Engineered Wood vs Laminate vs LVT: Which Floor Is Best for Your Home?
Choosing flooring shouldn’t be guesswork. Here’s a plain-English comparison of engineered wood, laminate, and LVT(luxury vinyl tile) so you can match the right material to your rooms, lifestyle and budget.
Look & feel
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Engineered wood: real oak surface = authentic grain and depth; can be refinished (wear layer depending).
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Laminate: high-definition print with textured finishes for a wood look at a lower price.
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LVT: realistic wood or stone visuals with a softer, quieter feel underfoot.
Durability & maintenance
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Engineered wood: robust with the right finish; wipe spills promptly; avoid standing water.
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Laminate: highly scratch-resistant; great for lounges, bedrooms and hallways.
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LVT: water-ready and resilient; ideal for kitchens, utility rooms and busy family spaces.
Rooms & suitability
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Living rooms & bedrooms: all three work; engineered wood brings natural warmth.
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Kitchens: engineered wood works with care; LVT is the most moisture-forgiving.
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Bathrooms/wet rooms: choose LVT.
Installation & underfloor heating
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Engineered wood: float, glue down or secret-nail; generally compatible with water-based UFH (follow temperature limits).
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Laminate: quick click installation over suitable underlay.
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LVT: glue-down for precision; rigid click (SPC) for fast refurbs.
Budget snapshot
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Laminate: most cost-effective.
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LVT: mid-range, with strong performance in moisture-prone areas.
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Engineered wood: premium look and lifespan; cost depends on wear layer and board size.
Quick decision guide
Choose engineered wood for real-oak character and long-term value, laminate for great looks at the best price, and LVT for water-ready durability.
FAQ
Is engineered wood better than solid wood?
For most homes, yes—engineered is more dimensionally stable and UFH-friendly.
Can I sand engineered wood?
Usually, yes. It depends on the wear-layer thickness (often 3–6 mm).
Which is quietest underfoot?
Typically LVT, then engineered wood with a good underlay.
