Laminate vs Vinyl Plank Flooring (LVP)
Side-by-side comparison of waterproofing, cost, durability, and which rooms each material suits best.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Laminate | Vinyl Plank (LVP) |
|---|---|---|
| Core material | HDF (wood fiber) | 100% PVC plastic |
| Waterproof | ❌ No (swells if wet) | ✅ Yes, fully waterproof |
| Best rooms | Bedrooms, living areas | Kitchens, baths, basements |
| Material cost | $1–4 per sq ft | $2–7 per sq ft |
| Scratch resistance | High (AC4/AC5 rating) | Medium–High (wear layer) |
| Typical thickness | 8–12mm | 6–12mm |
| Underlayment | Usually sold separately | Often pre-attached |
| Radiant heat | Some products, check spec | Most products (below 85°F) |
| Lifespan | 15–25 years | 20–25 years |
When to Choose Laminate
Laminate's HDF core is significantly harder than LVP at similar price points. For households with large dogs, heavy furniture, or high foot traffic in dry areas, high-grade laminate at AC4 or AC5 wear rating outperforms most mid-range LVP for scratch and dent resistance. It also tends to look more authentic at budget price points because the image layer can be printed with sharper wood-grain detail.
Choose laminate for bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, and dining rooms where moisture is not a concern. Avoid it within 3 feet of any water source (sinks, dishwashers, toilets) where occasional splashes or a slow leak could cause irreversible core swelling.
When to Choose Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP is the right choice for any room where moisture is possible: bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, basements, and mudrooms. The 100% plastic core does not swell, warp, or delaminate when wet. It can be flooded and dried without permanent damage in most cases, provided the flood is addressed quickly.
LVP is also better for concrete subfloors at or below grade. Concrete releases moisture vapor over time, and LVP handles this without the need for moisture barriers that laminate requires. For basements specifically, LVP is the dominant choice among flooring contractors. Use a 12mm product for the best underfoot feel.
Cost Comparison
For a 200 sq ft room with 10% waste, material-only cost at mid-range pricing runs $500–700 for laminate and $700–1,000 for LVP. Add $1.50–3.00 per square foot for professional installation of either product, since both click-lock systems install the same way. Underlayment adds $0.25–0.50 per square foot for laminate if not pre-attached; most mid-range LVP includes it.
Total installed cost for a 200 sq ft room: laminate $950–1,500, LVP $1,100–1,800. The gap narrows when you include the separate underlayment purchase for laminate. Use our laminate flooring calculator or vinyl plank calculator to estimate material quantities for your specific room dimensions.
Material prices updated June 2026. Verify current pricing with your local flooring supplier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is vinyl plank flooring better than laminate?
For wet or humid areas (bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, kitchens), LVP is the better choice because it is 100% waterproof. Laminate swells and buckles when moisture gets under the joints. For dry areas on an above-grade floor, quality laminate at AC4 or AC5 wear rating is harder than most LVP and more scratch-resistant. "Better" depends on the room.
Which is cheaper, laminate or vinyl plank?
Entry-level laminate starts around $1 per square foot; entry-level LVP starts around $2. Mid-range products overlap significantly: good laminate runs $2–4 per square foot, good LVP runs $3–5. Premium products in both categories top out around $6–8. Installation costs are similar for both since both use click-lock systems. The cost gap narrows when you include underlayment. LVP usually has it built in; laminate usually requires it separately.
Can laminate flooring be used in a bathroom?
Most manufacturers do not recommend laminate in full bathrooms. The HDF core is not waterproof; standing water, steam, and repeated humidity cycles cause the core to swell and the surface to delaminate. Some manufacturers offer water-resistant laminate with sealed cores and sealed edge joints, but these still carry limitations and are not rated for full wet-area use. For bathrooms, use luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or tile.
Does LVP scratch easily?
Entry-level LVP (under $2.50/sq ft) with a thin 6–8 mil wear layer scratches noticeably from furniture legs, pet nails, and grit. Mid-grade and premium LVP uses a 12–20 mil wear layer, which is highly resistant to everyday scratches. For comparison, high-quality laminate at AC4 or AC5 rating is harder than most LVP at equivalent price points because the aluminum oxide surface is extremely dense.
Can you install LVP over concrete?
Yes. LVP is one of the best flooring options for concrete subfloors, especially in basements. It tolerates minor moisture vapor transmission from the slab, adapts to slight irregularities, and its waterproof core means moisture rising through the concrete will not cause swelling. Ensure the concrete is within 3/16 inch flat over 10 feet and check moisture vapor emission rate if the space has a history of water intrusion.
What thickness of LVP or laminate should I buy?
For LVP: 6mm is minimum for residential use; 8mm handles minor subfloor imperfections; 12mm feels closest to solid hardwood underfoot and handles the most variation. For laminate: 8mm is the entry standard; 10–12mm adds underfoot comfort and reduces hollow sound. Thickness matters more for perceived quality and subfloor forgiveness than for wear resistance. The wear layer thickness (for LVP) and AC rating (for laminate) determine scratch and dent performance.
Can you install radiant floor heating under laminate or LVP?
Both materials can be used with electric radiant heating systems if the system maintains surface temperature below 80–85°F (27–29°C). Verify with the manufacturer, as not all products are rated for radiant heat. Neither laminate nor LVP conducts heat as well as tile or stone. Hydronic (hot water) systems run hotter and are generally not recommended under either material unless the system has strict temperature controls.