Laminate, Vinyl (LVT) or Engineered Wood Flooring: Which?
Laminate, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and engineered wood all click together as floating floors and look similar in photos, but they react differently to water, heat and wear. The buying maths is the same: for a 4 × 3.5 m (14 m²) room, the laminate flooring calculator gives 7 packs with 10% waste and 8 packs with 15%, using 2.22 m² packs.
How they compare
| Laminate | Luxury vinyl (LVT) | Engineered wood | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Can swell at the edges if wet | Most types waterproof | Can lift or cup if wet |
| Wear | Hard-wearing surface, difficult to repair if it chips | Resists scratches, can dent | Real wood top layer that can be sanded once or twice |
| Feel | Firm, can sound hollow | Slightly soft and quieter | Warm and natural |
| Underfloor heating | Often suitable, check the maker | Often suitable, check the maximum temperature | Check carefully, as wood moves with heat |
These are general patterns. Products vary, so check the maker's guidance, the wear rating and the guarantee for the product you choose.
Before you buy
- Measure the room and add the waste allowance. Buy all packs from one batch.
- The subfloor must be flat, dry and clean. Level or screed it if needed.
- Let the planks acclimatise in the room for as long as the maker says.
- Leave the expansion gap at the walls and cover it with skirting or scotia (see the skirting board calculator), and cut door frames so the boards slide under.
- For underfloor heating, check the underfloor heating calculator and the flooring maker's temperature limit.
The laminate flooring materials list and the floors planner cover the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Which flooring is best for a kitchen or bathroom?
Luxury vinyl is usually the safest choice because most types are waterproof. Standard laminate and engineered wood can swell or lift if water gets under them, so follow the maker's guidance for wet rooms.
Can I put these over underfloor heating?
Many can, but each maker sets a maximum surface temperature and a recommended underlay. Check the product guide, and increase the heat slowly. Wood needs particular care.
How much extra flooring should I order?
About 10% for a straight layout and around 15% for a diagonal pattern or a room with many cuts and alcoves.
Do I need an underlay?
Most floating floors need one for comfort, sound and moisture control, unless the planks have one attached. On concrete, a damp-proof membrane may be needed.
More guides
Tools & materials for this project
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Estimates only. Quantities depend on your materials, site and supplier. Confirm important numbers before you order, and check the Building Regulations and any planning rules for anything structural or close to a boundary.