If you’re replacing floors in New Hampshire or anywhere in New England, two options probably keep coming up: laminate and luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Both are affordable, both look like hardwood from a few feet away, and both can be installed quickly. But they’re built very differently, and those differences matter in a region of snowy boots, muddy springs and humid summers.
What they’re made of
Laminate has a high-density fiberboard (wood-based) core, a printed image layer that looks like wood or stone, and a tough clear wear layer on top. It feels firm and more like real wood underfoot.
Luxury vinyl plank is made of layers of PVC vinyl, often with a rigid core (SPC or WPC) in newer products. It’s softer, quieter and, crucially, waterproof all the way through.
Water: the biggest difference
This is the deciding factor for many homeowners. Traditional laminate’s wood-based core can swell if water sits on it or seeps into the seams. Newer water-resistant laminates have improved a lot, with sealed edges and treated cores that tolerate spills for hours. But they’re still not fully waterproof.
LVP is generally waterproof. Snowmelt, a leaking dishwasher or a pet accident won’t damage the planks themselves (though water can still get underneath and affect the subfloor).
Rule of thumb: use LVP in bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms and basements. Laminate works well in living rooms, bedrooms and other dry areas.
Durability and wear
Laminate’s wear layer is very hard and resists scratches well. Look at its AC rating, which runs from AC1 to AC5. For busy homes with kids and pets, choose AC3 or higher.
LVP is softer and quieter, but it can dent under heavy furniture. A thicker wear layer (measured in mils) means better durability. For a busy home, look for 12 mil or more.
Comfort and noise
LVP is warmer and quieter underfoot, which many people appreciate in a cold-weather climate. Laminate can sound hollow if installed without a good underlayment. A quality underlayment makes a big difference, so ask your installer what they use.
Installation in older homes
Many New England homes are older, with uneven subfloors. Both floors are usually installed as floating floors with click-lock planks, but both need a flat, stable subfloor. Rigid-core LVP is somewhat more forgiving of small imperfections. Either way, proper prep is the difference between a floor that lasts and one that separates at the seams.
If you’re local, professional laminate floor installation in Nashua typically includes measuring, subfloor assessment, underlayment and trim work, and many single rooms can be done in a day. For wet areas, luxury vinyl plank installation follows a similar process but can go into basements and bathrooms where laminate isn’t the best fit.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose laminate for living areas and bedrooms where you want a firmer, more wood-like feel and great scratch resistance.
- Choose LVP for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways and basements, or anywhere water is a concern.
- Mix both: many homeowners use LVP in wet areas and laminate elsewhere, with matching colors for a consistent look.
Talk to a local installer who knows your climate and your home’s quirks. Companies like Nashua Flooring Company can look at your subfloor, check moisture levels and recommend the right product room by room.