LVT vs Laminate vs Hardwood Flooring Comparison: Pros & Cons

Choosing the right flooring for your home is a big decision. The floor you pick doesn’t just affect how your space looks — it also influences comfort, durability, and even long-term home value. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to know which one is the best fit for your lifestyle.

In this LVT vs laminate vs hardwood flooring comparison, we’ll break down the key differences between these three popular choices. From cost and installation to style and durability, this guide will help you understand the pros and cons of each option so you can make a confident decision for your home.

1. Understanding the Basics

What is LVT Flooring?

LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) is a modern flooring solution designed to mimic the look of natural materials like wood or stone — but with added practicality. It’s made up of multiple layers:

• A durable wear layer that protects against scratches and stains.

• A printed design layer that creates the realistic wood or stone effect.

• A core layer (flexible or rigid, depending on the type) that provides stability.

• A backing layer for comfort and sound absorption.

What makes LVT so popular is its waterproof nature and durability. Unlike laminate or hardwood, it can be safely installed in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms without worrying about moisture damage. It’s also easy to maintain, making it a practical choice for busy households with kids or pets.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring has been a popular choice for decades as an affordable alternative to hardwood. It’s built from a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core, topped with a printed design layer that mimics wood or stone, and finished with a clear protective wear layer for durability.

While laminate isn’t waterproof, modern versions often come with improved water resistance, making them more practical in busy households. It’s a cost-effective way to get the look of hardwood without the higher price tag, and installation is usually straightforward with click-lock systems. For many homeowners, laminate strikes the right balance between style, affordability, and ease of installation.

What is Hardwood Flooring?

Hardwood flooring is considered the gold standard of flooring — admired for its natural beauty, warmth, and prestige. It comes in two main types:

• Solid hardwood: made from a single piece of timber, offering a timeless, authentic look.

• Engineered hardwood: built with a real wood veneer on top of layered plywood, making it more stable and resistant to humidity than solid wood.

Hardwood floors can last for decades (even over a century) when properly cared for, and they add significant resale value to a home. However, they require more maintenance than LVT or laminate and can be vulnerable to scratches, dents, and water damage. Despite this, many homeowners choose hardwood for its unmatched elegance and the way it enhances a home’s character.

2. LVT vs Laminate vs Hardwood: The Big Comparison:

When it comes to choosing flooring, it often helps to see the options side by side. Below, we break down LVT vs laminate vs hardwood flooring comparison across the most important categories: appearance, durability, water resistance, comfort, installation, and cost.

Appearance & Style

• LVT: Advances in printing technology mean LVT looks very realistic, often mimicking wood or stone with incredible accuracy. Some options even have textured finishes to feel like the real thing.

• Laminate: Offers a wide range of wood-look finishes, though the feel can be less authentic compared to LVT or hardwood.

• Hardwood: Nothing beats the natural beauty of real wood. Each plank is unique, and hardwood can be refinished to refresh its look over time.

Durability & Longevity

• LVT: Resistant to scratches, dents, and everyday wear. Its wear layer makes it ideal for high-traffic homes.

• Laminate: Strong against scratches and dents, but vulnerable to water damage if spills aren’t cleaned quickly.

• Hardwood: Can last for decades and be sanded/refinished multiple times. However, it’s prone to scratches, dents, and surface wear.

Water & Moisture Resistance

• LVT: 100% waterproof, making it a top choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

• Laminate: Water-resistant at best; standing water can cause swelling or warping.

• Hardwood: Not suitable for wet environments. Even small spills can cause staining or damage if not addressed quickly.

Comfort & Feel Underfoot

• LVT: Slightly softer and warmer than laminate, especially if installed with a good underlayment.

• Laminate: Feels firm underfoot. Can sound hollow without proper underlayment.

• Hardwood: Warm, solid, and luxurious underfoot. Naturally absorbs sound better than laminate or LVT.

Installation & Maintenance

• LVT: Comes in click-lock, glue-down, or loose-lay options. DIY-friendly for many homeowners. Easy to clean with sweeping and damp mopping.

• Laminate: Typically click-lock, making it simple for DIY projects. Easy to maintain but harder to repair if boards are damaged.

• Hardwood: Installation is more complex and often requires a professional. Maintenance includes refinishing over time, and regular cleaning with appropriate wood products.

Cost & Value

• LVT: Mid-range pricing, with excellent durability for the cost. Doesn’t add as much resale value as hardwood.

• Laminate: Usually the most affordable option, making it budget-friendly while still offering style.

