LVP vs. Laminate: Which Waterproof Option is Right for You?
You want floors that look like wood but won’t be ruined by water. That narrows your search to luxury vinyl plank and waterproof laminate, the two products fighting for this space in today’s market.
Both promise wood-look aesthetics with moisture protection. Both install as floating floors with click-lock systems. Both cost less than real hardwood.
So what’s the difference? And which one makes sense for your home?
At Leicester Flooring, we sell quality products in both categories. We’re not pushing you toward one or the other. We want you to understand the real differences so you can choose what fits your life.
Here’s the honest comparison.
Understanding What You’re Comparing
These products look similar in marketing materials but differ significantly in construction, performance, and appropriate uses.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP is a synthetic flooring made primarily from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The layered construction typically includes:
- A wear layer protecting the surface
- A photographic print layer creating the wood appearance
- A rigid or flexible core for stability
- A backing layer for comfort and sound reduction
The entire product is synthetic, which makes it 100% waterproof. Water cannot damage LVP because the materials simply don’t absorb moisture.
Waterproof Laminate
Laminate flooring consists of:
- A wear layer protecting the surface
- A photographic print layer creating the wood appearance
- A high-density fiberboard (HDF) core
- A backing layer for stability
Traditional laminate uses an HDF core that absorbs water and swells, making it unsuitable for wet areas. Waterproof laminate addresses this with treated cores, sealed edges, and water-resistant construction.
The “waterproof” in waterproof laminate means water resistance superior to traditional laminate, but it’s not the complete imperviousness that LVP provides.
The Key Difference: True Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant
This distinction matters more than any other factor in this comparison.
LVP: Complete Waterproof Protection
LVP can handle anything moisture-related. Spills, splashes, pet accidents, flooding, high humidity. None of it affects the material because synthetic construction doesn’t absorb water.
You can install LVP in bathrooms, kitchens, basements, laundry rooms, and any space where water exposure is likely. The waterproof protection is absolute and permanent.
Waterproof Laminate: Enhanced Protection with Limits
Waterproof laminate handles moisture much better than traditional laminate. Spills that are wiped up promptly cause no damage. Normal kitchen and laundry use is typically fine.
However, waterproof laminate isn’t truly impervious. Water can potentially penetrate at seams, edges, or transitions over time. Standing water shouldn’t remain on the floor. Installation in bathrooms remains inadvisable.
The protection is real and meaningful, but it’s not the complete peace of mind LVP provides.
Performance Comparison
Beyond moisture handling, these products differ in several practical ways.
Appearance and Realism
Laminate often looks slightly more realistic than comparably priced LVP. The photographic printing process for laminate has been refined over decades, and the HDF core creates a more rigid surface that some people perceive as more wood-like.
LVP has improved dramatically and closes this gap in premium products. COREtec and other quality LVP lines achieve excellent realism through embossed-in-register technology that aligns texture with printed grain.
At higher price points, appearance is essentially a tie. At entry-level prices, laminate may look marginally better.
Feel Underfoot
LVP feels softer and more comfortable than laminate. The flexible or semi-rigid core has more give than laminate’s HDF core. Products with cork or foam backing add noticeable cushioning.
Laminate feels harder and more rigid. The dense core creates a firm surface that some describe as feeling hollow. Quality underlayment helps but doesn’t match LVP’s inherent comfort.
For long periods of standing, like in kitchens, LVP wins the comfort comparison.
Sound
LVP is generally quieter than laminate. The softer construction absorbs sound rather than reflecting it. Higher-end LVP with quality backing produces notably less noise.
Laminate can sound hollow or produce clicking sounds underfoot, particularly with inadequate underlayment. The rigid construction reflects sound more than it absorbs.
Temperature Response
LVP expands and contracts with temperature changes. This doesn’t affect moisture performance but requires appropriate expansion gaps during installation. Extreme temperature swings in unconditioned spaces can cause issues.
Laminate is more stable across temperature ranges but responds to humidity changes. The wood-fiber core can swell in very humid conditions even with waterproof treatment.
For climate-controlled spaces in WNC, both perform well. For vacation properties or unconditioned areas, LVP handles temperature extremes better while laminate handles humidity variations.
Durability
LVP resists scratches, dents, and stains exceptionally well. The wear layer protects against pet claws, furniture movement, and dropped items. Heavy impacts that would dent hardwood barely mark quality LVP.
Laminate offers excellent scratch resistance through its wear layer but can chip or dent under severe impact. The hard surface is more vulnerable to sharp impacts than LVP’s more flexible construction.
For households with pets, heavy use, or active kids, LVP typically holds up better.
Cost Comparison
Price ranges overlap but differ at various quality levels.
Material Costs (Per Square Foot)
Standard Laminate: $1-$3
Waterproof Laminate: $3-$6
Entry-Level LVP: $2-$4
Quality LVP: $4-$7
Premium LVP (COREtec, etc.): $5-$10
At the low end, standard laminate costs less, but it’s not waterproof and shouldn’t be compared to waterproof options. Comparing waterproof-to-waterproof, pricing is similar, with premium LVP costing more than premium laminate.
Installation Costs
Both products install similarly as floating floors with click-lock systems. Installation costs are essentially identical.
Long-Term Value
LVP typically lasts 15-25 years versus laminate’s 10-20 years. The longer lifespan and superior moisture protection often make LVP better value over time despite potentially higher initial cost.
Best Uses for Each Product
Different situations favor different products. Here’s where each excels.
Choose LVP When:
Bathrooms are part of the project. LVP is the only option between these two that belongs in bathrooms. The complete waterproof protection handles bathroom moisture without concern.
You have pets. The scratch and stain resistance of LVP handles pet-related wear better than laminate. Accidents clean up without any floor damage.
Comfort matters. Kitchens, playrooms, or any space where you stand or sit on the floor benefits from LVP’s softer surface.
Maximum moisture protection is priority. If you want zero worry about spills, splashes, or humidity, LVP provides that peace of mind.
You’re flooring a basement. Below-grade installations need LVP’s complete waterproof construction.
Choose Waterproof Laminate When:
Budget is tight but moisture protection matters. Quality waterproof laminate costs less than comparable LVP while providing adequate protection for most uses.
You prefer the firmer feel. Some people genuinely prefer laminate’s rigid surface feel over LVP’s softer construction.
The installation avoids bathrooms. For living areas, bedrooms, and even kitchens, waterproof laminate performs well at potentially lower cost.
You’re matching existing laminate. For additions or partial replacements in homes with laminate flooring, matching makes sense.
Can You Use Both in One Home?
Yes. Some homeowners choose waterproof laminate for bedrooms and living areas while using LVP in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. This approach can optimize both budget and performance.
The key is selecting products that coordinate visually. We help match colors and styles across product categories so transitions look intentional.
Our Recommendations
For most Asheville and Hendersonville homeowners, we lean toward LVP. The superior moisture protection, longer lifespan, and better comfort provide value that typically justifies any price premium.
However, waterproof laminate makes sense in specific situations, particularly budget-conscious projects that don’t include bathrooms.
We carry quality options in both categories. Our Shaw, Mohawk, and Mannington laminate lines offer excellent waterproof protection. Our COREtec collection represents the premium end of the LVP market with exceptional performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is waterproof laminate really waterproof?
Waterproof laminate provides substantially better moisture protection than traditional laminate. It handles normal spills and everyday moisture exposure well. However, it’s not completely impervious like LVP. Standing water can eventually penetrate, and bathroom installation isn’t recommended.
Which looks more like real wood?
At similar price points, they’re comparable. Laminate arguably looks slightly better at entry-level prices. Premium LVP matches or exceeds laminate’s realism. Neither fully replicates genuine hardwood’s depth and variation.
Can I put LVP over existing laminate?
In some cases, yes. The existing floor must be in good condition, level, and firmly attached. We evaluate this during consultation and recommend whether overlay is appropriate or removal makes more sense.
Which is better for kitchens?
LVP. The complete waterproof protection handles kitchen spills without concern, and the softer surface provides comfort during cooking. Waterproof laminate can work in kitchens but carries slightly more risk.
Does one last longer than the other?
Quality LVP typically outlasts waterproof laminate. Expect 15-25 years from LVP versus 10-20 years from laminate. Individual results depend on product quality and household traffic.
Which is easier to install?
Both install similarly as floating floors. LVP is slightly more forgiving during installation due to its flexibility. Laminate requires more precision because the rigid planks don’t adjust easily.
Make the Right Choice for Your Home
Both LVP and waterproof laminate can create beautiful, practical floors. The right choice depends on your budget, your priorities, and which rooms you’re flooring.
At Leicester Flooring, we help you understand these differences without pressure toward either option. Our team’s 50 years of experience means we’ve seen how both products perform in Western NC homes.
Visit our Asheville or Hendersonville showroom to see and feel both products. Touch the textures. Compare the flexibility. Our team will help you choose what fits your situation.
Schedule your free in-home measure and let us help you make the right decision.