Verdict
For kitchens, LVT generally has the edge on water resistance and feel, while laminate can be the more cost-effective choice if you pick a water-resistant board and keep spills in check. Both need a flat subfloor.
Kitchens are demanding: spills, dropped pans, foot traffic and the odd flood from an appliance. That makes water resistance and durability the headline questions when choosing between LVT and laminate.
LVT is vinyl through and through, so it copes better with water; laminate has a wood-based core that dislikes standing water, though water-resistant ranges have narrowed the gap. Cost and feel then come into play.
Side by side
| Factor | LVTWater-resistant vinyl planks/tiles | LaminateWood-effect floating boards |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Spill-prone kitchens | Budget-conscious kitchens |
| Water resistance | Vinyl core copes well with spills | Standard dislikes standing water; choose water-resistant ranges |
| Feel underfoot | Warmer and quieter than many hard floors | Harder and can sound louder without good underlay |
| Subfloor needs | Very flat base essential (levelling often needed) | Flat, dry base with correct underlay |
| Cost | Often higher than laminate for similar looks | Often lower for a similar look |
| Repair | A damaged plank/tile may be replaceable if matching material is kept; glue-down is more involved | A floating floor can usually be lifted to swap boards, if matching material is available |
| Explore | LVT | Laminate |
Best for
LVT
- Kitchens where spills and mopping are frequent
- Homes wanting a warmer, quieter hard floor
- Open-plan kitchen-diners over underfloor heating (check product suitability)
Laminate
- Kitchens on a tighter budget
- Rooms where a water-resistant laminate range is chosen
- Households confident about wiping spills promptly
Potential drawbacks
LVT
- Usually costs more than laminate for a similar look
- Demands a very flat subfloor — levelling adds cost
- Glue-down repairs are typically more involved than lifting 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 self-levelling compound; over timber, a plywood overlay.
- LVT in particular shows and can wear over any unevenness, so flatness is critical.
Maintenance implications
- LVT: sweep and damp-mop; it tolerates water well but follow the product's cleaning guidance.
- Laminate: sweep and damp-mop only, wipe spills quickly and avoid standing water even on water-resistant boards.
Fitting implications
- LVT is either clicked (floating over underlay) or glued down to the prepared subfloor.
- Laminate is floated over underlay with expansion gaps; both finish with trims and thresholds.
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 budgeted for?
- Which matters more here — upfront cost or long-term water resistance?
Frequently asked questions
Is laminate OK in a kitchen at all?
Yes, particularly a water-resistant laminate range, provided spills are wiped promptly and water isn't left to sit in the joints. If frequent standing water is likely, LVT is the safer choice.
Why is LVT more expensive than laminate?
LVT is generally priced higher than laminate for a comparable look, and it usually needs more subfloor preparation. Whether that's worth it depends on how much you value its water resistance and feel.