What’s the difference between luxury vinyl tile and laminate?

We hear this question all the time. However, luxury vinyl flooring and laminate are layered and affordable, attractive alternatives to wood, stone, and tile.

Both are also low maintenance. However, that’s where the similarities end. Read more to find out about the differences between luxury vinyl tile and laminate floors.

Luxury vinyl flooring is waterproof

Waterproof and water-resistant are not the same. Waterproof means impenetrable to liquid.

Luxury vinyl flooring is made from PVC, an inherently water-repellent product. Therefore, there are no special coatings or other enhancements needed.

Any anxiety about immediately wiping up liquids is eliminated because it repels for hours. You can be sure of a floor handling significant leaks and minor spills.

This holds for either LVF forms: luxury vinyl tile or plank.

Laminate flooring is made from wood byproducts unless it's the newer spill-proof version. It must be wiped immediately, or it could soak, stain, peel, and ripple.

The importance of core construction in waterproofing

The core is the floor's foundation; once it's soaked, the floor is damaged. Luxury vinyl's core is PVC vinyl, while laminate is high-density fiberboard (HDF).

While highly water-resistant and more stable, HDF is not impenetrable. Therefore, floors made from original laminate shouldn't be installed in wet areas like the kitchen or bath.

A different feeling underfoot

Luxury vinyl tile-sized pieces (also called LVT flooring) are resilient–as is the vinyl plank. Laminate flooring has a rigid feeling like that of a hard surface.

Installation

Laminate floors are installed via the floating floor technique. The pieces click, mat, and then hover over the subfloor without nails or glue.

Laminate should never be glued. They also always require an underlayment.

Luxury vinyl flooring is often installed as a floating floor but can also be glued. Consult your flooring expert as to whether an underlayment should be used.

Premier flooring source in Davie, FL

Daniel Flooring has decades of experience with a knowledgeable and friendly staff. We'll help you decide if luxury vinyl tile or laminate is right for you.

Our inventory includes well-known names like Armstrong, Tarkett, Mannington, etc. If you live or work in Dania Beach, Plantation, Weston, Hollywood, or Fort Lauderdale, visit our showroom in Davie, FL.