Engineered wood, laminate or LVT: engineered wood has a real timber surface and suits most living areas, laminate is usually the lowest-cost hard floor, and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) copes best with moisture in kitchens and bathrooms. The right choice depends on the room, the subfloor, foot traffic and budget.
At a glance
- Best for living areas
- Engineered wood
- Lowest-cost option
- Laminate
- Most moisture-tolerant
- LVT
- Can be sanded and refinished
- Engineered wood (limited by wear-layer thickness)
- Fitted by
- DAC Home Solutions, Beckenham
Last reviewed: October 2026. DAC Home Solutions, Beckenham.
What is engineered wood flooring?
Engineered wood flooring is a board with a real hardwood top layer bonded to a stable plywood or composite core. The top layer gives the look of solid timber, and the layered core makes the board less likely to move with changes in temperature and humidity.
Because the surface is real wood, engineered boards can usually be sanded and refinished, but only as many times as the thickness of the top layer allows. Check the wear layer thickness in the manufacturer's specification before you buy.
How do engineered wood, laminate and LVT compare?
The table below summarises the main differences. Individual products vary, so always check the manufacturer's specification for the exact board you are considering.
| Floor type | Surface | Best suited to | Moisture | Refinishing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineered wood | Real hardwood layer | Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways | Moderate; avoid standing water | Can be sanded within wear-layer limits |
| Laminate | Printed image under a hard coating | Budget-conscious living areas and bedrooms | Low for standard boards; water-resistant ranges exist | Cannot be sanded |
| LVT (luxury vinyl tile) | Vinyl with printed design layer | Kitchens, bathrooms, busy family homes | High | Cannot be sanded |
Which floor suits a kitchen or bathroom?
LVT is generally the safest choice for kitchens and bathrooms because vinyl is not damaged by water on its surface.
Standard laminate can swell if water reaches the edges of the boards, so use a water-resistant range if you choose it for a kitchen. Engineered wood is used in some kitchens, but spills need wiping up promptly.
Can I fit these floors over underfloor heating?
Often yes, but only if the specific product is approved for use with underfloor heating.
Manufacturers set limits on surface temperature and how the heating should be commissioned. Ask for the product's underfloor heating guidance before ordering, and tell your fitter about the heating system at the quote stage.
How do I choose between them?
Start with the room, then the subfloor, then budget.
- Moisture: kitchens and bathrooms point to LVT.
- Longevity and refinishing: engineered wood can be renewed by sanding; laminate and LVT are replaced when worn.
- Subfloor: uneven or damp floors need preparation whichever product you pick (see our guide to preparing a floor).
- Budget: laminate is usually the cheapest, but fitting and preparation costs apply to all three.
