Luxury Vinyl Plank vs. Laminate Flooring: Which Is Right for Your Home?
If you're shopping for new flooring, chances are you've come across two popular options: luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate flooring.
Both offer beautiful wood-look designs, impressive durability, and a wide variety of styles and colors. But while they may look similar, there are some important differences that can make one a better choice for your home than the other.
At The Fargo Flooring Store, we help homeowners throughout Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, and the surrounding communities find flooring that fits their style, lifestyle, and budget.
Let's break down the differences between LVP and laminate to help you decide which flooring might be right for your next project.
1. What's the Difference Between LVP and Laminate?
Luxury vinyl plank and laminate flooring are both designed to replicate the appearance of natural hardwood, but they're made from different materials.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Luxury vinyl plank typically features a synthetic core, a printed design layer, and a protective wear layer. Many LVP products are waterproof, making them a popular choice for areas where spills and moisture are common.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring typically features a wood-based core, a realistic photographic design layer, and a protective surface. Modern laminate products offer impressive scratch resistance, realistic wood textures, and improved water resistance compared to older generations.
Both products have come a long way in recent years, and today's options can be incredibly difficult to distinguish from real hardwood.
2. Which Flooring Handles Water Better?
One of the biggest differences between luxury vinyl plank and laminate is how they handle moisture.
Many LVP products are manufactured with waterproof materials, making them a strong option for kitchens, entryways, mudrooms, and other areas where water exposure is a concern.
Laminate flooring has also improved significantly. Many newer laminate collections feature water-resistant technology, and some offer enhanced protection against everyday spills.
However, water resistance varies by product, and standing water or moisture reaching the subfloor can still cause problems with either flooring type.
Our recommendation: If moisture is a major concern, LVP is often worth considering first. However, certain laminate products may also be suitable depending on the room and manufacturer's specifications.
3. Which Is Better for Homes with Kids and Pets?
If you have children or pets, durability is probably near the top of your list.
Both LVP and laminate can be excellent choices for busy households.
Many laminate products offer particularly strong resistance to everyday scratches and surface wear, which can be helpful for homes with active dogs or high foot traffic.
Luxury vinyl plank also offers durable wear layers and is available in products specifically designed for active households.
Keep in mind that not all LVP or laminate products perform the same way. The quality of the product, its construction, and its protective surface all play an important role.
Our recommendation: Compare specific products rather than assuming every laminate or LVP floor performs the same. Our team can help you find options that match your household's needs.
4. Which Flooring Looks More Like Real Hardwood?
This is where things get interesting!
Both luxury vinyl plank and laminate flooring have become incredibly realistic.
Modern manufacturing allows both products to feature natural-looking wood grains, textured surfaces, and beautiful color variations.
Laminate can offer highly detailed wood textures, while LVP provides a wide range of realistic designs, plank sizes, and finishes.
From light natural oak and warm brown tones to rich, darker finishes, there are plenty of options to complement your home's design.
Ultimately, appearance often comes down to personal preference and the specific product you choose.
That's why seeing flooring samples in person can make such a difference.
5. What About Comfort and Noise?
The way flooring feels underfoot is another factor worth considering.
Some LVP products have a slightly softer or more flexible feel, depending on their construction and installation method.
Laminate generally has a firmer feel underfoot, although the underlayment and subfloor can make a significant difference.
Sound performance also varies depending on the flooring product, attached padding, underlayment, and installation.
If you're remodeling an upstairs bedroom, condo, or busy living space, these are important details to discuss before making a final decision.
6. Which Flooring Is More Affordable?
Both laminate and luxury vinyl plank are available at a wide range of price points.
Entry-level products can be budget-friendly, while premium collections with advanced features and realistic finishes may cost more.
It's also important to consider the total project cost, including:
- Flooring materials
- Underlayment, if required
- Subfloor preparation
- Removal of existing flooring
- Transitions and trim
- Professional installation
A less expensive flooring product doesn't always mean a less expensive completed project.
At The Fargo Flooring Store, we can help you compare your options and find flooring that works within your budget.
7. So, Which Flooring Should You Choose?
The answer depends on your home and how you use each space.
Luxury vinyl plank may be a great fit if:
- You're concerned about everyday moisture and spills.
- You're updating a kitchen, entryway, or mudroom.
- You want a wide selection of wood-look flooring.
- You prefer the feel or construction of a particular LVP product.
Laminate may be a great fit if:
- Scratch resistance is a major priority.
- You want realistic wood textures and finishes.
- You're updating bedrooms, living rooms, or hallways.
- You find a laminate collection that fits your style and performance needs.
Neither option is automatically better than the other. The right choice comes down to finding the product that fits your home, lifestyle, and budget.
Visit The Fargo Flooring Store and Compare Your Options
One of the best ways to decide between LVP and laminate is to see the products side by side.
At The Fargo Flooring Store, we carry a wide variety of flooring styles and work with trusted manufacturers to help homeowners find products they'll love.
Whether you're updating one room or replacing flooring throughout your entire home, our team can help you explore your options, compare products, and coordinate professional installation.
Stop by our West Fargo showroom or contact us today for a free flooring estimate!
The Fargo Flooring Store
405 Main Ave W, Suite 4G
West Fargo, ND 58078
701-781-0184
Beautiful floors start with the right choices. We're here to help you make them.









