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6 min read
Floored by Choices

Floored by Choices: Laminate, LVT, or Ceramin?


Choosing the right flooring can feel overwhelming with so many materials on the market—especially when they all seem to offer similar benefits in style, durability, and affordability. Today, let’s break down the differences between three resilient flooring types: Laminate, Luxury Vinyl (LVT/LVP), and the newer, eco-conscious Ceramin.

 

Laminate Flooring:

 

What is it?
 

Laminate is a synthetic flooring made of several layers fused together: moisture-protection backing, high density fiberboard core, a design layer that mimics stone/wood, and on top is the transparent wear layer for durability.

 

Best for:

 

Budget-conscious homeowners who want the look of stone or wood without the price tag.
 

Pros:

 
  • Affordable and widely available
  • Scratch-resistant surface
  • Click-lock installation is DIY-friendly
  • Beautiful wood-look visuals

Considerations:

 
  • Not all are waterproof (can swell or delaminate with excess water exposure)
  • Can be noisy without proper underlayment
  • Not ideal for bathrooms or laundry rooms
 

Product Recommendation: Mohawk RevWood Collection:
 

Fade-Resistant

Waterproof: waterproof finish including water-tight joints  

Lifetime All-Pet Warranty 

10yr or Lifetime WetProtect Warranty

GenuEdge®: design rollover into beveling for realistic feel

Contributes to Environment: Replanting forests with each purchase

 

Luxury Vinyl (LVT/LVP): 

 

What is it?

 

Commonly referred to in the acronym LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) or LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank), this vinyl flooring similarly mimics stone, ceramic, or wood through layered materials. With a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) based construction, luxury vinyl is a more durable and water-resistant flooring. The core is made of either a stone polymer (SPC) or wood polymer (WPC):

 

 

Best for:

 

Busy households, pet owners, and moisture-prone areas like kitchens or laundry rooms.
 

Pros:

 
  • Waterproof qualities and warranties are more available
  • Comfortable underfoot
  • Available in a wide range of styles and textures
  • Easy to clean and maintain

Considerations:

 
  • Dents from heavy furniture over time are possible
  • May require acclimation before installation
  • Susceptible to fading/discoloration under direct sunlight
  • Quality varies between brands—choose a trusted name
 

Product Recommendation: Mannington Adura - Max, Rigid, and Flex:

 

Max: Sound-dampening WPC

 

Rigid: stable SPC in wide temperature changes

 

Flex: Classic, glue-down LVT
 

Look-First Approach: pick the style you like, it’ll be available in the format you need it

Fade, Scratch, and Stain Resistant

Lifetime Residential Warranty

Matching transitions and Stair Treads

Microban®: extra anti-microbial protection built in to prevent bacteria from growing and multiplying

Made in the USA!

 

Ceramin: Eco-Friendly Innovation

 

What it is:

 

Ceramin is a new, sustainable flooring made with natural minerals and recyclable polymers, free of PVC and other plasticizers.

 

Best for:

 

Environmentally conscious homeowners looking for a modern, safe alternative to traditional vinyl or laminate.
 

Pros:

 
  • Waterproof and dimensionally stable
  • Recyclable and PVC-free
  • Low VOC and safe for indoor air quality
  • Resistant to dents, stains, and fading

Considerations:

 
  • Novel product, so fewer color/style options compared to LVT
  • Can be a higher price point than laminate or lvt options
  • Will more often need a professional for installation
 

Product Recommendation: Inhaus Gallery Collection:
 

100% Waterproof

High Abrasion and Micro-Scratch Resistance

40 Year Residential Warranty

PVC and Toxin-Free: Ultra-low VOC emissions for healthy home environments

Dimensionally Stable in Extreme Temperatures

Easyloc®: click installation for DIY projects

 

Final Thoughts

 

Each flooring type brings something valuable to the table. Laminate is your go-to budget-friendly styles, LVT gives you durable water resistance with tons of detail variation, and Ceramin adds a modern focus with its eco-friendly, sustainable technology. Your choice ultimately depends on your lifestyle and values!

 

Still unsure which is best for you? Our team is happy to walk you through samples, compare performance, and help you make the perfect pick!