Luxury Vinyl vs. Laminate: What’s Better for Busy Households in Atlanta?
Introduction
When it comes to upgrading your floors, two of the most popular options on the market today are Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Laminate Flooring. Both offer a stylish, cost-effective alternative to hardwood—but how do you choose the right one for your home, especially if you're dealing with a busy household in the Metro Atlanta area?
At Best Friends Flooring, we’re often asked to break down the pros and cons of each, and for good reason. Atlanta homeowners are looking for floors that can handle high traffic, unpredictable weather, and active lifestyles—all while still looking great. In this blog, we’ll help you compare luxury vinyl and laminate based on durability, appearance, moisture resistance, cost, and suitability for different rooms in your home.
What is Luxury Vinyl Flooring?
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) are engineered flooring products made of multiple layers of vinyl, including a rigid core and a high-resolution printed image that mimics natural wood or stone.
Key Features:
- 100% waterproof
- Durable wear layer for protection
- Available in click-lock or glue-down options
- Comfortable underfoot
- Excellent for high-moisture areas
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is made of a high-density fiberboard (HDF) core topped with a photographic layer that resembles wood, along with a protective wear layer. It’s a popular alternative to hardwood due to its affordability and visual appeal.
Key Features:
- Water-resistant (not waterproof)
- Tough wear layer for scratch resistance
- Often has a more authentic wood texture
- Quick, easy installation
- Better heat resistance than vinyl
Durability & Performance
Luxury Vinyl
Vinyl is exceptionally durable and flexible, making it ideal for households with pets, kids, or high foot traffic. It resists scratches and dents, and its waterproof nature means it can be installed in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens without worry.
Laminate
Laminate is also durable and handles scratches well, but it’s more prone to water damage. Spills need to be wiped up quickly to avoid swelling at the seams. However, newer water-resistant laminate options have closed this gap somewhat, making it a solid choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
Verdict
For Atlanta homes with kids, pets, and lots of activity—luxury vinyl has the edge for all-around performance, especially in humid areas.
Moisture & Climate Considerations in Atlanta
Atlanta's humid summers and occasional heavy rainfall make moisture resistance a top priority for flooring.
- Luxury Vinyl is 100% waterproof and performs well in Georgia’s climate, even in lower levels of the home.
- Laminate, while tough on the surface, can warp or swell if water seeps into the joints—making it less ideal for bathrooms or laundry rooms.
- Verdict: Luxury vinyl is better suited for Metro Atlanta’s humidity and seasonal temperature swings.
Appearance & Style
Both flooring types offer a wide range of wood and stone looks, but there are slight differences in visual realism and texture.
- Laminate often features more realistic wood textures and embossing, which some homeowners prefer for a natural look.
- Luxury Vinyl, while slightly softer in texture, has made huge strides in appearance, with high-resolution prints and enhanced surface treatments that closely mimic hardwood and tile.
- Verdict: Laminate wins slightly on authentic texture, but luxury vinyl offers broader versatility in where it can be installed without compromising appearance.
Comfort & Sound
- Luxury Vinyl is softer underfoot and more sound-absorbing, especially when installed with an underlayment. This makes it a popular choice for families who want a quieter, more comfortable surface in play areas or bedrooms.
- Laminate can be a bit noisier underfoot, though premium underlayment options can help reduce sound transmission.
- Verdict: Luxury vinyl provides better comfort and noise control, especially in busy households.
Installation & Maintenance
Installation:
- Both options offer click-lock systems for floating floor installation, which means no nails or glue and less mess.
- Luxury vinyl can also be glued down for high-traffic commercial settings or to meet specific subfloor needs.
Maintenance:
- Luxury Vinyl: Sweep and mop with water—no special cleaners required.
- Laminate: Use a damp mop (not wet), and avoid excess moisture to prevent damage.
- Verdict: Both are relatively easy to install and maintain, but luxury vinyl is lower risk when it comes to spills and cleaning.
Cost Comparison
While both laminate and luxury vinyl are affordable, there are slight cost differences:
- Laminate tends to be slightly cheaper per square foot.
- Luxury Vinyl, while a bit more expensive, often provides better long-term value due to its waterproof nature and durability.
Keep in mind that labor and underlayment can impact total costs for either flooring type.
- Verdict: Laminate may offer a lower upfront price, but luxury vinyl offers better value over time, especially in moisture-prone areas.
Best Rooms for Each Flooring Type
Room
Living Room
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Basement
Laundry Room
Room
Living Room
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Basement
Laundry Room
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing between laminate and luxury vinyl for your Atlanta-area home, the right choice depends on your lifestyle, design goals, and the specific rooms you’re upgrading.
- Choose Luxury Vinyl if you want a waterproof, family-friendly option that performs well in any room—including bathrooms and basements.
- Choose Laminate if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, durable option with a more authentic wood texture for dry living areas.
At Best Friends Flooring, we’re here to help you weigh your options and find the perfect fit. Our team will guide you through material selection, provide a free estimate, and deliver expert installation tailored to your home and lifestyle.
