What each floor is made of
From across the room, LVP and laminate look almost identical: a realistic wood (or stone) image under a clear protective layer, sold as planks that click together and float over the subfloor. The difference is what's underneath.
| Layer | Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Clear vinyl wear layer, measured in mils | Clear wear layer (melamine overlay) |
| Look | Printed image layer | High-definition decorative layer |
| Core | Vinyl (PVC): rigid SPC or foamed WPC | Wood fibers compressed under heat and pressure |
| Bottom | Backing, sometimes with attached pad | Backing, typically melamine |
Within LVP there are two main cores. SPC (solid or stone polymer composite) is stiff and dense, with strong dent resistance, but it's less forgiving of an uneven subfloor. WPC has a foamed core that's quieter and softer underfoot, but more prone to dents (Armstrong, Mannington).
Water: the biggest difference
Shaw describes its LVP as “100% waterproof” (Shaw). Laminate's wood-fiber core is the weak spot: if water gets in through damage or an open seam, the core can swell and won't shrink back (COREtec, Mannington).
Newer “waterproof” laminates like Pergo WetProtect and Mohawk RevWood Plus are a real step up, but read the warranty. It covers wet mopping and everyday spills. It does not cover flooding, standing water, leaking pipes or appliance leaks. It also requires the whole perimeter to be sealed with 100% silicone and every joint fully locked (Pergo warranty, RevWood Plus warranty).
One more thing: even “waterproof” LVP doesn't make the subfloor waterproof. Shaw's own install guide warns that moisture in the subfloor can promote mold and mildew, and that moisture damage isn't covered (Shaw SPC install guide).
Which floor for which room
| Room | LVP | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Bathrooms | Good fit. Shaw's SPC guide says to caulk the perimeter in wet areas. | Only if the product is rated waterproof. NALFA says laminate isn't suitable for bathrooms otherwise. |
| Basements | Good fit. Shaw SPC can float on, above or below grade. | Possible with a waterproof-rated product, but avoid rooms with a floor drain or sump pump. |
| Kitchens, entries, mudrooms | Good fit for spills and wet boots. | OK with a waterproof-rated product; wipe up water quickly. |
| Bedrooms, living rooms | Good fit. | Good fit. |
| Three-season porches | Some rigid LVP is rated for it (Shaw: −25°F to 155°F, floating only). | Check the specific product. |
| Sunny rooms | Shaw warns prolonged direct sun can cause discoloration and thermal expansion. Use window coverings. | Pergo and RevWood Plus warranties cover fading from sunlight. |
Durability: mils vs AC ratings
LVP durability is mostly about the wear layer, measured in mils. We break that down in LVP wear layers explained.
Laminate is often sold with an AC rating (abrasion class) from the European standard EN 13329. Two catches: the North American laminate association's own standard doesn't use AC ratings, and a high AC class only measures wear resistance, not scratch or fade resistance (NALFA via ANSI). NALFA-certified laminate is rated Residential, Light Commercial, Commercial or Heavy Commercial (NALFA).
Installation differences that matter
- Acclimation. Pergo says laminate should sit in the room at least 48 hours before install, or 96 hours in very dry or humid conditions. Shaw's SPC LVP doesn't require acclimation, but must be installed between 55°F and 85°F (Pergo, Shaw).
- Concrete moisture. Over a basement slab, both have limits. Shaw's SPC allows up to 8 lbs (calcium chloride test) or 90% RH; Pergo WetProtect allows 5 lbs or under 80% RH. That's why the slab should be moisture-tested before a basement floor goes down.
- Expansion gaps. Both float and need a gap at the walls, hidden by baseboard or quarter round: 3/8" for Pergo laminate, 1/4" for Shaw SPC in areas under 2,500 sq ft.
Minnesota winters and your floor
- Dry air. On a −10°F dew point day in the Twin Cities, outdoor air heated to 68°F inside drops to about 4% relative humidity, per the University of Minnesota Extension (UMN Extension). Pergo calls for 96 hours of acclimation instead of 48 in very dry conditions (Pergo), which describes a Minnesota January.
- Winter installs. Shaw's SPC must go in between 55°F and 85°F (Shaw). In winter that means a heated space, including basements and additions.
- Salt and sand at the door. About 365,000 tons of road salt go down on Twin Cities roads each year (MPCA), and grit is the most common cause of floor wear (COREtec). Put LVP or tile at entries and use walk-off mats.
- Basements. The Minnesota Department of Health says to test for radon before and after finishing a basement (MDH).
What they cost in the Twin Cities
Homewyse’s cost calculator for St. Paul (ZIP 55101, September 2026) puts installed laminate at $7.73–$13.36 per sq ft (Homewyse laminate). Homewyse has no LVP-specific page; its closest, vinyl tile, runs $10.16–$15.21 per sq ft in the same ZIP (Homewyse vinyl). National numbers vary a lot by source: Fixr puts installed vinyl at $1.75–$7 per sq ft and laminate at $2–$8 (Fixr). Your price depends far more on tear-out, subfloor prep, stairs and trim than on the flooring itself. Try our free cost estimator or book a walkthrough for a real number.
If you're selling
Buyers want wood floors in the main living areas. In the National Association of Home Builders' buyer survey, 81% rated hardwood in main-level living areas as essential or desirable (NAHB). We couldn't find a national study that ranks LVP against laminate for resale, so be skeptical of anyone who quotes one. What we can say: pick the floor that won't fail in that room, because water damage shows up at inspection.
Where the money is best spent
- Wet rooms: go LVP (or a genuinely waterproof-rated laminate) in baths, basements and entries.
- Wear layer and finish over plank thickness: MSI notes surface durability depends more on the wear layer and coating than total thickness (MSI).
- Prep: a flat, dry subfloor is what the install guides require, and it's what keeps click joints tight.