Neither is universally better; it depends entirely on your lifestyle and room. LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) is superior for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements due to its 100% waterproof construction. Laminate is better for dry living spaces if you want sharper, more realistic hardwood aesthetics, stronger scratch resistance, and a more budget-friendly price point.
Healthiest Flooring Types Compared
While laminate flooring is a budget-friendly and durable alternative to hardwood, its primary drawbacks include high moisture sensitivity, an inability to be refinished, and a hollow, unnatural sound underfoot. If these limitations are dealbreakers for your space, you may want to compare alternatives like LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank).
While vinyl plank flooring (LVP) is water-resistant and affordable, it struggles with subfloor sensitivity, denting under heavy furniture, and potential VOC emissions. It also lacks the natural warmth and home resale value of real hardwood.
The cons of luxury vinyl plank flooring
It won't last forever; most vinyl planking lasts between 15 and 20 years, and since they can be refinished, like real wood, you have to replace them entirely. Because of this, LVP isn't the most eco-friendly material; depending on the brand, some LVPs aren't recyclable.
Yes, you can safely use standard Swiffer wet pads or a Swiffer WetJet on Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) floors. Because LVP is water-resistant and durable, the light moisture from Swiffer pads falls well within safe damp-mopping limits, making it a great option for quick clean-ups.
Don't put laminate flooring in bathrooms, laundries, full ensuites, basements, sunrooms, or anywhere outdoors. The short answer comes down to two weaknesses in the product: the HDF (high-density fibreboard) core swells when it gets wet, and the click-lock joints expand and contract with temperature swings.
Wooden flooring – a fresh take on natural beauty
The year 2026 marks a time when wood regains its true power. Naturalness becomes the central theme in interior design, and wood tones – particularly warm, honey-coloured shades – will reign supreme in modern spaces.
Yes, you can place a refrigerator on top of vinyl plank flooring. Because the floor is highly durable and waterproof, it easily handles the weight and potential spills of a fridge. However, as with any heavy object on a floating floor, taking a few precautions prevents damaging the planks.
Home Depot's laminate flooring installation costs between $3.80 and $4.80 per square foot on average, including materials, basic underlayment, and labor. For a standard room, expect basic labor to run roughly $2.00 to $3.00 per sq. ft., with materials adding $1.50 to $2.00 per sq. ft.
The "best" thickness for laminate flooring depends on your space and budget, but 10 mm to 12 mm is widely considered the overall sweet spot for residential use. Thicker planks provide a more authentic hardwood feel, better sound dampening, and superior durability.
Does Laminate Flooring Increase Home Value? To go easy on the budget, laminate flooring is another option. It may have a lower resale value than solid or engineered wood, but high-quality laminate flooring can bring a higher resale value than cheaper vinyl flooring or leaving bad flooring in place.
Vinyl flooring can release VOCs, especially in lower-quality products or older materials, although modern flooring options are typically lower-emitting. Laminate flooring may contain adhesives that emit formaldehyde, depending on how it's manufactured.
The main challenge is choosing the best combination of materials for your purposes that suit your personal taste.
100% waterproof flooring—typically made of Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), SPC (Stone Polymer Composite), or waterproof laminate—is highly stain-resistant, pet-proof, and safe for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Prices generally range from $1.50 to $7.00+ per square foot depending on the wear layer and underlayment.
Gray-toned hardwood and laminate. Wide plank farmhouse-style wood. Painted floorboards. Artificial or fake-looking wood.
In the end, the best choice depends on the unique proportions of your home, the amount of natural light, and the atmosphere you want to create. Whether you choose dark floors to ground your space or lighter floors to lift it, color balance between walls and floors can completely transform how your home feels.
The 2026 wood color trends center on rich, natural warmth and deliberate contrast. As stark, ashy, and gray tones fade out, design focuses on honey-colored oak, espresso, and deep walnut to create layered, highly textured spaces rather than perfectly matched finishes.
It Can't Be Refinished, Especially if Water-Damaged
Unlike other flooring types, laminate floors cannot be sanded down and refinished when damaged. If the laminate becomes worn or cosmetically damaged, you may need to replace the flooring, which could be costly if you've recently installed it.
Yes, you can use Dawn dish soap on laminate floors, but use it sparingly. Because dish soap is highly concentrated, just 1 teaspoon mixed with a gallon of warm water is enough to cut through grease. Using too much will leave behind a dull, sticky film.
Light-colored floors (like blonde oak, maple, cream, or light gray) make a room look the largest. These shades maximize both natural and artificial light by reflecting it around the space. Matching your floor to light-colored walls creates a seamless, limitless boundary that tricks the eye into seeing more square footage.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe for vinyl floors, but only if heavily diluted. It is excellent for cutting grease and grime, particularly in kitchens. However, using too much can leave a cloudy, dull, or sticky film behind.
The best mop for vinyl plank flooring is a microfiber flat mop (or a gentle spray mop). It cleans without scratching the wear layer and allows you to control moisture, preventing standing water from seeping into the joints and causing planks to swell or warp.
Yes, you can use vinegar on luxury vinyl plank (LVP), but only in a highly diluted mixture. Because vinegar is acidic, using it full-strength or too frequently can eventually strip or dull the protective wear layer of your floors.