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Neither category lends the prestige of solid hardwood floors or designer tile, but neither will put off prospective buyers, either. However, as the luxury vinyl tile trend continues to catch on and products become more advanced, LVT/LVP might close the gap in real estate value. Both products are much cheaper than natural flooring materials like hardwood and stone.Īs long as it is relatively new & in good condition, laminate flooring typically has a higher resale value because it has more advanced features like better imaging, embossment, and better joinery systems. Laminate and LVT/LVP are comparable in price. Laminate plank can be cut using an ordinary circular saw, while most LVT/LVP can be cut with a utility knife. LVT/LVP is a bit more cold and rigid, especially when floated over concrete or tile.īoth laminate and LVT/LVP flooring are designed for easy installation, making them a good DIY project even for those with limited experience. However, laminate tends to feel warmer and softer – especially when paired with the right foam underlayment. Neither laminate nor LVT/LVP feels quite like real wood. When you’re shopping, looks may be the most obvious feature of a floor – however, once it’s installed, you’ll begin to notice the way it feels and sounds underfoot. Luxury vinyl plank flooring, with its thicker, rigid solid core, tends to look more like wood since deeper embossing is possible on its surface. While laminate flooring has historically had deeper, more realistic visuals & embossing on its surfaces, certain modern LVT/LVP products do as well. The difference here will generally depend on the product you choose. LVT/LVP is the winner when it comes to top surface water resistance. However, for both products, if not installed properly, moisture issues can arise from the subfloor and cause failure or other issues.Īmerica’s Floor Source recommended installation areas for laminate & LVT/LVP floorsĭependent on specific product's water resistance The core can be thick, especially in rigid core plank and tile formats.īoth modern, high-end laminates and LVT/LVP flooring are water-resistant. LVT/LVP usually consists of a base layer of fiberglass coated in PVC with multiple wear layers. Unlike the 100% synthetic LVT/LVP, laminate flooring is made from real wood byproducts, bonded with resins. The Differences Between Laminate & Vinyl Flooring Material, Construction & Water Resistanceįor all their similarities, the key difference that sets these two products apart is the material from which they’re made. Other types of vinyl can also be installed with adhesives. Some luxury vinyl plank floors are floating floor systems like laminate.
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LVT/LVP used to be inferior to laminate in terms of imaging and textures, but the technology has caught up and, in some cases, surpassed that of its competitor. Like laminate, LVT/LVP allows you to mimic the appearance of natural flooring materials.
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Vinyl flooring is a 100% synthetic material available in planks or tiles.
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