The short answer: As a general rule, I would say LVP is better, but waterproof laminate does have some positives that make it a great value. It costs less, it has a very hard finish that's actually harder to scratch than LVP, and it has really pretty visuals. It's just not as waterproof as LVP.
What's the difference?
Waterproof laminate is essentially sawdust that's been glued together and then finished. You could call it wood dust. LVP is a composite of vinyl and other materials. At least on our LVP, it always says virgin vinyl, so nothing is recycled in our LVP products.
What I like about waterproof laminate
- Cost. It tends to be less money than LVP. The waterproof laminate we have in stock right now is $2.79 a square foot.
- A very hard finish. The way they finish laminate, it tends to have a very hard, durable finish. It's actually harder to scratch than LVP.
- Pretty visuals. Laminate flooring tends to have very pretty visuals.
What do AC ratings mean?
Laminates are given a hardness, or finish, rating called an AC rating, from AC1 to AC5. AC3 is rated for heavy residential traffic and moderate commercial use, like a small office. AC4 is rated for general commercial use, like an office or a café. AC5 is rated for heavy commercial use, like public buildings and department stores. Mostly what we bring in is AC4, so it's a good value.
How waterproof is waterproof laminate?
It's just not as waterproof as LVP flooring. The two colors of waterproof laminate we carry have a 100-hour surface water warranty, which means water won't damage the surface for up to 100 hours. If water gets under the floor, the core has a 3% to 4% swell rate.
The bottom line
If you're in a low-water situation, a waterproof laminate is a good way to go, because the visuals are really pretty with that kind of flooring. For wetter areas, I'd go with LVP. (See What to Look for in LVP.)
Come see both side by side in Provo or Lehi.