LVP vs. Laminate: Which Is Right for Your Indianapolis Home?
LVP vs. Laminate: Which Is Right for Your Indianapolis Home?
Oct 2, 2026 · @Hector
It's the question we hear at almost every estimate: "Should I go with LVP or laminate?" They look alike in the showroom, they cost about the same, and both click together over your subfloor. But they behave very differently once they're in your home.
The short answer: choose LVP for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and homes with pets or kids. Choose laminate for dry living areas and bedrooms when you want the most realistic wood look and a harder, more solid feel underfoot.
Here's the full breakdown from our install crew, so you can pick the right floor for each room.
LVP vs. laminate at a glance
LVP (luxury vinyl plank) | Laminate | |
|---|---|---|
What it's made of | Vinyl or polymer core (100% synthetic) | Wood-fiber core with a photo layer and clear wear layer |
Material cost | About $2 – $5 per sq ft | About $1 – $5 per sq ft |
Installed cost | Similar for both. Labor depends more on your rooms than the material. | Similar for both |
Water | Highly water-resistant; the planks don't swell | Can swell if water soaks in at the seams or edges |
Scratches | Good, depends on the wear layer | Very good surface hardness, but deep scratches can't be repaired |
Feel and sound | Slight give underfoot, quieter | Harder and more solid, can sound hollow without a good pad |
Look | Very realistic in mid- and premium lines | Often the most realistic wood texture |
Best rooms | Kitchens, baths, laundry, basements, entryways | Living rooms, bedrooms, offices, upstairs |
For most homes, the price difference between them is small. The real decision is about water and where the floor is going.
The honest truth about "waterproof" flooring
You'll see "100% waterproof" printed on a lot of flooring boxes. Here's what that really means in your home.
LVP planks themselves don't absorb water. A spilled glass, a pet bowl, or a wet mop won't hurt them. That's the biggest reason we recommend LVP for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Laminate is a different story. Its core is made from wood fibers, so water that sits on the seams can soak in and make the edges swell. Newer water-resistant laminates handle spills much better than older ones, but you still want to wipe up water quickly.
No floor is truly flood-proof. Even with LVP, water that gets under the floor from a leaking dishwasher, toilet, or water heater can damage the subfloor, grow mold, and force a tear-out. The plank survives; what's underneath might not. That's why we treat "waterproof" as "highly water-resistant" and are careful about moisture barriers and subfloor prep, especially in basements.
[PHOTO 2: water test on a plank, or a finished kitchen/bathroom]
Which one should you pick? Room by room
Room | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
Kitchen | LVP | Spills, dishwasher leaks, and lots of foot traffic |
Bathroom and laundry | LVP | Daily moisture and splashes |
Basement | LVP | Concrete slabs can carry moisture, so a water-resistant floor is the safer bet |
Entryway and mudroom | LVP | Wet shoes, snow, and Indiana winter salt |
Living room | Either | Laminate if you love the wood texture; LVP if you have pets or kids |
Bedrooms and office | Laminate or LVP | Dry rooms where laminate shines and saves a little |
Rental or flip property | LVP | Tenant-proof and easy to repair one plank at a time |
Many homeowners use LVP in the "wet" zones and laminate in the rest of the house. That works fine, as long as the colors are matched and the transitions between rooms are planned ahead of time.
What's different on install day
Both floors usually "float": the planks click together and rest on the subfloor instead of being nailed or glued down. A few differences matter:
Acclimation. Laminate is wood-based, so it needs time to adjust to your home's temperature and humidity. We let material sit in the room for 24 hours before installing.
Underlayment. Many LVP planks come with a pad already attached. Laminate often needs a separate underlayment, which also helps cut down on that hollow sound.
Subfloor flatness. Both floors need a flat surface. Thin, flexible LVP will show dips and bumps underneath it, so prep work matters even more.
Repairs. A damaged plank can be replaced on either floor, which is easier when you keep a box of leftovers.
Floors we install often
Mohawk PureTech (Avery Grove line): a PVC-free resilient floor made with recycled and plant-based materials. Mohawk backs it with a waterproof warranty, and it's a great fit for kitchens and baths.
Chesapeake Tropaliz laminate: an affordable, water-resistant laminate with a realistic wood look. A smart choice for bedrooms and living areas on a budget.
We bring sample boards of both to your home, so you can see them in your own lighting before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Is LVP or laminate better with dogs? Usually LVP. It handles water bowls and accidents better and is quieter under paws. Choose a thicker wear layer if you have large dogs.
Which adds more resale value? Both look great in listing photos. Buyers mostly care that the floor is new, consistent, and water-resistant in the kitchen and baths, which tends to favor LVP in those rooms.
Can I put laminate in a bathroom? We don't recommend it for full bathrooms. A powder room can work with a water-resistant laminate, but LVP is the safer choice.
Does one cost a lot more to install? No. Labor is similar for both. Your room layout, stairs, and subfloor prep make a bigger difference. See our LVP installation cost guide for real numbers.
Not sure which floor fits your home?
We'll bring samples of both to your home and tell you honestly which one fits each room, even if that means the less expensive option. Korr Floors is locally owned, not a franchise, and our own team does the installation.
Same-day estimates in Indianapolis and surrounding areas
Free sample boards brought to your home
We speak English and Spanish
Call or text (317) 989-1578, or request your free estimate at korrfloors.com.
Sources: Home Depot – Laminate vs. Vinyl, Bob Vila – Laminate vs. Vinyl Cost, Floor Covering News – Mohawk PureTech launch.
