Flooring planning guide
Laminate vs LVT Flooring Cost UK
Laminate vs LVT flooring: which is better for your UK home? Compare cost, durability, water resistance, appearance and suitability for kitchens and bathrooms.
Typical fitted range
£700–£6,000+
Main cost drivers
Material, prep, underlay, removal
Best use
Comparing finishes before buying
Flooring example
The visible finish matters — but the fitted cost often hinges on prep work and the room conditions underneath.
Flooring guide snapshot
Cheap product prices can hide expensive fitted totals
Underlay, subfloor correction, trimming and disposal can make a bargain material much less of a bargain in practice.
Remember
Flooring choices should be judged on fitted cost and room suitability, not just the shelf price per square metre.
Good next step
Use the flooring calculator once you have narrowed the material type and rough area.
Laminate vs LVT: Head-to-Head
| Factor | Laminate | LVT |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost per m² (supply + fit) | £27–£95 | £40–£155 |
| Water resistance | Surface splash-resistant only. Swells if water penetrates joints. | Fully waterproof. Suitable for bathrooms. |
| Durability | AC1–AC6 ratings. AC4+ is domestic general use. | Wear layer 0.1–0.7mm. Thicker = more durable. |
| Lifespan | 10–20 years (AC4+ with good care) | 15–25 years |
| Realistic appearance | Good wood-stone look at mid-high range. Budget options look plastic. | Excellent wood and stone textures. High-end LVT very realistic. |
| Comfort underfoot | Firm. Requires good underlay. | Softer and warmer. Quieter to walk on. |
| Repairability | Difficult. Usually requires board replacement. | Individual tiles can be replaced if glued. |
| Kitchens and bathrooms | Not ideal for kitchens or bathrooms unless water-resistant laminate. | Excellent for both. Fully waterproof. |
When Laminate Makes Sense
- Living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways with light to moderate foot traffic
- Budget-conscious projects where £35–£60/m² total cost is important
- Tenanted properties or rental investments where premium finishes aren't needed
- Properties where someone prefers the firmer, more traditional wooden floor feel
When LVT Makes Sense
- Kitchens — where spills and splashes are inevitable
- Bathrooms — full waterproofing is essential for longevity
- Busy family homes with children or pets
- Ground floor rooms where cold floors are a problem (LVT is warmer than tile)
- Open-plan living areas where you want a consistent floor through multiple rooms
- When you want the look of wood or stone but need practicality
The Middle Ground: Rigid Core LVT
Rigid core LVT (like SPC — Stone Polymer Composite) is the fastest-growing category. It combines the waterproof properties of LVT with a more dimensionally stable core that doesn't expand and contract like standard LVT.
Rigid core LVT typically costs £30–£90/m² supply only — similar to mid-range laminate — but performs significantly better in wet areas. If you want wood-look flooring in a kitchen or bathroom, rigid core is usually the better choice over laminate.
Calculate your flooring cost by room
See the full budget for any combination of rooms and flooring types.
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