What’s the Best Alternative to Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a brilliant all-rounder with remarkable versatility. It’s highly durable, design-led, and easy to live with. But if you’re looking for something a little different, luxury vinyl could be the perfect alternative.

Texture is where luxury vinyl tile really shines. Today’s designs feature embossed textures that closely mimic natural materials like real wood and natural stone, with warm tones and realistic variation. It looks the part, feels great underfoot, and works beautifully in busy homes.

Compared to laminate flooring, one of the key advantages of luxury vinyl tile is its superior water resistance, which makes it ideal for areas like kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms. Many styles come with built-in underlay and click-fit installation, making them just as easy to fit as laminate.

If you’re torn between LVT or laminate flooring, we get it! Both have serious benefits. But if comfort, versatility, and low-maintenance living are top of your list, LVT flooring could be exactly what you’re after.

• Versatile and design-led: Whether you’re going for a solid wood look, the natural beauty of stone or a bold herringbone flooring, LVT flooring gives you more aesthetic versatility.
• Water resistant and easy to maintain: Great for moisture prone areas. Just a quick sweep and a damp mop is usually all it needs, making it a practical, low maintenance option for busy households.
• Quiet underfoot: Many LVT flooring designs include added cushioning layers that make them feel warmer and softer than laminate flooring.
• Installation options: Choose between easy to install click-fit systems or professional glue-down LVT flooring options for a seamless finish.
• Underfloor heating friendly: Both LVT and laminate flooring are compatible with underfloor heating systems.

If you’re after an affordable alternative to laminate flooring, cushioned sheet vinyl delivers on all fronts. It’s cost-effective, easy to look after, and adds instant comfort underfoot, especially in high traffic areas, busy hallways, and moisture-prone spaces like kitchens or utility rooms.

• Versatile and Design-Led: Whether you want classic oak, minimalist concrete, or patterned tile effects, sheet vinyl offers surprising aesthetic appeal in a wide range of finishes.
• Water Resistant and Low Maintenance: Great for kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. It’s naturally water resistant and only needs regular sweeping and the odd damp mop to stay looking its best.
• Soft and Quiet Underfoot: The built-in cushion backing makes it warmer and softer than most other flooring options, helping to reduce sound in living spaces and hallways.
• Simple Installation: This is one of the most cost efficient options around — easy to fit in large rolls, often without adhesives. A great DIY pick, though many still prefer professional installation for a flawless finish.
• Underfloor Heating Compatible: Just like laminate flooring, cushioned vinyl works beautifully with underfloor heating systems, making chilly mornings much more bearable.

If you're comparing laminate flooring with more traditional styles, here’s how the main contenders stack up.

Solid wood flooring is all about natural beauty and character, but it’s often not the most practical choice. It can be expensive, harder to fit, and doesn’t like moisture. Yes, you’ll get that genuine wood flooring feel, but not the cost effective alternative many homes need.

A popular flooring option, engineered wood blends a real wood top layer with a high density fibreboard core for better moisture resistance and enhanced stability. It’s a smart middle ground, but still pricier than laminate and not as easy to maintain.

Cork flooring is warm, soft, and made from renewable resources, but needs sealing. Ceramic tiles offer superior durability and water resistance, but can feel cold and are slower to install.

If you're weighing up your options beyond laminate flooring, this quick comparison shows how the most popular alternatives stack up. From cost and comfort to style and suitability, here’s what you need to know.