Shopping for new floors? One question tends to come up: which flooring can handle everyday life without scratching or wearing out too fast?
It’s a reasonable question to ask, especially if you have kids or pets. At Floors2Day, we know our customers want beautiful, durable and easy to care for floors. That’s why we asked our co-owner Joe, who’s been helping homeowners choose floors for years to share his thoughts on the best scratch-resistant flooring products.
Tough and Dependable Laminate Flooring
If you’re worried about surface durability, laminate flooring is pretty tough. It’s built with a dense fiberboard core and a hard, protective wear layer. These floors are designed to stand up to scratches from pet claws, toys and moving furniture.
Joe explains that laminate “actually has a little more scratch resistance than LVP,” which is ideal for the busiest areas of the home like living rooms and hallways.
However, it’s important to remember that while some laminate styles are water-resistant, they aren’t waterproof. Leaving a spill too long or exposing it to consistent moisture can cause warping or swelling. That’s why it’s better to install laminate in dry areas where you want wood-look durability without the water resistance.
Scratch-Resistant and Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Looking for flooring that can handle both scratches and spills? Joe’s top recommendation is luxury vinyl plank (LVP).
LVP has a strong wear layer that resembles natural wood grain without sacrificing durability. That said, its waterproof core lets it handle everyday life without the risk of accidents or moisture damage.
As Joe puts it:
“I’ll take the waterproof with that scratch resistance any day of the week.”
The combination of durability and moisture protection makes LVP ideal for kitchens, basements, bathrooms and entryways. It also provides additional flexibility during installation, which ensures a tight fit.
Joe’s Take: Why LVP Wins for Most Homes
Both laminate and LVP stand up to scratches. However, Joe leans toward LVP as the better option overall. It provides the look of hardwood with less maintenance and protects against water damage. This is hard to beat!
When you’re upgrading floors in a busy household, peace of mind is the goal, not just scratch resistance. With LVP, you get durability that holds up to daily life and the confidence that spills or messes won’t ruin your investment.
Finding the Right Floor for Your Lifestyle
The best flooring for your home depends on your priorities. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Laminate | Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) |
| Scratch Resistance | Excellent | Excellent |
| Water Resistance | Not Waterproof | Fully Waterproof |
| Installation | Moderate | High |
| Comfort & Sound | Slightly Harder | Softer Underfoot |
| Ideal Rooms | Living rooms, bedrooms | Kitchens, basements, entryways |
Love the look of wood but need extra protection for life’s everyday moments? LVP might be the perfect fit for you.
Experience Floors2Day’s Shop-at-Home Service
As the leading flooring company, we bring flooring samples straight to your door so you can see, touch and compare them under your lighting and next to your furniture. Whether you live in Annapolis, MD or Kenosha, WI or a surrounding city, we can help you find flooring that suits your lifestyle without the pressure or gimmicks.
Still thinking about which flooring to choose? Contact us to book your free in-home