Laminate vs. LVP- What’s the difference?
This is a common question people ask when deciding on a new floor. Often times people are confused because the term laminate has almost become synonymous with LVP, just as vinyl and LVP are seen as one in the same. So today, let’s break down laminate and LVP to see how they differ from each other.
What is laminate?
Simply put, it is boards made from pressed wood with a laminate coating on the surface made to mimic the look and feel of solid wood.
Recent developments have even made waterproof laminates a reality. This is perfect for those who prefer the durability of LVP but still desire a more realistic wood feel. The boards are much thicker, almost like hardwood would be, and have a smooth finish on the surface. LVP has never made anything as thick as a laminate, engineered, or solid wood boards, so if that’s something you desire those are better options for you.
It is important to note that not every laminate is waterproof just like not every type of LVP is waterproof. Always read the specifics on the materials you are interested in to make sure they are the best fit your lifestyle.
What is LVP?
LVP on the other hand is usually made out of PVC with a vinyl and plastic surface, also aimed to resemble the look of wood.
Some planks are exclusively glue down, so they are thin, without pad on the back, and are meant to mold to the shape of the subfloor. Other planks, which are more common for residential use, are thick and do have a pad on the back. These range in thickness and style, but still do not reach the same thickness as other wood types.
There’re even options for cork backing, hand scraped finishes, and matte finishes. So, there are definitely more stylish options when it comes to LVP compared to laminate.
How do you tell the difference?
An easy way to tell the difference is the backing. Majority of laminates will not have padding on the back, unlike LVP which will typically have some sort of padding on the back (with the exception of glue down exclusive planks).
Also, like mentioned before, laminates will be thicker than LVP planks.
Final Note:
When it comes to the terms laminate and LVP, many people confuse them to be the same thing. However, they are different types of floors with very different makeups. Knowing the difference will help you get one step closer to finding the right floor for you.