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Dark wood parquet LVT with a cream throw and black lantern
LVT vs Laminate
Customers often need help deciding whether to choose between Laminate or LVT flooring. 

Here are the key differences to help you decide the floor that suits you best.

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What is LVT Flooring?
Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT) offers a stylish and practical flooring solution, crafted with a flexible, soft plastic core for comfort underfoot. Available in a wide range of colours and designs, LVT suits any style or room. Our Art Blend collection allows you to create one-of-a-kind patterns that bring your unique vision to life. Made from durable PVC, this flooring is both resilient and warm, providing a comfortable, long-lasting option for your space.

What is laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is made from layered fibre boards, composed of pressed wood pulp and finished with a protective plastic coating. Since they’re primarily wood-based, laminate floors are an eco-friendly and budget-friendly option. However, while they offer great style and affordability, laminate floors generally have a shorter lifespan compared to LVT flooring.

Laminate vs LVT Pro and Cons:
Customers often need help deciding whether to choose between Laminate or LVT flooring. 

Here are the key differences to help you decide the floor that suits you best. 

Installation:
Both laminate and LVT flooring are designed for easy installation with a convenient “click and lock” system, which doesn’t require glue or nails. This means the planks securely fit together over an underlay, and in some products, the underlay is already attached to the boards for added convenience. While these floors can be installed as a DIY project, we recommend using an experienced fitter for the best finish.

The plank-locking process is usually straightforward; however, measuring and cutting the boards can be challenging without the right tools or experience. For a professional look, precise cutting and fitting are essential, especially around corners and edges.

There may also be a requirement to level the floor before the products are installed, to prevent cracking or bowing, your installer will advise you of what is needed.

Water Resistance:
When it comes to water resistance, there’s a key difference between laminate and LVT flooring. Made from durable plastic, LVT flooring is highly resistant to water damage—some types are even fully waterproof. Thanks to its PVC construction, LVT can handle exposure to moisture without losing its shape or durability.

In contrast, laminate flooring is made primarily from wood, which makes it less tolerant of moisture. While some laminate options offer water resistance, most can be damaged if exposed to standing water for extended periods.

Love Aqua Steam Range
The Laminate Love Aqua Steam range by Lifestyle is specially crafted to be water-repellent, featuring a protective coating that prevents water from seeping through the click connections. This makes it an excellent choice for any room in your home, including living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and even bathrooms. Available in eight beautiful oak designs, this range is also ideal for steam cleaning. Plus, it comes with a 25-year domestic warranty and a water ingress warranty, ensuring peace of mind and lasting quality.

Cleaning:
Both LVT and laminate flooring are simple to clean and maintain. You can mop either type; however, laminate flooring is best cleaned with a dry mop, as its compressed wood core isn’t as water-resistant.

Laminate’s protective top layer offers good stain resistance, but LVT can handle more vigorous cleaning if needed. Both types of flooring are suitable for cleaning with brushes and vacuums, though neither is ideal for steam cleaning (apart from the Love Aqua range of laminate).

Costs:
The cost of LVT and laminate flooring varies based on factors like supplier, range, and color. Typically, LVT flooring is more expensive than laminate. For professional installation, the day rate is usually the same for both types, although LVT installed with glue may sometimes incur an extra charge.

At Lifestyle Floors, our LVT and laminate options start at an affordable £31.49 per m², offering quality choices for any budget.

Heat Resistance:
Both LVT and laminate flooring work well with underfloor heating; however, it’s best to confirm compatibility with the supplier to ensure safe use. These floors can generally withstand temperatures up to 27°C (80°F). LVT can sometimes be a better choice for underfloor heating, as its thinner profile allows for more efficient heat transfer.

Be cautious with direct exposure to extreme heat, as both types of flooring can be damaged if hot items are dropped on them.

Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all choice when it comes to flooring. Both laminate and LVT have their own advantages, and the best option depends on your needs, budget, and the specific room you’re updating. Each type has unique qualities to suit different lifestyles and spaces.

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At Lifestyle Floors, we understand the importance of choosing a floorcovering that is the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle. Our nationwide network of independent flooring retailers are on hand to offer you expert advice and support. To find your nearest independent retailer click here.
Company
For Retailers
Social Media
Support
At Lifestyle Floors, we understand the importance of choosing a floorcovering that is the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle. Our nationwide network of independent flooring retailers are on hand to offer you expert advice and support. To find your nearest independent retailer click here.
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