Luxury Vinyl Plank and Laminate Flooring

When it comes to choosing new floors for your home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with options—especially when two popular choices, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate flooring, look similar at a glance. Both offer the beautiful appearance of hardwood at a more affordable price point, but they have distinct differences in durability, moisture resistance, and overall performance.

At Tish Flooring, we’re here to make your decision easier. Whether you’re remodeling your forever home or getting your house market-ready, knowing the key differences between laminate and luxury vinyl plank can help you choose the right fit for your space.

What Is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)?

Luxury vinyl plank is a multi-layered synthetic flooring option designed to mimic the look and texture of real hardwood. What sets LVP apart is its 100% waterproof construction. This makes it ideal for high-moisture areas like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and mudrooms.

LVP typically consists of four layers: a wear layer for durability, a design layer that gives it that realistic wood look, a rigid core for strength, and an attached underlayment for comfort and sound absorption.

At Tish Flooring, we carry a wide range of luxury vinyl planks that are pet-friendly, easy to clean, and tough enough to handle messy kids and muddy paws.

Benefits of LVP Flooring

• Waterproof: Perfect for areas prone to spills or moisture. 
• Durable: Resistant to scratches, dents, and stains. 
• Easy Maintenance: Simple to clean with a broom or damp mop. 
• Realistic Look: High-definition printing makes it hard to tell from real hardwood. 

What Is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring also mimics the look of hardwood but is made from high-density fiberboard (HDF) topped with a photographic layer and a clear protective finish. While it’s not fully waterproof, some newer laminate options offer water resistance, making them suitable for most areas in the home—just not where standing water is a concern.

Laminate floors are known for their durability under heavy foot traffic and are a great choice for living rooms, dining areas, and bedrooms.

Benefits of Laminate Flooring

• Cost-Effective: Often more budget-friendly than LVP. 
• Scratch-Resistant: Great for homes with kids and pets. 
• Easy Installation: Click-lock systems allow for fast installations. 
• Stylish Options: Available in a wide variety of finishes and colors. 

Key Differences Between LVP and Laminate Flooring

1. Water Resistance

• LVP is fully waterproof, making it the better choice for moisture-prone areas. 
• Laminate is water-resistant at best and can swell or warp if exposed to standing water for long periods. 

2. Durability and Wear

• Both are durable, but LVP tends to handle spills and impacts better. 
• Laminate may show wear over time in high-traffic areas if not well maintained. 

3. Comfort and Sound

• LVP often includes a softer, more cushioned underlayment, offering a quieter and more comfortable feel underfoot. 
• Laminate can feel harder or noisier unless paired with additional underlayment. 

4. Installation

• Both flooring types feature click-and-lock installation systems. 
• Our in-home consultation service ensures proper installation of both types, saving you time and hassle.

Which One Is Right for You?

If your priority is moisture resistance and easy upkeep, luxury vinyl plank flooring is the clear winner—especially for active households like yours with kids, pets, and unpredictable spills. If you’re upgrading flooring in a lower-traffic area or working within a tighter budget, laminate flooring might be the better fit.

Not sure what you need? That’s where we come in.

Why Choose Tish Flooring?

For over 30 years, Tish Flooring has served Indianapolis homeowners with expert advice, premium flooring options, and free in-home estimates. We bring the samples to you, so you can see how different options look and feel in your space.

Our local, family-run business understands that your time is valuable and your floors are a big investment. Whether you choose LVP or laminate, we’ll help you make a confident, informed decision—and handle the entire process from selection to installation.

Ready to Explore Your Flooring Options?

Let’s find the perfect floors for your busy household. Schedule your free in-home consultation with Tish Flooring today, and see the difference personalized service makes.