# Laminate vs. Luxury Vinyl Plank: Which Should You Buy? | RYH

> Both cost $4-$10/sq ft installed and mimic hardwood. The key difference: LVP is 100% waterproof; laminate is not. Here's how to choose.

![Flooring Installation project photo](/images/flooring/shutterstock_2099829076.jpg)

RemodelYourHome Editorial Team · 2026-06-01 · 6 min read

![Remy](/images/remy/pose-82176a85.png)

Laminate and luxury vinyl plank look nearly identical in showrooms and cost nearly the same — $4 to $10 per square foot installed for most products. The critical difference is waterproofing: LVP is 100% waterproof throughout its entire thickness; laminate has a wood-composite core that can swell, warp, and delaminate when exposed to moisture.

If you're comparing laminate and LVP (luxury vinyl plank) side by side in a showroom, you'll likely struggle to tell them apart visually. They're designed to mimic hardwood using photographic layers with a protective wear coat. The difference is what's underneath — and that difference determines where each can be installed and how it holds up over time.

## What Are the Key Differences Between Laminate and LVP?

The core material is the defining distinction. Laminate uses a high-density fiberboard (HDF) or MDF core. LVP uses a 100% vinyl or WPC (wood-plastic composite) core. This single difference determines moisture performance, installation locations, and long-term durability in wet environments.

| Factor | Laminate | Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Core material | HDF/MDF (wood-based) | PVC vinyl or WPC |
| Waterproof? | No (moisture-resistant at best) | Yes (100%) |
| Installed cost | $4-$8/sq ft | $5-$10/sq ft |
| Lifespan | 15-25 yrs | 15-25 yrs |
| Suitable for kitchens? | With caution | Yes |
| Suitable for bathrooms? | No | Yes |
| Suitable for basements? | No | Yes |
| Underfoot feel | Harder, hollow sound | Softer, quieter |
| DIY-friendly? | Yes (click-lock) | Yes (click-lock) |
| Refinishable? | No | No |

## Where Can Each Be Installed?

LVP can be installed anywhere in a home, including bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and below-grade areas. Its 100% waterproof construction means standing water and humidity changes do not damage the material. Laminate should be kept in dry above-grade areas — living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms where moisture exposure is minimal.

Laminate's moisture weakness is not about surface water per se — most laminate has a water-resistant top layer — but about edge and seam exposure. When water gets under laminate or into seams, the HDF core absorbs it and swells. This is irreversible and requires replacement.

## What Does Wear Layer Mean for LVP?

The wear layer is the clear protective coating on top of LVP that determines how it holds up to scratches, scuffs, and heavy traffic. Wear layers are measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). Residential LVP typically has a 6-20 mil wear layer. Commercial or heavy-duty residential products use 20-28 mil.

- **6-8 mil:** Entry-level residential; suitable for light-traffic areas like bedrooms

- **12 mil:** Standard residential; suitable for most living areas

- **20 mil:** Heavy residential or light commercial; best for high-traffic areas and families with pets

## Which Sounds More Like Real Wood?

Laminate generally sounds more solid underfoot than LVP because of its denser HDF core. LVP with a thin foam underlayment can have a hollow or plasticky sound. Higher-end LVP with a WPC or SPC (stone-plastic composite) core sounds and feels significantly more solid — comparable to laminate. When comparing products, walking on samples is more informative than reading spec sheets.

**Bottom line:** If you're installing anywhere near moisture — kitchens, bathrooms, basements — choose LVP. If you're in a dry above-grade area and prefer a harder, denser feel underfoot, laminate is a legitimate option at a slightly lower price. For most homeowners covering multiple rooms including any wet area, LVP is the more versatile choice.

See our [hardwood vs. LVP guide](/articles/hardwood-vs-lvp-flooring/index.md) for the full picture, or [find flooring contractors near you](/flooring-contractors-near-me/index.md).

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![Remy](/images/remy/face-6aa3719e.png) Remy's Take

If moisture is anywhere in the picture, kitchen, bath, basement, go with LVP; it's fully waterproof through and through. Laminate is a fine, slightly cheaper option, but only in dry, above-grade rooms.

## Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions homeowners ask most often before starting this project - what it costs, how long it takes, what a fair quote looks like and which details change the price. Each answer below is written to stand on its own, so you can read just the one you need.

### Is LVP better than laminate?

For most applications, LVP is the more versatile choice because it's 100% waterproof and can be installed anywhere in the home. Laminate's wood-based core makes it vulnerable to moisture damage in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. The cost difference is small — typically $1-$2 per sq ft.

### Can you put laminate flooring in a bathroom?

It's not recommended. Laminate has a wood-composite core that absorbs moisture when water gets into seams or under the floor. Even water-resistant laminate is not waterproof and will eventually swell and delaminate in high-humidity bathroom conditions.

### How do I tell LVP from laminate in a store?

Feel the edge of a cut sample or plank end. LVP is entirely vinyl — flexible, with no visible wood fiber in the core. Laminate has a visible HDF/MDF core that looks like compressed wood or particleboard. The product spec sheet will also specify the core material.

### Does LVP scratch easily?

It depends on the wear layer thickness. Entry-level LVP with a 6-8 mil wear layer scratches more easily than thicker products. For homes with pets or heavy traffic, choose 20-mil or thicker. Laminate typically has a harder surface than thin-wear-layer LVP but still scratches with heavy use.

### What is WPC flooring?

WPC stands for wood-plastic composite — a foam-filled vinyl core used in premium LVP products. WPC is thicker, softer underfoot, and slightly more comfortable than standard PVC core LVP. SPC (stone-plastic composite) is a denser, harder variant used in commercial-grade LVP. Both are 100% waterproof.

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Source: https://remodelyourhome.com/articles/laminate-vs-vinyl-plank/