Luxury Vinyl Plank vs Laminate Flooring: Which Is Best for Your Home?

When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your home, two of the most popular options among UK homeowners are Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Laminate Flooring. Both offer the look of real wood at a more affordable price, and both are known for being durable, low-maintenance, and easy to install.

However, each comes with its own set of benefits, and understanding the differences between vinyl and laminate flooring is key to making the right choice. Are you looking for water resistance? Warmth underfoot? A budget-friendly solution that still looks stylish?

In this expert guide, we’ll compare LVP vs laminate flooring across important categories like durability, comfort, appearance, water resistance, installation, and cost. Whether you’re renovating a flat in London, updating a kitchen, or refreshing a hallway, this side-by-side breakdown will help you decide which flooring type is best for your space.

What Is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)?

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a high-performance synthetic flooring that closely replicates the look and feel of natural wood or stone, but with added durability and practicality. It’s made up of multiple layers, each engineered for strength, comfort, and water resistance.

LVP typically consists of:

• Wear Layer: A transparent protective surface that resists scratches, scuffs, and stains.
• Design Layer: A high-resolution printed image that mimics wood grains, stone textures, or tile patterns.
• Core Layer: A rigid or flexible core that adds stability and helps with impact resistance — often made of SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) or WPC (Wood Plastic Composite).
• Backing Layer: Provides additional support, moisture protection, and helps with sound insulation.

Thanks to its fully waterproof construction, LVP flooring is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and basements. It performs exceptionally well in high-traffic areas and is also popular for commercial settings where both aesthetics and durability are essential.

What Is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a popular wood-look alternative made from layers of compressed materials, designed to offer style and durability at an affordable price. Its core is typically made of high-density fibreboard (HDF), topped with a photographic image layer that realistically mimics the texture and grain of natural wood, stone, or tile.

The top surface is protected by a tough, transparent wear layer that helps resist daily wear, scratches, and fading from sunlight.

Key features of laminate flooring:

• HDF Core: Provides stability and structure
• Photographic Design Layer: Delivers realistic wood or tile visuals
• Wear Layer: Offers surface protection against scuffs and scratches

While laminate is a cost-effective and attractive option for many rooms, it's generally not waterproof. This makes it better suited for low-moisture areas like living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways. For kitchens or bathrooms, waterproof options like LVT flooring are often a safer choice.

LVP vs Laminate Flooring: Side-by-Side Comparison

Both Luxury Vinyl Plank and laminate flooring are designed to offer the visual appeal of wood or stone, but they differ in terms of performance, comfort, and moisture resistance. Here's a quick breakdown to help you choose the right option for your home:

If you're installing flooring in moisture-prone areas, LVT flooring is generally the better choice. For bedrooms or living areas on a tighter budget, laminate offers great value and easy DIY installation.

Pros and Cons of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Luxury Vinyl Plank continues to gain popularity in UK homes due to its combination of durability, style, and water resistance. However, it’s not without drawbacks. Here’s a balanced overview:

Pros:

• 100% Waterproof – Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, and even basements where moisture is a concern.
• Highly Durable & Scratch-Resistant – Handles heavy foot traffic, pets, and everyday wear with ease.
• Realistic Appearance – Mimics natural materials like wood and stone with deep embossing and detailed printing.
• Low Maintenance – Quick to clean with just sweeping and occasional damp mopping. It’s resistant to stains and water damage.

Cons:

• Higher Cost – Generally more expensive than laminate, especially for premium brands or thicker planks.
• Indentation Risk – Very heavy furniture can leave pressure marks over time.
• Less Eco-Friendly – Made from synthetic materials, which can be difficult to recycle at the end of life.

Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring remains a top choice for homeowners who want style and practicality at an affordable price. Here’s what to expect:

Pros:

• Budget-Friendly – A cost-effective alternative to real wood or LVP, ideal for large areas on a tighter budget.
• Style Variety – Available in a wide range of colours and designs, from classic oak to grey-washed finishes.
• Scratch & UV Resistant – Great for homes with kids or pets; won’t fade in direct sunlight.
• DIY-Friendly – Most laminate floors feature a simple click-lock system, perfect for DIY installation.

Cons:

• Moisture Sensitivity – If exposed to water and not sealed properly, laminate can warp or swell. It’s not ideal for wet rooms or bathrooms.
• Sound Issues – Without underlay, laminate may create a hollow sound underfoot, particularly in larger rooms.
• Harder Underfoot – Compared to vinyl, laminate is less cushioned and may require an underlay for added comfort and warmth.

Which Flooring Is Better for UK Homes?

When selecting between vinyl plank and laminate flooring, it's essential to consider the unique demands of a UK home, including damp weather, humidity, and fluctuating indoor temperatures.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) stands out in moisture-prone areas like kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms, and basements. Its 100% waterproof construction makes it the safer, longer-lasting choice for areas vulnerable to spills, leaks, or condensation. If your flooring project involves these spaces, LVP is your best bet.

Meanwhile, laminate flooring shines in dry, comfortable zones such as bedrooms, hallways, and living rooms. It’s an affordable and attractive way to add warmth and style without the higher cost of vinyl or wood. Just ensure proper underlay and insulation for comfort and sound control.

Ultimately, both materials offer excellent value, but their ideal use depends on where and how you plan to install them. Pairing the right flooring type with the right room will ensure both visual appeal and long-term performance.

Environmental Considerations

While neither Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) nor laminate flooring is as eco-friendly as natural hardwood or stone, today’s manufacturers are making meaningful progress toward sustainability. If you’re environmentally conscious, there are still good options to consider.

Many top flooring brands now offer products with:

• Low-VOC emissions – Better for your indoor air quality, especially important for homes with children or pets
• Recyclable materials – Some lines now include partially recycled content or post-consumer waste
• Green certifications – Look for trusted eco-labels like FloorScore®, E1, or low formaldehyde emission standards

If you’re concerned about long-term environmental impact, consider combining your flooring choice with thermal and sound insulation upgrades to improve energy efficiency and reduce your household's carbon footprint.

Installation Tips for Laminate and LVP Flooring

Whether you're going the DIY route or hiring professionals, proper installation is key to ensuring your new flooring looks great and performs well for years. Here are some expert tips to help you get the best results:

• Let the flooring acclimate – Store your planks in the installation room for at least 48 hours before fitting. This helps them adjust to the temperature and humidity of the space.
• Prepare the subfloor – The surface must be clean, level, and dry. An uneven or damp subfloor can lead to problems like movement, creaking, or damage over time.
• Use the right underlay – Especially important for soundproofing and thermal insulation. Underlay adds comfort and is essential for click-lock laminate or floating LVP installations.
• For glue-down LVP, allow drying time – After applying adhesive, wait the full curing time before walking on the floor — this ensures proper bonding and long-term performance.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions – Every product is different. Always read and follow the guidelines to protect your warranty and avoid costly mistakes.

For professional help, explore our LVT installation services in London, or check out our guide on how to lay laminate flooring if you're planning a DIY project.

Final Thoughts: Vinyl vs Laminate – Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing between Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and laminate flooring ultimately depends on your household’s needs, your space, and your budget. If you're prioritising water resistance and durability, LVP is the better choice — ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and busy family homes. For dry areas like living rooms or bedrooms, laminate flooring offers a stylish, budget-friendly solution that doesn’t compromise on aesthetics.

Both options are DIY-installation friendly and available in a wide variety of finishes to match any interior. With proper installation and care, each can provide long-lasting beauty and function in your home.

Still unsure which flooring suits your space? Get in touch with our FlooringFirst! team or book a free site survey. We're here to help you make the right decision — whether you're renovating a single room or upgrading your entire home.