Verdict
For most kitchens LVT has the edge because it copes better with spills and mopping. Laminate can work well if you choose a range the manufacturer rates for kitchens and wipe spills promptly, and it is often the lower-cost option for a similar look. Both need a flat subfloor.
Kitchens are demanding: spills, dropped pans, foot traffic and the occasional appliance leak. That makes water resistance and durability the headline questions when choosing between LVT and laminate.
LVT is made with vinyl or a rigid core that is not harmed by surface water, so it copes better with spills. Laminate has a wood-fibre core that can swell if water gets into the joints, although water-resistant ranges have narrowed the gap. Cost and feel then come into play.
Side by side
| Factor | LVTWater-resistant vinyl planks and tiles | LaminateWood-effect floating boards |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Spill-prone kitchens | Budget-conscious kitchens |
| Water resistance | Copes well with spills and mopping | Standard boards dislike standing water; choose a kitchen-rated range |
| Feel underfoot | Often warmer and quieter than laminate | Harder, and louder without a good underlay |
| Subfloor needs | Very flat base; levelling is often needed | Flat, dry base with the specified underlay |
| Cost | Often higher than laminate for a similar look | Often lower for a similar look |
| Repair | A damaged plank may be replaceable if spares are kept; glue-down is more involved | Boards can sometimes be lifted and swapped if spares are kept |
| Explore | LVT | Laminate |
Best for
LVT
- Kitchens where spills and mopping are frequent
- Homes wanting a warmer, quieter hard floor
- Open-plan kitchen-diners, including over underfloor heating where the product is rated for it
Laminate
- Kitchens on a tighter budget
- Rooms where a laminate range rated for kitchens is chosen
- Households confident about wiping spills promptly
Potential drawbacks
LVT
- Usually costs more than laminate for a similar look
- Needs a very flat subfloor, and levelling adds cost
- Glue-down repairs are more involved than swapping a floating board
Laminate
- Standard laminate can swell if water sits in the joints
- Feels harder and can be noisier underfoot
- Water-resistant ranges cost more than basic laminate
Preparation implications
- Both need a flat, dry subfloor. Over concrete that often means a smoothing or levelling compound; over timber, a plywood overlay may be needed.
- LVT in particular shows unevenness beneath it, so flatness is critical. Check the manufacturer's tolerance for the chosen product.
Maintenance implications
- LVT: sweep and damp-mop, using cleaning products that suit the wear layer.
- Laminate: sweep and damp-mop only, wipe spills quickly and avoid standing water, even on water-resistant boards.
Fitting implications
- LVT is either click-fitted as a floating floor or glued down to a prepared subfloor.
- Laminate is floated over underlay with expansion gaps. Both are finished with trims and threshold bars.
Questions to ask before choosing
- How often are spills likely, and will they be wiped promptly?
- Is there underfloor heating, and is the product rated for it?
- How flat is the subfloor, and is levelling included in the quotation?
- What does the manufacturer say about use in kitchens?