Both laminate and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) have their pros and cons. They also seem pretty similar at first glance since they resemble hardwood flooring, but they aren’t the same. If you choose the wrong product for your space, you’ll end up replacing your floors within a few years.
Which flooring makes the most sense for your home? It comes down to where you’re installing it, how your home adapts to seasonal changes and the amount of durability you need.
At Floors2Day, we install laminate and LVP throughout Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois so we know what works where. Let’s talk about what you should know before coming to a decision.
The Biggest Difference: Water and Moisture
Each flooring material reacts to moisture differently. Let’s get into it:
- Luxury Vinyl is Waterproof: Install these floors in kitchens, bathrooms, basements and mud rooms without worrying. Spills, pet accidents and moisture won’t cause warping or swelling as long as you clean it up within a reasonable amount of time.Â
- Laminate is Water-Resistant: Modern materials have water-resistant surfaces, but the fiberboard core may swell or warp when exposed to standing water. It’s great for living rooms, bedrooms and hallways, but not necessarily moisture-prone areas.
If you need flooring for your basement or bathroom, LVP is the better choice.
How They Handle Wisconsin Seasons
We live in the Midwest so we know what our weather can be like. Summers are humid and winters are dry, which can affect how your flooring behaves throughout the year. Consider the following:
- Laminate Expands and Contracts More with Seasonal Changes: Temperature and humidity changes impact the breathability of the floor. It specifically puts stress on the joints where the planks connect, resulting in gaps or buckling without proper expansion gaps.
- LVP Handles Seasonal Changes Better: Because it doesn’t breathe as much throughout the seasons, it puts less stress on joints so there are fewer issues with gaps or movement. In Wisconsin homes, stability is important.
What flooring is best for your lifestyle? The best way to find out is booking an in-home consultation with Floors2Day. We bring samples to your home so you compare products in your space.
Installation Differences
The installation process for laminate and LVP are nearly identical, but not the same.Both use floating click-and-lock systems, but the materials are a little different:
- Laminate Boards are More Rigid: Installation needs to be more precise because the planks are less forgiving of uneven subfloors or improper technique. The locking system is more robust so the planks have to connect firmly to last.
- LVP is Flexible and Forgiving: The installation process is much more straightforward. The material adapts better to minor subfloor imperfections as well, making the material more comfortable underfoot.
The Pros and Cons
Laminate Flooring
Pros:
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Scratch-resistant surface
- More robust locking mechanism
- Wide variety of wood-look styles
Cons:
- Not waterproof (is water-resistant)
- Expands and contracts more with the seasons
- Requires stricter installation standards
- Can feel harder underfoot
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Pros:
- Waterproof protection
- Handles seasonal changes better
- Easier installation process
- Softer and more comfortable underfoot
- Works in any room including basements and bathrooms
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point than entry level laminate
- Can dent under heavy point pressure
- Some products look less realistic than premium laminate
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s what you need to know:
- Choose Laminate If: You’re on a tight budget, installing dry areas like bedrooms or living rooms and if your home has stable humidity levels.
- Choose LVP If: You need waterproof flooring, you’re installing in kitchens, bathrooms or basements or you want flooring that handles Wisconsin’s seasonal swings without issues.
LVP is the most popular choice among Kenosha homeowners because of the waterproof construction, simple installation and seasonal stability built for real-life conditions.
Ready to Compare Laminate and LVP in Your Home
Still deciding between laminate and LVP? Your best bet is to see both products in your home with your lighting, furniture and layout. When you choose Floors2Day, you can see what flooring samples look like in your space with our shop-at-home service. We don’t do showroom pressure or guessing games.
Do you live in Southeastern Wisconsin or Northern Illinois? Want honest guidance from owners who pick up their phones? Contact us today to book an in-home consultation!
