Carpet, LVT or Laminate? Choosing the Right Floor
Compare carpet, LVT and laminate for comfort, water resistance, durability and cost, with room-by-room advice for homes, rentals and offices.
Carpet, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and laminate can all look good on the day they are fitted. The difference shows a year or two later, in how each one copes with water, wear, pets and the floor underneath it. This guide compares the three honestly so you can choose the right floor for each room.
The quick answer
- Bedrooms and stairs: carpet, for warmth, comfort and less noise
- Kitchens, hallways and bathrooms: LVT, because it copes with water and heavy use
- Living rooms and dining rooms: laminate or LVT for a wood look at a good price, or carpet for comfort
- Rentals: LVT in kitchens and halls, and hard-wearing carpet or laminate elsewhere
- Flats: check your lease first, as many require carpet or acoustic underlay
Side-by-side comparison
| Carpet | LVT | Laminate | |
| Feel underfoot | Warm and soft | Firm, slightly warm | Firm, can sound hollow |
| Water resistance | Poor | Very good | Limited, some are water-resistant |
| Durability | Depends on fibre and density | Very good | Good, depends on wear rating |
| Noise | Quietest | Fairly quiet | Can be noisy without good underlay |
| Subfloor needed | Forgiving | Very smooth and level | Flat and level |
| Best rooms | Bedrooms, stairs, lounges | Kitchens, halls, bathrooms | Lounges, bedrooms, dining rooms |
Carpet
Carpet is still the best choice where warmth, comfort and sound matter: bedrooms, stairs, landings and living rooms. How long it lasts depends on the fibre, density and underlay, not just how soft the sample feels. For stairs and busy areas, a dense twist or loop in wool or a wool blend outlasts a thick, soft saxony. Our carpet buying guide explains pile types, fibres and underlay in detail.
LVT (luxury vinyl tile)
LVT gives the look of wood or stone with easy cleaning and very good resistance to everyday spills. It is excellent for kitchens, hallways and bathrooms, and popular in rental properties. The catch is preparation. LVT is thin, so bumps, joints and dips in the floor underneath can show through. Depending on the existing floor, the fitter may need to use levelling compound or plywood first, and that should be in the quote.
- Glue-down LVT: very stable and suits kitchens and commercial areas, but needs a near-perfect subfloor
- Click LVT: quicker to fit and more forgiving, and often thicker
Laminate
Laminate gives a convincing wood look at a moderate price and suits living rooms, bedrooms and rentals. Quality varies a lot, so check:
- The AC wear rating: AC3 suits most homes, while AC4 or higher suits busy areas and light commercial use
- The board thickness and the strength of the joint system
- Whether it is rated for kitchens or water-resistant, if it is going near water
Laminate needs an expansion gap around the edges, the right underlay and proper transitions between rooms.
What happens under the floor matters most
- Levels: dips and humps show through hard floors and wear carpet unevenly
- Moisture: concrete floors can hold damp, which damages laminate and some underlays
- Door clearances: new floors and underlay are often higher, so doors may need trimming
- Thresholds: transitions between rooms need the right trims
- Skirting: hard floors can sit under skirting or use a trim, and the choice affects the finish
- Removal and disposal: should be clearly included or excluded in the quote
Flooring for rental properties
Landlords should think about durability, cleaning and the cost of replacement between tenancies. LVT in kitchens and hallways, with a hard-wearing polypropylene carpet or a good laminate in bedrooms, is a common and sensible mix. Check any lease or block rules about hard floors and noise.
Offices and commercial floors
For offices and managed buildings, send floor areas, how the space is used, access restrictions and any building specification. Carpet tiles, LVT and commercial carpet can be phased so parts of the building stay in use. Moving furniture, preparation, removal and making good should be agreed in the scope.
Frequently asked questions
Is LVT better than laminate?
For kitchens, bathrooms and hallways, usually yes, because it handles water better. Laminate can be better value in dry rooms and feels similar underfoot.
Can LVT or laminate go on stairs?
It can, with the correct stair nosings and careful fitting, but it is more involved and costs more than carpet. Carpet is quieter and less slippery.
Do I need to remove my old floor?
Usually. Laying over old flooring can cause height, levelling and moisture problems. Your fitter should check before quoting.
Which floor is best with pets?
LVT is the most practical: scratch-resistant, easy to clean and unaffected by accidents. If you prefer carpet, choose a stain-resistant twist rather than loop pile.
Will a new floor make my doors stick?
It can, as new flooring and underlay are often thicker. Trimming doors is common and should be in the quote.
Get a flooring quote
The Local Handyman London Ltd supplies and fits carpet, LVT and laminate for homes, landlords and offices across Ealing, Greenford, Acton, Hanwell and West London. Send your postcode, rough room sizes, photos of the existing floor and whether you need supply and fitting or fitting only.
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