Laminate vs. Vinyl Flooring for Ft. Lauderdale Homes
When it’s time to upgrade your home in Ft. Lauderdale or the surrounding areas like Davie and Plantation, the debate usually boils down to two heavy hitters in the world of realistic hard surface flooring: Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP).
We love how both exceptional flooring products offer stunning wood-look visuals, but in the humid, storm-prone climate of South Florida, the differences in their construction will matter immensely when it comes to spaces in the home.
Waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank is King
For many homeowners in Deerfield Beach and Doral, LVP products are the clear winner because they are 100% waterproof. Made primarily from PVC, waterproof vinyl planks do not swell or warp when exposed to moisture. This is a crucial factor in South Florida, where high humidity and the occasional tracked-in pool water or after-the-beach dampness are daily realities. If you are installing new flooring in a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen, LVP floors provide the peace of mind that no amount of water will ruin your investment.
Modern Durable Laminate Flooring
It’s important to remember that the outdated concept of inferior laminate floors that bubble and warp are a thing of the past. Modern laminate flooring products, such as Mohawk RevWood collections available at Dolphin Carpet, feature innovative technologies and have been re-engineered for the 2026 family. Today’s high-end laminate floors are significantly more water-resistant, featuring sealed edges and hydro-resistant cores that resist damage.
The biggest advantage of laminate flooring is the superior scratch resistance that can handle the adventures of a busy home with active children and playful pets. Laminate flooring styles feature a melamine wear layer that is exceptionally hard—often outperforming vinyl when it comes to the “claw test” from large dogs or the “toy car race” from kids. For families in Coral Springs or West Kendall who have active households but aren’t worried about standing water in every room, laminate offers a more rigid, solid feel underfoot that many find closer to real hardwood.
Choosing Between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring
If your priority is a 100% flood-proof floor for a ground-level home in North Miami or Aventura, we usually point you toward our high-end LVP selections that are inherently waterproof. However, if you are looking for the toughest possible surface against scratches for a second-story bedroom or a living area in Pembroke Pines, laminate floors might be your best bet. Both hard surface flooring options will be less expensive than hardwood to purchase, install, repair, or replace down the line.
The best way to decide between laminate and vinyl flooring is see both flooring styles in person and to walk on both! Visit any Dolphin Carpet showroom from Pinecrest to Palmetto Bay to feel the textures and see the high-definition visuals for yourself. Our professional installation teams are experts in both materials, ensuring your subfloor is perfectly prepped for a flawless, long-lasting finish.