfortable underfoot, flexible, and absorbs sound. However, it can be more expensive than laminate flooring, and as a synthetic material, it’s generally less eco-friendly than natural options.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Like LVP, laminate flooring is made to mimic wood or stone. It’s multi-layered, as well, with a wear layer, high-resolution printed image layer, high-density fiberboard core, and backing layer. It’s durable, scratch-resistant, and a less costly alternative to hardwood flooring. Plus, it’s one of the more sustainable options, as it’s made with wood-based materials.

However, laminate flooring is not waterproof, which means it’s not suitable for areas that see a lot of moisture. It also feels harder underfoot and requires meticulous installation over a level subfloor.

Key Differences Between LVP and Laminate Flooring

While LVP and laminate flooring have many similarities, their differences set them apart. Let’s take a closer look at their key differences:

Material Composition and Water Resistance

LVP is made of 100 percent vinyl, which makes it very flexible and fully waterproof. Laminate, on the other hand, is made of wood-based materials. The MDF or HDF core can be sensitive to moisture and may swell in wet areas.

Appearance and Realism

Both options are designed to mimic the appearance of wood, stone, or tile. The flooring’s appearance largely depends on the quality of the given product; however, laminate flooring tends to look more realistic. 

Comfort and Sound Insulation

Thanks to vinyl’s flexibility, LVP is softer underfoot than laminate — plus, it typically has good sound absorption. However, there are underlayment options available for laminate to increase its sound reduction and comfort.

Thickness and Insulation Properties

With a thickness of around 6–12 mm, laminate flooring is generally thicker than LVP, which is around 2–8 mm. This means that laminate usually provides better insulation.

Installation Process

Thanks to its click-lock installation, laying LVP flooring is quick and easy, making it DIY-friendly. Furthermore, it can be installed over most subfloors. Laminate is usually installed as a floating floor, and because it’s more rigid, it may require the subfloor to be perfectly level. 

Durability and Scratch Resistance

LVP is resilient and scratch-resistant, which means it’s suitable for homes with pets or businesses with heavy foot traffic. While laminate flooring is also highly scratch-resistant and durable, its wear layers can vary in quality, which may affect its longevity. 

Cost Comparison

Laminate is typically the most affordable choice and is a good choice for budget-conscious homeowners. LVP generally costs more than laminate but less than hardwood, making it a perfect middle-of-the-road flooring option. 

When to Choose LVP vs. Laminate Flooring

If your household includes young children or pets, LVP is an excellent choice thanks to its durability and water resistance. Even if you don’t have little mess-makers running around your home, LVP is ideal for high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Additionally, it’s best for anyone seeking the appearance of realistic hardwood or stone with low maintenance requirements.

Laminate flooring, on the other hand, is ideal for areas like living rooms and bedrooms where moisture is not a concern. It’s a smart choice for budget-conscious homeowners who want an attractive, scratch-resistant floor. Furthermore, it’s a more eco-conscious option for those who value sustainability.

Quality LVP and Laminate Flooring from Rosewood

At Rosewood, we are well-versed in the strengths and weaknesses of LVP and laminate flooring. Our knowledge and experience gives us the expertise to make expert recommendations based on your budget, needs, and preferences, ensuring you’re completely satisfied with your new flooring. 

If you’re considering home improvements, contact Rosewood today to learn more about our comprehensive selection of quality flooring and schedule your free estimate. 

There’s a reason dogs are known as man’s best friend. They’re loyal, loving, faithful, and — let’s face it — adorable. However, snuggly sidekicks can take a toll on your home, whether your furry friend is a dog, cat, bunny, or baby goat. Durable, pet-friendly flooring is a necessity, especially if your critter companion is older or has special needs. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore some flooring options for pet owners, present some things to consider, and help you decide what flooring option is right for both you and your little friends.

Carpet

Carpet is tricky when it comes to homes with four-legged roommates. On one hand, it’s soft, comfortable, and good for pets with problems like arthritis; on the other hand, it can also trap shed hair and dander, which means it needs to be cleaned often. Additionally, carpet is not great for moisture exposure (as sometimes happens with potty accidents) and can harbor mold and mildew growth.

If you decide to go with carpet, look for pet-proof options that are antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, water-repellant, and stain-resistant. Keep in mind that these specialized carpets typically come with a higher price tag. However, they are more durable and longer-lasting, minimizing the need for repairs or replacement and potentially saving you money in the long run.

Tile

Tile is an ideal choice for families with furry friends who are worried about damaged floors. With a long life and resistance to water and scratches, porcelain tile is an especially great option. It’s typically cool to the touch, so your dog will love stretching out on the tile floor after an intense game of fetch or a long walk in the summer sun. 

However, tile’s hard surface is not always suitable for aging pets. It can be tough on creaky joints, and its slipperiness can make it hard for your cuddly compatriots to get a good grip. Plus, if you’re bothered by the sound of your dog’s nails clicking on the floor, tile is probably not ideal.

If you opt for tile, it’s probably best to keep it in smaller areas like the kitchen or bathroom, ensuring your critter comrade remains comfortable as they grow older. 

Hardwood

When we talk about hardwood flooring, we typically mean one of two options: solid hardwood or engineered hardwood. Solid hardwood is exactly what it sounds like — a slab of wood — while engineered hardwood is made of layers, including a layer of natural wood on the top and bottom and a plywood core in between.

Both types of hardwood offer some level of water resistance and scratch protection, but are not as durable as tile. For maximum scratch protection, opt for the hardest type of hardwood. Additionally, options with rustic finishes are ideal for camouflaging scratches, but keep in mind that darker colors will show pet hair more than lighter shades.

Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP)

Luxury vinyl planks are meant to mimic the look and texture of natural wood, but are typically more durable and easier to clean. There’s an endless array of options, including waterproof, water resistant, scratch resistant, antimicrobial, stain resistant, and skid resistant vinyl, all of which are excellent for pet-friendly homes. It’s also quiet underfoot and more comfortable than tile or hardwood, making it better for aging companions.

If your abode is also home to critters and creatures, opt for vinyl with a thick, durable protective layer. Thin protective layers can dull easily, impacting the aesthetics of your floors and increasing the frequency you’ll need replacements.

Laminate

Along with LVP, laminate flooring is one of the best options for pet owners. It’s known for standing up to scratches and stains, and requires minimal effort to clean. Make sure you choose scratch-resistant, water-resistant, and/or noise-resistant laminate flooring. Keep in mind that it’s slipperier than LVP, though, making it less comfortable for older pets with musculoskeletal issues.

Create a Pet-Friendly Home with Rosewood

Your beloved buddy deserves the best. As you consider how to create a paradise for your pets, make sure you give some thought to your flooring and find something that’s comfortable, durable, and easy to clean while also enhancing your home’s aesthetics. 

At Rosewood, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of flooring solutions, and we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect option for your home. Plus, with our expert installation and outstanding customer service, your satisfaction is guaranteed. If you’re ready for new flooring, contact us today to meet with one of our team members and receive a free estimate.