Is luxury vinyl plank or laminate better for a kitchen?

For most kitchens, luxury vinyl plank is the safer choice. Its core is vinyl, and Shaw describes its luxury vinyl as 100% waterproof.^[1] Laminate has a wood-fiber core, which reacts differently to moisture,^[2] so it is a good kitchen floor only if the specific product is rated waterproof, and it still wants careful mopping. Water near the dishwasher, sink and fridge is the usual kitchen test.

How they differ in a kitchen

Water. Mannington says LVT has a vinyl core while laminate has a wood-fiber core, which causes them to react differently to moisture.^[2] Not every laminate is the same, though. Mannington says not all laminate flooring is waterproof,^[2] while Shaw says all Shaw Floors' laminate is waterproof.^[1] The word on the box is not enough: read the product's own spec sheet and warranty, and see what they say about standing water, seams and appliance leaks.

Cleaning. Laminate wants dry-ish care. Shaw's laminate guide says not to wash or wet mop the floor with soap, water, oil-soap detergent or any other liquid cleaning product.^[3] Mannington says to avoid soap or detergents mixed with water, as these can cause laminate to swell or bubble.^[2] Vinyl is easier going, but Shaw says to avoid abrasive cleaners, ammonia-based products, vinegar-based products and harsh chemicals on luxury vinyl.^[4]

Scratches. Both are marketed as scratch resistant. Shaw says laminate's surface is uniquely designed to prevent scratches,^[1] and Mannington says laminate floors provide up to 5x more scratch resistance than hardwood.^[2] These are marketing claims; ask for a sample and scrape it with a key.

Underfoot. Shaw lists enhanced comfort and dent and impact resistance among luxury vinyl's benefits.^[1] A sample under a heavy appliance leg tells you more than a spec sheet does.

Installation matters more than the name

Many click-together vinyl and laminate floors are floating floors, so check your product's guide for the rules around cabinets. The Malibu guide for rigid-core vinyl says not to install cabinets directly on a floating floor,^[5] so the planks stop at the cabinet base with an expansion gap, and the gap is covered by trim. That means the floor under a dishwasher or fridge is only as protected as its edges. Check that the subfloor is flat and dry first: all subfloors must be clean, flat, dry and structurally sound.^[5]

Whichever you choose, mop up spills quickly, and fix the source of any leak, since a leak under the planks is a plumbing problem, not a flooring problem.

Choosing and hiring

1. Look for a product with a written waterproof warranty and read what it excludes.
2. Ask the installer how it handles the edges at the sink base and dishwasher.
3. Get at least three bids: DPOR advises soliciting at least three bids for the work, all based on the same set of specifications.^[6]

Virginia defines flooring and floor covering contracting as the installation, repair, improvement or removal of materials common in the flooring industry, including vinyl and linoleum.^[7]

Stop and call a pro if

• The kitchen subfloor is soft, stained or damp around the sink, dishwasher or fridge.
• There is a recurring leak under a fixture. Fix the plumbing before any floor goes over it.
• The old floor might contain asbestos, or the paint might contain lead.
• The floor is badly out of flat or needs structural work.

Next steps

Read how to install luxury vinyl plank flooring if you plan to do the job, and how much LVP costs installed in Virginia before you collect bids. More in flooring answers and flooring businesses on Loclis.

When you are ready, describe your kitchen floor and licensed local contractors will quote it.