Laminate Vs LVT: Which flooring is right for you?
The big debate – laminate or Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)? As two of the most popular choices on the flooring market, understanding the differences is key to selecting the material that meets your aesthetic vision and stands up to the demands of your lifestyle. On the surface, they can appear to have similarities. It isn’t until you research the finer details – construction, performance, and style – that it becomes clear which flooring option best compliments your plans.
Our showroom in Mere Green is recognised as an Amitco One location, and as a premium partner of Amtico, we see first hand how high-quality flooring can completely transform a space. Laminate and LVT can equally furnish commercial and domestic environments, and we’re here to make sure your decision delivers everything you hoped.
Down to the core
The fundamental distinction between laminate and LVT lies in their composition. Laminate flooring is a wood-based product, constructed from high-density fibreboard (HDF) made of compressed wood pulp. A photographic image layer sits on top of this core, which is protected by a hard, clear wear layer. This process gives laminate its infamous rigid feel and makes it a cost-effective alternative to real hardwood.
In contrast, LVT is a PVC-based product (Polyvinyl Chloride, a synthetic plastic polymer). High end flooring options consist of multiple layers of the finest vinyl, creating a layered construction that is as strong as it is flexible. LVT doesn’t contain any wood-based materials, so it performs much better than laminate in areas where moisture is a concern.
Water resistant or waterproof?
Perhaps the most significant advantage of LVT over laminate is that it’s engineered to be waterproof, not just water resistant. This is where Amitco particularly excels, allowing seamless floor installation in any room of the house without having to worry about water damage. Since laminate has wood fibres, it’s more susceptible to moisture, and prolonged exposure to water can cause the planks to swell, warp, or delaminate. Any spills, splashes or leaks need to be wiped up immediately, which makes laminate a less-than-ideal choice for bathrooms, utility rooms, or any other moisture-prone areas.
Busy households need flooring that lasts
Every floor’s long-term performance comes down to the quality of its wear layer and overall construction. Fortunately, LVT and laminate are both designed for durability, featuring a tough top layer that protects against everyday erosion. However, whilst good quality laminate has the ability to withstand scratches and scuffs, its rigid nature can make it prone to chipping if heavy objects are dropped on it.
If the area you’re updating is high traffic, like the hallway, the inherent flexibility of LVT means the material is less likely to crack or chip under impact. The multi-layered construction, including a robust wear layer, provides exceptional resistance to abrasions and stains. Leading industry brands, such as Amtico, endorse their products with warranties, adding an extra dose of confidence that your flooring is going to last if you choose this retailer.
Low maintenance for the long term
Both flooring types are relatively easy to maintain, requiring little more than regular sweeping and occasional mopping. However, let us remind you that laminate and LVT cleaning methods differ because of their water resistance. Using a mop that is wet on laminate, rather than damp, can cause water to seep into the joints and weaken the structure, the same way the moisture and heat from a steam cleaner could cause irreversible damage.
Caring for LVT is simpler, as it can be cleaned with a wet mop and standard cleaning products without any risk. Unlike other natural materials, LVT doesn’t require waxing or polishing to maintain its appearance, making it a low-maintenance solution for modern living. If you purchase flooring from Amitco, they offer their own range of specially formulated floorcare products to keep surfaces looking their best.
Look beyond the surface
Aesthetics are a primary driver for any flooring choice, and rightly so. This is what you and your guests will see and feel every time you’re in the house. But in the same breath, you need to think about the upkeep of these designs and whether they’re manageable in your household.
Luckily, the flooring industry has caught on to the growing requests for quick and easy cleaning regimes, and responded with laminate and LVT. Laminate primarily focuses on replicating wood plank designs, ideal for those who prefer traditional trends. If you’re trying to channel natural materials through laminate flooring, remember it’s not designed to sustain water, and will last much longer in dry areas like the living room.
Modern day homeowners are becoming much more experimental with their interior choices, and LVT offers a far greater range of design possibilities. Particularly with ranges such as Amitco, there’s a lot of versatility in tile size, plank format, laying patterns, and design. Their original ideas are what set them apart from other flooring companies, featuring: Victorian-inspired Geometric patterns, optical illusion Key Stone and Gatsby Squares, contemporary Arc and Random Stone layouts, on-trend Terrazzo effects, and plenty more across their six collections (Signature, Décor, Form, Spacia, Click Smart, and First).
Building a home for the future
The flooring scene has come a long way in recent years, and ruling brands are keeping the space exciting through their creative designs, textures and arrangements. Now, you have opportunities to decorate your home, rather than having to pick from a pre-made selection – with ample access to the supplies and professional support required to restore your personal taste.
Langan Carpets has been impressing homeowners across the West Midlands for over 30 years, and this has only extended since the opening of our interior design showroom. It’s a place for you to experience an exquisite selection of flooring, carpets, and bespoke wall coverings, so you can feel and see the products before you make a decision.
Call us on 0121 308 8998 or simply drop in to the showroom at a time that suits you, and our fitters will be there to advise and improve the feel of your prestigious homes.