Flooring · Materials and methods · Updated November 2026
LVP vs. Laminate Flooring: Which Is Better for Your Home?
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate look similar and cost about the same installed. The biggest difference is what they are made of: LVP has a plastic-based core, laminate has a wood-fiber core.
Side-by-side comparison
| LVP (luxury vinyl plank) | Laminate | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $2–$14 per sq. ft. | $3–$13 per sq. ft. |
| Core | Vinyl, often with a rigid stone-plastic (SPC) or wood-plastic (WPC) core | High-density wood fiber |
| Water | Most are waterproof planks | Water-resistant at best; standing water can swell the core |
| Scratches and dents | Softer surface; heavy furniture can dent it | Harder wear layer; good scratch resistance |
| Feel and sound | Softer and quieter underfoot | Firmer; can sound hollow without good underlayment |
| Look | Good wood and stone looks | Often a more realistic wood texture |
Prices from our flooring cost guide.
Best rooms for each
- LVP: kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements and mudrooms.
- Laminate: living rooms, bedrooms, hallways and homes with dogs whose nails scratch floors.
"Waterproof" refers to the plank itself. Water that gets underneath either floor can still damage the subfloor; see waterproof vs. water-resistant flooring.
What to check when comparing products
- Wear layer thickness (for LVP) or AC abrasion rating (for laminate).
- Whether underlayment is attached or extra ($0.50–$5.40 per sq. ft. for underlayment).
- Warranty terms for water, wear and residential use.
- Whether the product can go in a basement or over radiant heat.
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed in our flooring cost guide, not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor.