LVT vs Laminate Flooring: Which to Choose? UK 2026 Comparison
LVT vs Laminate Flooring: Which to Choose? UK 2026 Comparison
LVT and laminate flooring look similar in photos and cost roughly the same per square metre. But they're built completely differently and suit very different rooms. This guide cuts through the marketing fluff to give you the practical answer.
Quick answer
If you need waterproof: LVT. If you want the cheapest hard flooring: laminate. If you have pets or kids: LVT. If you're DIY-installing: laminate is easier. If you have underfloor heating: both work.
What is LVT?
Luxury vinyl tile. PVC-based multi-layer flooring with a photographic decor layer protected by a clear wear layer (0.3-0.7mm). Comes in plank or tile format. Two main types: glue-down LVT (thinner, 2-2.5mm, like Karndean Knight Tile or Polyflor Camaro) and SPC click LVT (rigid core, 4-5mm, fully waterproof, like Woods Click SPC).
What is laminate?
HDF (high-density fibreboard) core with a photographic decor layer and a protective melamine wear surface. Comes only in plank format. Click-fit installation, no glue. AC (Abrasion Class) rated AC3-AC5 for wear resistance.
Direct comparison table
| Feature | LVT | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Price per m² (typical) | £13-50 | £8-30 |
| Waterproof | Water-resistant to fully waterproof (SPC) | NOT waterproof. HDF core swells if wet |
| Suitable for bathrooms | Yes (especially SPC click) | No |
| Suitable for kitchens | Yes | Better in dry kitchens only |
| Feel underfoot | Warmer, softer, quieter | Harder, colder, noisier (without good underlay) |
| Installation | Glue-down or click-fit | Click-fit only, easiest DIY |
| Pet-friendly | Excellent (especially SPC) | Good, but scratch-prone with claws |
| Realism | Best in class (photographic decor + texture) | Good but flatter looking |
| Lifespan | 15-25 years residential | 10-20 years residential |
| Underfloor heating | Compatible (up to 27°C) | Compatible (most ranges) |
Cost: LVT vs laminate over 10 years
Laminate looks cheaper per m² but lasts less. A 10-year cost analysis often shows LVT works out similar or cheaper:
- Laminate at £15/m² lasting 10 years: £150 per m² over 100 years (replacement 10 times)
- LVT at £20/m² lasting 20 years: £100 per m² over 100 years (replacement 5 times)
Plus laminate that fails (water damage in a kitchen) often costs more to replace because the whole floor lifts.
When laminate wins
- You want the cheapest hard flooring per m² upfront
- You're DIY-installing and want the simplest click-fit
- You're flooring a low-traffic room that won't see water (bedrooms, dining rooms)
- You want herringbone laminate specifically (12,000+ UK monthly searches)
When LVT wins
- You need waterproof or water-resistance (kitchens, bathrooms, hallways)
- You have pets or kids (LVT handles scratches + spills better)
- You want the most realistic wood or stone look
- You're laying over underfloor heating
- You want the floor to last 20+ years
- You're laying herringbone parquet (LVT herringbone is more popular and easier to find than laminate herringbone at premium tiers)
How to decide for your home
Walk through each room you're flooring:
- Bathroom or wet area? LVT (SPC click)
- Kitchen? LVT (SPC click or glue-down)
- Hallway? Either, but LVT lasts longer
- Living room? Either, decide on aesthetic and budget
- Bedrooms? Either, laminate often wins on price
- Pets? LVT (especially SPC)
- Underfloor heating? Either, check max temp 27°C
What we stock at FW
We're a family-run UK flooring wholesaler. We stock both:
- LVT range: Browse LVT including own-brand Style + Woods Click SPC, Karndean, Polyflor Camaro
- Laminate range: Browse laminate including herringbone laminate
Free samples on every range. Compare side-by-side in your actual room light before you decide.
