Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the most water-resistant and suits kitchens, baths and basements; judge it by wear layer, with 12 mil common for homes and 20 mil or more for heavy use. Laminate has a hard, scratch-resistant surface rated AC1 to AC5 but a wood-fiber core that can swell if water sits on it. Engineered hardwood is real wood over a plywood core; a thicker wear layer can be sanded and refinished.
These three floors can look alike in a showroom. They behave very differently once installed.
Compared
| LVP (rigid core) | Laminate | Engineered hardwood | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface | Printed vinyl with wear layer | Printed layer under hard melamine | Real wood veneer |
| Core | SPC (stone-plastic) or WPC | High-density fiberboard | Plywood or composite |
| Water | Highly resistant | Resists spills; core can swell | Avoid standing water |
| Scratches | Good with thick wear layer | Very good | Softer; depends on species and finish |
| Refinishing | No | No | Yes, if wear layer allows |
| Feel | Warmer, quieter | Hard, can sound hollow | Like solid wood |
What to check
- LVP: wear layer in mils, total thickness, core type (SPC is denser, WPC softer), attached pad and warranty.
- Laminate: AC rating, thickness, water-resistance claims for the joints.
- Engineered: wear layer in millimeters, species and finish, core plies.
Where each works
| Room | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Kitchen, bath, laundry | LVP |
| Basement | LVP over a moisture barrier |
| Living areas, bedrooms | Any; engineered hardwood for real wood |
| Homes with large dogs | LVP with thick wear layer, or laminate AC4 |
Installation
All three come in click-lock floating floors; engineered hardwood can also be glued or nailed. Subfloors must be flat to the manufacturer’s tolerance, and most floors need acclimation. Budget for underlayment, transitions and trim. See costs and budgets and hiring a contractor.
Pair new floors with fresh walls using the paint sheen guide.
Browse flooring.
Common questions
Which is more waterproof, LVP or laminate?
LVP. Its vinyl and stone-plastic cores are not damaged by water, while most laminates use a wood-fiber core that can swell if water gets into the joints.
What wear layer should LVP have?
12 mil is a common residential choice; 20 mil or more suits busy households, pets and light commercial use.
Can engineered hardwood be refinished?
If the wear layer is thick enough. Thin veneers can only be screened and recoated; thicker ones can be sanded once or more.
What is an AC rating?
The abrasion class of laminate from AC1 (light residential) to AC5 (heavy commercial). AC3 or AC4 suits most homes.