Free in-home estimate · We bring the samples
Laminate vs. luxury vinyl plank
Both look like wood, both click together as floating floors and both cost less than most hardwood. The differences are in the core, the surface and how each handles water, scratches and comfort.
- Samples brought to your home
- Every room measured at the visit
- Materials and installation in one written quote
- Professional installation
We sell and install both, so we have no reason to push one. Here is how we help homeowners choose.
How it works
1. Room by room
List the rooms and how they are used: kitchen, bath, kids, pets, rental.
2. Compare samples
See both side by side at home, in your light.
3. Check ratings
Water claims, AC ratings and wear layers come from each manufacturer's specifications.
4. Install
Floating installation over a flat subfloor, with matching stair nosings.
Water and kitchens
Luxury vinyl plank and SPC rigid core are made of waterproof materials, so the planks themselves do not swell from surface water. Laminate has a wood-fiber core; newer water-resistant and waterproof laminates handle spills for a rated number of hours. For bathrooms and laundry rooms, vinyl or SPC is the safer choice. In kitchens, both can work. Product pages list each manufacturer's water claim.
Scratches and pets
Laminate generally has a harder surface and resists scratches from claws and grit very well (look at the AC rating). Vinyl and SPC are softer and quieter underfoot, and handle pet accidents better because they are waterproof. Many pet owners choose a waterproof laminate or an SPC with a thick wear layer.
Feel, sound and look
Laminate tends to feel firmer and more like wood. Vinyl and SPC feel slightly softer, and many include an attached pad that reduces sound. Both come in realistic wood looks; laminate often has deeper embossed texture.
Cost
Prices overlap. Thicker, waterproof and higher-rated products cost more in both categories. Installation is similar because both are floating floors; subfloor flatness affects cost for both.
Call for pricing or book a free in-home estimate. Material and installation are quoted per project after we measure.
Related flooring and services
Questions we hear
Which is better for dogs, laminate or vinyl?+
For scratches, laminate with a high AC rating. For accidents and water bowls, waterproof vinyl or SPC. A waterproof laminate covers both reasonably well.
Which is better in a kitchen?+
Either can work. If you want maximum water resistance, choose SPC or luxury vinyl plank.
Can laminate or vinyl go on stairs?+
Yes, with matching stair nosings. We install both on stairs.
Is SPC the same as luxury vinyl plank?+
SPC is a type of rigid-core luxury vinyl. It is denser and stiffer than flexible vinyl plank.
Recent projects
We bring the showroom to your doorstep
We bring samples to your home, measure your rooms and give you a written quote. The estimate is free.