LVP vs Laminate vs Hardwood Flooring: Which to Choose
Three flooring types do most of the work in homes: luxury vinyl plank (LVP), laminate and hardwood. They look alike from across the room but behave very differently around water, wear and repairs. All three are sold by the box, so the buying maths is the same: for a 15 × 12 ft room (180 ft²), the flooring calculator gives 10 boxes with a 10% allowance for cuts, and 11 boxes with 15% for a diagonal layout (boxes of 20 ft² each).
Part of the project planners: Planning new floors and tile and The small jobs for a first home or a rental refresh.
How they compare
| Luxury vinyl plank | Laminate | Hardwood | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Most types handle moisture well | The core can swell if water gets in | Can cup or warp with moisture; not for wet areas |
| Wear | Resists scratches and dents; can dent under heavy loads | Hard surface; chips can be difficult to hide | Dents and scratches show, but it can be sanded and refinished |
| Feel | Slightly soft and quieter underfoot | Firm, can sound hollow without underlay | Warm and solid |
| Install | Click-lock or glue-down | Click-lock, floating | Nail-down or glue-down; floating for some engineered types |
| Repair | Replace a plank | Replace a plank, if the system allows | Spot repair or refinish |
These are general trends: products vary, so read the warranty, the wear-layer rating and the installation instructions for the floor you choose.
Before you buy
- Measure the room and add the waste allowance with the calculator, and buy all boxes at once so the batch matches.
- Check the subfloor is flat, dry and clean; flooring maker warranties often require this.
- Let the planks sit in the room for the time the maker states before you lay them.
- Leave the expansion gap at the walls that the instructions call for, and cover it with baseboard or quarter round (see the baseboard and trim calculator).
- For laminate and underlayment lists, use the laminate floor materials calculator.
See the flooring planner for the order of work.
Frequently asked questions
Which flooring is best for a basement?
Luxury vinyl plank is usually the best fit, because most types are not damaged by moisture. Solid hardwood is not recommended below grade, and laminate can swell at the edges if it gets wet. Always check the maker's guidance for below-grade use and test the slab for moisture.
Which flooring is best for pets and kids?
Luxury vinyl and many laminates resist scratches and spills well. Hardwood can be refinished later, but shows scratches sooner.
How much extra flooring should I buy?
Commonly 7 to 10% for straight layouts and about 15% for diagonal patterns or rooms with many cuts. Buy from the same batch and keep a few spare planks.
Can I install these myself?
Click-lock luxury vinyl and laminate are common DIY floors, because they float and need only simple tools. Nail-down hardwood is harder, and solid hardwood usually needs acclimating and careful subfloor prep.
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 follow local building codes for anything structural.