Laminate Flooring vs. Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT): Which is Right for You?
At Supafit Flooring in Horsham, West Sussex, we are often asked the difference between flooring, the two popular contenders that often come up: Laminate Flooring and Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT).
Both offer attractive styles, durability, and modern finishes—but there are some key differences that might tip the scales depending on your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each and explore how subfloor preparation plays a crucial role in cost and fitting time.
Laminate Flooring: The Wood-Look Classic
Laminate flooring has come a long way from its early days. Made from high-density fibreboard topped with a photographic layer that mimics wood (or sometimes stone), laminate offers a high-end appearance at a more affordable price.
Benefits of Laminate Flooring:
- Cost-Effective: Laminate is generally more budget-friendly than LVT.
- Aesthetic Appeal: High-definition designs and embossed textures create a convincing wood-like finish.
- Scratch Resistant: Great for homes with pets or kids.
- Floating Installation: Most laminate planks click together, making installation fast and often DIY-friendly.
Lifestyle Flooring/ Harrow/Grey Oak
Amtico Flooring/ Signature/Manor Oak_Herringbone_AROW7970
Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT): The Versatile Performer
LVT is a multi-layered flooring product made primarily from PVC vinyl. It can be designed to replicate natural wood, stone, or ceramic with impressive realism and durability.
Benefits of LVT:
- 100% Waterproof: Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- Comfort & Warmth: Softer underfoot than tile or wood; feels warmer.
- Extremely Durable: Resistant to scratches, dents, and stains.
Variety of Installation - Options: Can be glued down, floated, or clicked together depending on the product.
More things to consider
Consider the Cons
Laminate Flooring:
- Moisture Sensitivity: Laminate doesn’t fare well in wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens unless it’s specifically water-resistant.
- Sound Underfoot: Can sound hollow without underlay.
- Less forgiving with uneven subfloors: Needs a smooth, level surface or it may creak or shift over time.
LVT Flooring:
- Higher Cost (sometimes): Premium LVT can rival hardwood in price.
- Subfloor Sensitivity: Needs a perfectly smooth subfloor—imperfections will telegraph through.
- Plastic Feel: While visually appealing, some users find it doesn’t feel as “solid” as wood underfoot.
The Overlooked Factor: Floor Preparation
No matter how beautiful the flooring is, the final result depends heavily on subfloor preparation. This step is often underestimated—but it’s crucial for a long-lasting, attractive installation.
Laminate Subfloor Prep:
Laminate is a floating floor, so it requires a level and stable subfloor to avoid movement and noise. Minor imperfections can be smoothed with underlay, but bigger issues may require self-levelling compounds.
- Preparation Time: Moderate
- Impact on Cost: Moderate to low
- Fitting Time: Quicker once prep is complete
LVT Subfloor Prep:
LVT—especially glue-down types—demands a perfectly flat, clean, and dry surface. Even a small pebble or dip can ruin the finish. That means subfloor prep can be more intensive and time-consuming.
- Preparation Time: High
- Impact on Cost: Can be significant if levelling or screeding is required
- Fitting Time: Slower, especially with glue-down installation
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
- Choose Laminate if you want a stylish, budget-friendly floor for living rooms, bedrooms, or offices—and your subfloors are in good shape.
- Choose LVT if you’re looking for maximum durability, water resistance, and versatility, especially in moisture-prone or high-traffic areas.
Before making a final decision, speak with our experienced estimator during our FREE measure and visit who can assess your subfloor condition and help you calculate the true cost—not just of materials, but of preparation and labour too.
Supafit Flooring Installation of Amtico LVT flooring
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