• Hardwood: The most expensive upfront but adds long-term value and prestige to a home

  Quick Comparison Table

  Feature	LVT	Laminate	Hardwood
  Appearance	Realistic wood/stone looks	Good range of styles, less authentic feel	Natural beauty, timeless
  Durability	Scratch & stain resistant	Durable but not waterproof	Can last decades, prone to scratches
  Water Resistance	100% waterproof	Water-resistant only	Not water-friendly
  Comfort	Soft, warmer with underlayment	Firm, can sound hollow	Warm, solid, luxurious
  Installation	DIY-friendly, multiple methods	Easy DIY click-lock	Professional recommended
  Maintenance	Easy, low-maintenance	Easy to clean, harder to repair	Needs refinishing, special care
  Cost	Mid-range	Most affordable	Highest upfront cost, best resale value

3. LVT vs laminate vs hardwood flooring: Pros & Cons

Sometimes, the simplest way to decide is to weigh the pros and cons. Here’s a quick overview of each option in this LVT vs laminate vs hardwood flooring comparison:

LVT Luxury Vinyl Tile

Pros:

• 100% waterproof — safe for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

• Scratch and stain resistant.

• Wide range of realistic wood and stone designs.

• Softer underfoot compared to laminate.

• Easy to clean and maintain.

Cons:

• Mid-range cost, often pricier than laminate.

• Doesn’t add as much resale value as hardwood.

• Can feel less “authentic” compared to real wood.

Laminate Flooring

Pros:

• Budget-friendly — the most affordable of the three.

• Good durability against scratches and dents.

• Wide choice of styles and finishes.

• DIY-friendly installation with click-lock systems.

Cons:

• Not waterproof — can swell or warp with moisture.

• Harder underfoot, can sound hollow without underlay.

• Damaged boards are harder to repair.

Hardwood Flooring

Pros:

• Natural beauty and timeless appeal.

• Can last for decades (even over 100 years) with proper care.

• Can be sanded and refinished multiple times.

• Adds significant resale value and prestige to a home.

Cons:

• Most expensive upfront.

• Prone to scratches, dents, and water damage.

• Requires professional installation and ongoing maintenance.

4. Which Flooring Is Right for You?

Not sure which flooring is right for you? Here are a few quick scenarios to point you in the right direction. And if you’re wondering how to pick the perfect colour and pattern, don’t miss our other post [here].

• On a budget? → Choose Laminate.
  Laminate is the most affordable option, great for homeowners who want the look of wood without stretching their budget.

• Need style + moisture resistance? → Go with LVT.
  Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or busy family homes where spills and messes are a daily reality.

• Thinking long-term and love natural luxury? → Pick Hardwood.
  Hardwood floors are an investment. They cost more upfront but bring unmatched beauty, longevity, and resale value.

LVT vs laminate vs hardwood flooring: Final thoughts

Choosing the right flooring for your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re drawn to the waterproof practicality of LVT, the budget-friendly versatility of laminate, or the timeless beauty of hardwood, understanding the pros and cons of each option is the first step in making the best decision for your space.

This LVT vs laminate vs hardwood flooring comparison shows that every option has its strengths — it’s all about matching the flooring to your lifestyle, budget, and room requirements

Check Out Our Other Useful Flooring Posts

For more in-depth guides, comparison articles, and design tips, check out our other useful flooring posts: Interior Design Tips: Flooring

FAQ: LVT vs laminate vs hardwood flooring

Q: Is LVT cheaper than laminate or hardwood?

A: Laminate is usually the most budget-friendly option. LVT is slightly more expensive but offers waterproof protection and added durability. Hardwood is the most costly upfront but can increase your home’s value over time.

Q: Which flooring is better for pets — LVT, laminate, or hardwood?

A: LVT is generally the best choice for pet owners. It’s waterproof, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Laminate holds up well against scratches but can be damaged by pet accidents. Hardwood looks beautiful but is prone to scratches from claws and damage from spills.

Q: Which flooring adds the most value to a home?

A: Hardwood flooring wins here. Buyers love its natural beauty and longevity, making it a big selling point. LVT and laminate won’t boost resale value as much, but they keep your home looking stylish and practical.

Q: Can I mix LVT, laminate, and hardwood in the same house?

A: Yes, absolutely! Many homeowners combine them — for example, hardwood in living areas, LVT in bathrooms and kitchens, and laminate in bedrooms. The key is to choose complementary colours and finishes so your home feels cohesive.

Q: Which flooring lasts the longest?

A: Hardwood has the longest lifespan and can last for generations with refinishing. LVT usually lasts 15–25 years depending on quality, while laminate typically lasts 10–20 years with good care.

Q: How easy is it to install each type of flooring?

A: LVT and laminate are DIY-friendly thanks to click-lock systems. LVT can also be glued down for a more permanent installation. Hardwood usually requires professional installation because it’s more complex and time-intensive.

Q: Which flooring is the easiest to maintain?

A: LVT is the simplest to look after — just sweep and mop. Laminate is also low-maintenance but doesn’t like water, so spills need quick cleanup. Hardwood needs more careful cleaning and refinishing to stay in top condition.

This article is a guest post from Apple Flooring, specialists in LVT, engineered wood, and carpets. For the full range of Amtico, Amtico One, Invictus, and Khars LVT, visit their showrooms in Basildon or Leigh-on-Sea, where their expert team can guide you to the perfect flooring solution. Prefer to browse online? Check out their website, Apple Flooring, for more inspiration and ideas.

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image by Amtico Flooring