Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate both deliver a realistic wood look at a friendlier price than solid hardwood, and both install relatively quickly. The right one for you usually comes down to where the floor is going and how the room gets used.
| LVP | Laminate | |
|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | Excellent, great for kitchens | Good, best in drier rooms |
| Feel underfoot | Soft surface, but firmer to walk on (rigid core) | Harder surface, but easier to walk on (cushioned pad) |
| Standing up to pets | Great for spills and accidents | Sturdier against big dog nails and scratches |
| Price | Most budget friendly | Moderate |
| Best for | Kitchens, living areas, spill-prone spaces | Bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, homes with big dogs |
Choose LVP if...
You want a floor for a kitchen or another spot where spills and accidents happen often. LVP shrugs off water, holds up to daily traffic, and is typically our most budget-friendly wood-look option. Its vinyl surface is soft, but the rigid core underneath makes it feel a bit firmer and harder to walk on than laminate over the course of a long day. Learn more in LVP: the floor for real life.
Choose laminate if...
You want a floor that is easier and more comfortable to walk on. We typically install laminate over a premium pad to get that cushioned feel (we also carry a few laminate lines with the pad already attached), and its harder-wearing surface makes it a sturdier choice for big dogs' nails and everyday scratches. It is a great fit for bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways where the room stays fairly dry. More in laminate flooring: style and value.
Using both in one home
Plenty of homeowners mix the two: LVP in the kitchen where spills happen most, and laminate in the bedrooms and living areas where comfort underfoot and scratch resistance matter more. We can help you pick tones that flow together so the whole home feels consistent, even with two different products.
Frequently asked questions
Is LVP or laminate better for a kitchen?
LVP is the better choice for kitchens because it handles spills and everyday moisture better than laminate.
Which is cheaper, LVP or laminate?
LVP is usually the more budget-friendly option of the two, and it also offers better water resistance. Laminate typically costs a bit more. We install it over a premium pad for a softer, cushioned feel underfoot, and its harder wear layer holds up better against big dogs' nails and everyday scratches.
Which feels better underfoot?
LVP has a soft vinyl surface, but its rigid core actually makes it feel firmer and harder to walk on for long stretches. Laminate has a harder-wearing surface, but the premium pad we install underneath it (or an attached pad on some lines) makes it more comfortable to walk on. Both look realistic, so it helps to walk on samples in person.
Which is better for pets?
It depends on the concern. LVP is great for spills and accidents since it resists water well. Laminate tends to be the sturdier choice against big dogs' nails and everyday scratches. Tell us about your pets and we will help you pick the right fit.
The easiest way to decide is to see and feel both in person. Bring your room measurements to our St. Cloud showroom for a free estimate with upfront pricing, no hidden fees.