LVT vs laminate vs engineered wood: which floor is right for you?
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT), laminate and engineered wood all give you a wood or stone look without the price and upkeep of solid hardwood — but they behave very differently in real homes. Here is how we compare them for customers across London, Essex, the M4 corridor and South Wales, and where each one wins.
| Factor | LVT | Laminate | Engineered wood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installed cost (per m²) | £25–£70 | £15–£40 | £40–£90 |
| Water resistance | Excellent | Limited | Good (sealed) |
| Durability | Very high | High | High; can be re-sanded |
| Feel underfoot | Warm, quiet | Harder, louder | Solid, premium |
| Real wood? | No | No | Yes (top layer) |
| Underfloor heating | Yes | Most ranges | Yes |
| Best rooms | Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways | Bedrooms, lounges on a budget | Living rooms, open-plan |
LVT vs laminate: the quick answer (2026)
LVT (luxury vinyl tile) is the better all-rounder for most homes — 100% waterproof, warmer and quieter underfoot, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and busy family rooms. Laminate is the cheaper option with a realistic wood look, but it is only water-resistant and can feel harder and louder. Budget-led: laminate. Water resistance and comfort: LVT.
- Waterproof: LVT yes; laminate water-resistant only
- Cost supplied and fitted: laminate about 15 to 40 per sq m; LVT about 25 to 70 per sq m (cost guide)
- Underfoot: LVT warmer and quieter; laminate harder and louder
- Best for: LVT kitchens, bathrooms, whole-home; laminate bedrooms and budget projects
Prefer real timber on top? See how engineered wood compares below.
LVT (luxury vinyl tile)
LVT is the most practical all-rounder. It is fully water-resistant, warm and quiet underfoot, and extremely hard-wearing, which makes it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and busy family homes. Modern LVT mimics wood and stone convincingly. The trade-off is that it is not real wood, and a good fit relies on a very flat subfloor — preparation matters.
Laminate
Laminate is the budget-friendly choice and has come a long way on looks. It is tough and easy to live with, but it is the least water-resistant of the three, so it is best kept out of bathrooms and away from frequent spills. It can also sound a little harder and louder underfoot unless paired with a good acoustic underlay.
Engineered wood
Engineered wood is the premium option because the top layer is genuine timber, giving you a real-wood floor that is far more stable than solid hardwood over underfloor heating and in modern homes. It looks and feels superb in living rooms and open-plan spaces, and a quality board can be re-sanded down the line. It is the most expensive of the three, and herringbone or parquet patterns add to the fitting cost.
So which should you choose?
- Kitchen, bathroom or busy hallway? LVT, for its water resistance and durability.
- Tight budget across several rooms? Laminate, kept to dry areas.
- Living room or open-plan, and you want real wood? Engineered wood.
- Underfloor heating? LVT or engineered wood are both excellent; check the specific range.
Still not sure? That is exactly what the home visit is for. We bring samples of all three to your home so you can compare them in your own light and rooms, with honest advice and a fixed quote. Book a free home visit or call 07852 827 199. For prices, see our 2026 flooring cost guide.
Related guides
Flooring cost guide · Cork flooring guide · Engineered wood · Laminate