Kitchens, baths, laundry rooms and homes with pets all need a floor that can handle water. Luxury vinyl plank and luxury laminate both look like wood, but they are built differently and they are not equally waterproof.
What each floor is
Luxury vinyl plank is built on a rigid SPC (stone plastic composite) core made mostly of limestone powder and stabilizers, topped with a printed design layer and a clear wear layer. The core does not absorb water, so the planks themselves are waterproof.
Luxury laminate has a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core under a photographic wood layer and a hard, abrasion-resistant top. Sealed edges and a treated core hold off spills for a period of time, but the core is still wood-based.
Side by side
| Question | Luxury vinyl plank | Luxury laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Waterproof planks | Resists surface spills; wipe up promptly |
| Full bathrooms | Yes | Not recommended where water stands |
| Feel underfoot | Firm, quiet with attached pad or underlayment | Firm, with a crisp, wood-like texture |
| Scratch resistance | Good; measured by wear layer in mils | Very good; hard top layer suits pets and busy homes |
| Look | Wood and stone looks, including large-format tile | Highly realistic wood grain and texture |
How to choose
- Bathrooms, laundry, basements and rentals: choose luxury vinyl plank.
- Kitchens, family rooms and homes with dogs: both work. Luxury laminate gives a more natural wood feel and a very hard surface; luxury vinyl plank gives total peace of mind about water.
- One floor through the whole home: luxury vinyl plank lets you run the same floor from entry to bathroom without a change in material.
Check the wear layer
For luxury vinyl plank, the wear layer is measured in mils. A 12 mil wear layer suits most homes, and 20 mil and above is a strong choice for busy households and light commercial spaces. You will find the wear layer for every floor in its specifications.
See the difference for yourself: order samples, or visit our Livermore showroom by appointment.