Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate look alike in the showroom, cost about the same, and both click together over most subfloors. They are built very differently, though, and that difference decides where each one belongs.
What each floor is made of
Laminate is a wood fiber core with a printed photo layer and a hard clear wear layer on top. LVP is vinyl all the way through, either flexible or on a rigid core of stone and plastic composite. Both imitate wood, and the better products of either kind are hard to tell apart once installed.
Water decides most rooms
Vinyl does not absorb water, so LVP is the safer choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements. Laminate has improved, and many products now resist spills for hours, but standing water that reaches the seams can still swell the core. In a rental unit, where a leak may go unnoticed for days, we recommend LVP.
Feel, sound and wear
Laminate is harder and resists scratches from pets and furniture very well
LVP feels softer and warmer underfoot, and is quieter with a good underlayment
Heavy furniture can dent softer vinyl over time; furniture pads help
Both fade little, but large sunny windows favor a product rated for UV
Condos and apartments
Many condominium buildings require an underlayment with a minimum sound rating before any hard floor goes in. Ask the building management for the rules before you choose a product, because the underlayment changes the total height and the price.
Our rule of thumb
Choose LVP for any room that sees water and for rentals. Choose laminate for dry living areas and bedrooms where scratch resistance matters most. When you are unsure, we bring samples of both and check the subfloor before we write the estimate.