Can LVT be used in bathrooms?

Yes. LVT is 100% waterproof and is one of the best flooring choices for bathrooms. It's warm underfoot, slip-resistant and easy to clean. Unlike tiles, it doesn't require grout and is more comfortable to stand on.

Can laminate be used in kitchens?

Modern laminate can be used in kitchens if spills are cleaned up promptly. However, we generally recommend LVT for kitchens because it's fully waterproof and more forgiving of the moisture that inevitably occurs around sinks and dishwashers.

Which is easier to install?

Both use click-lock systems that are relatively straightforward to install. LVT is more flexible and easier to cut around obstacles like pipes and door frames. Laminate is slightly more rigid, which some fitters find easier to work with on large, open areas.

With proper care, both products should last 15–25 years in domestic settings. LVT tends to be more resistant to moisture damage, which is the most common cause of premature failure in laminate.

Can you use underfloor heating with LVT and laminate?

Both products can be used with underfloor heating, but you need to check the manufacturer's specifications. LVT is generally more compatible with UFH than laminate. The floor temperature should not exceed 27°C for either product.

Product Comparison 8 min read

LVT vs Laminate Flooring: Which is Better for Your Home?

Both look like wood, both are affordable, and both are enormously popular in Bristol homes. But LVT and laminate are fundamentally different products that perform very differently in real-world conditions. Here's the honest comparison.

By the Multi-Save Carpets team · Updated 2025 · Based in Bristol since 1955

What is LVT?

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product. The core is made from PVC, topped with a photographic layer that mimics wood or stone, then protected by a clear wear layer. Modern LVT is genuinely difficult to distinguish from real wood or stone.

LVT comes in two main formats: click LVT (floating installation, like laminate) and glue-down LVT (adhered directly to the subfloor). Click LVT is more popular for DIY and domestic installations.

What is Laminate?

Laminate flooring has a high-density fibreboard (HDF) core topped with a photographic layer and a protective melamine coating. It's been the go-to affordable wood-look flooring for 30 years and remains extremely popular.

The key difference from LVT is the core material: laminate's HDF core is wood-based, which means it swells and warps when exposed to moisture.

Waterproofing: LVT Wins Clearly

This is the most important practical difference. LVT is 100% waterproof — the PVC core does not absorb water. You can install it in bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms and anywhere else moisture is a concern.

Laminate is not waterproof. The HDF core will swell if water gets between the joints. Modern laminate is much more moisture-resistant than older products, but it is not suitable for wet rooms or areas with standing water risk.

Verdict: For kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and utility rooms, LVT is the clear choice.

Feel Underfoot: Laminate Feels More Solid

LVT is softer and more flexible than laminate. This makes it warmer and quieter underfoot, but some people find it feels slightly less solid. Laminate's HDF core gives it a harder, more floor-like feel that many people prefer.

Both products benefit significantly from a good underlay — though not all LVT products require underlay (some have it pre-attached).

Durability: Both Are Excellent

Both LVT and laminate are highly durable for domestic use. The wear layer thickness is the key factor — look for at least 0.3mm for domestic use, 0.5mm+ for heavy traffic areas.

LVT is more resistant to denting and scratching from furniture legs. Laminate can chip at edges if heavy objects are dropped on it.

Cost: Similar Price Points

Both products are available across a wide price range. Budget laminate starts around £10–£15/m², while budget LVT starts around £15–£20/m². Premium versions of both can reach £40–£60/m².

Installation costs are similar for both products. LVT is generally easier to cut and install around obstacles, which can reduce fitting time slightly.