LVT vs Hardwood vs Laminate & Which is Right for You
Introduction to Flooring Options
Choosing the right flooring for your home can feel overwhelming with so many styles and finishes available. Popular options include Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), hardwood, and laminate flooring, each with unique benefits, drawbacks, and price points. The key question is not which is best overall, but which suits your lifestyle, budget, and design goals.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about LVT vs hardwood vs laminate, including durability, appearance, cost, installation, and room suitability. By the end, you’ll feel more confident choosing the flooring that’s right for your home.
What is LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)?
Luxury Vinyl Tile, commonly known as LVT, has surged in popularity due to its ability to replicate natural materials like wood or stone. It’s highly durable, waterproof, and stylish, making it a practical choice for a wide range of spaces.
Features and Benefits of LVT
LVT is fully waterproof, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. It resists scratches, dents, and stains, making it ideal for busy households or pet owners. Softer underfoot than tile, it offers comfort and is more affordable than hardwood while achieving a similar look.
Where LVT Works Best
LVT excels in moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, where hardwood may struggle. Its durability and budget-friendly nature make it a smart choice for rental properties or high-traffic spaces.
What is Hardwood Flooring?
Hardwood flooring is admired for its timeless beauty and the value it adds to a property. Real wood brings natural charm and longevity unmatched by most alternatives.
Types of Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood comes in two main types. Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood that can be sanded and refinished multiple times, offering longevity. Engineered hardwood has a wood veneer on plywood, providing stability in humid conditions though with fewer refinishing opportunities.
Pros and Cons of Hardwood
Hardwood adds resale value and natural beauty, lasting for decades with proper care. Downsides include higher cost, susceptibility to scratches and moisture, and the need for periodic refinishing every 7–10 years to maintain its appearance.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a synthetic option that mimics wood or stone. It has multiple layers, including a photographic design layer beneath a tough protective coating.
Key Features of Laminate
Laminate is budget-friendly, scratch-resistant, and often uses a click-lock system for DIY-friendly floating floors. It’s a practical choice for high-traffic areas.
Advantages and Limitations
Laminate is affordable, widely available, and easy to install. However, it’s not fully waterproof and cannot be refinished once damaged. While attractive, it doesn’t add the same resale value as hardwood.
Key Differences: LVT vs Hardwood vs Laminate
Durability and Lifespan
Hardwood is the longest-lasting, often exceeding 50 years. LVT lasts 15–25 years, while laminate typically endures 10–20 years depending on use.
Appearance and Flexibility
Hardwood offers timeless natural beauty. LVT and laminate imitate this look while providing a wider range of colours and finishes.
Maintenance
LVT requires minimal maintenance—usually just sweeping and mopping. Hardwood needs careful cleaning and occasional refinishing. Laminate cleans easily but is sensitive to excess water.
Moisture Resistance
LVT is fully waterproof. Hardwood performs poorly in damp conditions, and laminate is partially water-resistant.
Cost in the UK
- LVT: around £20–£50 per m²
- Hardwood: typically £50–£100 per m²
- Laminate: usually £10–£30 per m²
Installation: Which is Easier?
LVT often comes as click-lock planks or glue-down tiles and can be installed by a DIYer. Hardwood usually requires professional installation, ensuring longevity. Laminate’s floating floor system is the easiest for DIY projects. Budget and ease of installation may favour LVT or laminate, while long-term value favours hardwood.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Sustainability is increasingly important for UK homeowners. Responsibly sourced hardwood is renewable if FSC-certified. LVT is synthetic but some brands are recyclable. Laminate uses high-density fibreboard from wood by-products, with some low-VOC options available. Engineered hardwood from responsibly managed forests is ideal for eco-conscious buyers.
Best Flooring for Different Rooms
Different rooms require different flooring solutions:
- Kitchens and bathrooms: LVT is waterproof and durable. Hardwood is not recommended, while laminate may work if water-resistant.
- Living rooms and bedrooms: Hardwood offers elegance, though LVT and laminate can also be suitable depending on budget.
- Basements and high-traffic areas: LVT is ideal for moisture resistance and durability. Laminate works with controlled humidity. Hardwood is not advised.
Resale Value and Home Investment
Hardwood offers the highest resale value. LVT is a good middle-ground, gaining popularity in the UK, while laminate provides affordability with moderate appeal.
Common Misconceptions
LVT looks realistic and no longer appears cheap. Hardwood, with proper care, is durable. Modern laminate is more scratch-resistant and suitable for pets than older versions.
Expert Recommendations
Families with children and pets
LVT is durable, waterproof, and easy to clean, making it ideal for busy households.
Homeowners focused on resale value and luxury
Hardwood remains the premium choice, offering timeless elegance and strong property value.
Budget-conscious DIYers
Laminate provides affordability and simple installation for those prioritising cost and convenience.
Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you prioritise affordability, durability, or long-term investment.
FAQs: LVT vs Hardwood vs Laminate
Which flooring lasts the longest?
Hardwood, with proper care, can exceed 50 years. LVT lasts 15–25 years, and laminate 10–20 years.
Is LVT better than laminate for kitchens?
Yes, LVT is fully waterproof. Laminate offers limited water resistance and can warp if exposed to moisture.
Can I refinish laminate flooring?
No, laminate cannot be refinished once damaged, unlike hardwood.
Does hardwood increase home value more than LVT?
Yes, hardwood adds the most value. LVT adds some appeal but not as much as real wood.
Which flooring is best for basements?
LVT is safest due to waterproofing and durability. Laminate may work if well-ventilated; hardwood is not recommended below ground.
Is laminate good for rental properties?
Laminate is budget-friendly, durable, and practical for day-to-day wear in rental properties.
Making the Right Flooring Choice
Choosing between LVT vs hardwood vs laminate depends on your priorities. LVT is durable, water-resistant, and affordable. Hardwood offers elegance and strong ROI but requires maintenance. Laminate is cost-effective and easy to install, best for low-moisture areas.
Match the material to the right room, maintenance level, and desired resale value. The right choice ensures a floor that’s beautiful, practical, and long-lasting for your home.