We recently were faced with the same decision for our new build. I was almost completely sold on going with Coretec LVP, but after doing more research on both Coretec and the higher end laminates (12mm that are water-resistant), we ended up selecting laminate. Both were identical in price for us so pricing wasn't a factor for us.

For me, the biggest pros of LVP: Better traction in socks, perhaps slightly more water-resistant (but they are NOT waterproof), softest underfoot.

LVP Cons: Many have a slight vinyl-like sheen to them that bothered me (Coretec included). Installation guide/warranties always mention not allowing direct sunlight through a window hit your floors because it's vinyl afterall and will expand and contract -- major issue for me. Even Coretec which I consider one of the best visuals for LVP in terms of mimicking real wood doesn't hold a torch to the high end laminates.

Laminate pros: It's been around for a very long time and the higher end ones are durable, water-resistant (able to be damp mopped -- but neither laminate nor LVP should be steam mopped). The particular brand we bought has a core similar to Coretec (hence the water-resistance) and also has a 2mm pad attached. It is rated safe to use in bathrooms and kitchens. Coretec has a cork backing which is also good. Laminate looked a little more realistic to me in terms of the sheen it has (more matte) and the particular laminate we compared to Coretec sounded less clicky when walked on believe it or not. Coretec sounded a bit more plastic-like which surprised me.

Laminate cons: Many are not water-resistant so it depends on what you buy. You get what you pay for. It's a little more slippery in socks than LVP. I'm not sure if there are any other big cons.

Ultimately, you get what you pay for with both types of flooring. They both can and will scratch. Our laminate did not mention keeping direct sunlight away from it whereas most (if not all) LVPs do so that was a factor for us. I think we would have been happy with either floor, but ultimately the laminate won for us because of the sunlight issue as well as it looking more realistic. Also, just something to consider, several local flooring companies talked about the LVP floors denting from very heavy objects (bookcases, dining table, sofa legs, etc and not being able to recover where laminate doesn't have that issue as often. I knew it could dent but was surprised to hear the LVP floors didn't slowly recover over time. Oh, and also pay attention to the installation span distance for each brand of flooring you consider. Some laminates can only span a distance of 33ft or so before needing a transition strip (ours can go 66ft so we will not need transition strips). I believe Coretec can go 60+ft as well. I'm not sure about other LVP flooring brands.

Lots of info! Thanks so much. I am going to see what quality laminates are available in my area. The water resistant part is what appealed most to me about the vinyl planks. The salesman at Home Depot said they were completely water resistant, even water was left on for a while (like a leak when I was away from home). I would be putting it over cement, so no particle board or other wooden sub-flooring that might swell and buck. I will keep researching. You gave me some more things to think about. Thanks, again.

Lisa G

I have been deliberating on this subject for over a year! up until a short time ago, I was convinced that coretec was the best option for me. Then I discovered water resistant laminate. We have 2 dogs that have trashed our hard wood, so the plan is to place laminate or vinyl on top of our hard wood until they have lived out long and happy lives. I am also considering just tearing out my hardwood and replacing it all with tile. I love that cement look! And now with that new grout that is low maintenance, it really is tempting. but also very$$$. What kind of laminate did you buy. I looked at HD's water resistant laminate but none of the colors worked for me. We have an Art Van that sells a shaw product, but it didn't look that realistic, and the sample I had did have a lot of small dents in it! Also, could you please post pics?? Would love to see!!

The product we're having installed is called Calypso laminate and the color is Tundra. It's supplied semi-locally to us by Pacmat. The actual brand is Lamett (Bentley Smoke color) but PacMat took that color/pattern and put it on a water resistant core and a 2mm attached pad and it has a lifetime residential warranty and 15yr commercial warranty (not that warranties are ever honored!)...and they renamed it Calypso Tundra. The installers told us it's incredibly hard to scratch and is even hard to cut and they have to use new blades for every other job because it dulls their blades. We got to walk on the kitchen portion and it felt very solid like wood does and didn't sound hollow. The color we chose does have chatter marks & distressed features which will make real scratches hide better...at first I said no way to this floor because of the distressed look and later changed my mind because ultimately I want a floor that I won't stress over every little thing. It's very dusty in the photos but here it is:

ljsquishy's ideas · More Info

ljsquishy's ideas · More Info

ljsquishy's ideas · More Info

i put vinyl planks in my kitchen and don't like it . they aren't scratch resistant. the spot where I pull my chair out is scratched. if you leave water on the floor it will leave a possible water stain. it's far hard to maintain then laminate. you have to put felt on the bottom of chairs, you can't move heavy furniture or appliances across it, you can't leave water drips on it. etc

K Drink what brand of vinyl planks do you have?

Lisa G~ What are your thoughts on the Calypso now that you've had it for a couple years? Is it holding up well? I went through the same evolution of choices & have (finally) picked a TAS water-resistant laminate (Nautilus line- Appleton) at the suggestion of the local flooring place. It sounds quite similar to the Calypso brand (12mm, pad attached, 72hour water resistance), but is more readily available locally. I love your pictures & your kitchen looks great!