Both luxury vinyl plank and laminate flooring give you a wood look without a hardwood budget, and both show up constantly on our estimates across the Greater Columbus Area. They're not interchangeable, though - here's the honest comparison.
Waterproofing: LVP wins outright
Rigid-core LVP is fully waterproof, top to bottom - it can sit in standing water without swelling. Laminate's core is wood-based, so even "water-resistant" versions only tolerate everyday spills wiped up promptly. For kitchens, basements, mudrooms, and bathrooms, LVP is the only one we'll recommend without hesitation.
Scratch resistance: laminate takes the edge
Laminate's aluminum-oxide wear layer is genuinely tougher against scratches than most LVP - a real consideration for households with big dogs or a lot of dragged furniture. If your main concern is claws and chair legs rather than moisture, laminate holds up exceptionally well in dry living areas.
Feel and sound underfoot
LVP has a slightly softer, quieter step thanks to its flexible core and the underlayment we install beneath it. Laminate feels a bit firmer and can sound hollower without the right pad - we always spec a quality underlayment either way to keep second-floor rooms quiet.
| Category | LVP | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes - fully | No - water-resistant at best |
| Scratch resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Installed cost | $5 - $9/sq ft | $4 - $7/sq ft |
| Best rooms | Kitchens, baths, basements | Bedrooms, living rooms, dry areas |
Bring both to your own living room before deciding
Schedule a free in-home estimateOur Recommendation Process
We bring full-size samples of both to your home so you can see the grain and finish in your own light before choosing anything. Whichever you pick, our own crew installs it - not a subcontractor - and it's backed by a one-year installation guarantee.
