ᐅ Laminate Flooring vs. Luxury Vinyl Flooring in an Energy-Efficient House 40
Created on: 7 Mar 2026 23:45
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Boden321
Hello everyone,
We are currently building an energy-efficient house with underfloor heating and are unsure about which type of flooring to choose.
We initially ruled out hardwood flooring. Floating engineered hardwood was not recommended to us, and high-quality glued hardwood would be very expensive for our approximately 150 square meters (1,615 square feet) of living space. Additionally, since we have two children, we want a floor that is as low-maintenance and durable as possible.
Therefore, we are currently considering high-quality laminate flooring (e.g., Logoclic Ambienta), which the manufacturer claims to be very quiet and environmentally friendly. Because we have children, it is especially important to us that the floor does not contain plastic materials or harmful substances such as PVC or plasticizers.
During our research, we also came across luxury vinyl tiles/planks (LVT/LVP) that are offered without PVC and plasticizers. Compared to laminate, these floors seem to have some advantages: they are said to be quieter, more water-resistant, feel warmer underfoot, and, in some cases, work better with underfloor heating.
At first glance, these advantages seem to outweigh those of laminate. Therefore, we are wondering whether we should reconsider our decision to choose laminate and instead opt for luxury vinyl flooring. In both cases, we plan to install the flooring as a floating floor.
Could you tell us what advantages laminate would have over luxury vinyl flooring in our situation – apart from the fact that laminate does not contain plastic and is considered more environmentally friendly?
Best regards
We are currently building an energy-efficient house with underfloor heating and are unsure about which type of flooring to choose.
We initially ruled out hardwood flooring. Floating engineered hardwood was not recommended to us, and high-quality glued hardwood would be very expensive for our approximately 150 square meters (1,615 square feet) of living space. Additionally, since we have two children, we want a floor that is as low-maintenance and durable as possible.
Therefore, we are currently considering high-quality laminate flooring (e.g., Logoclic Ambienta), which the manufacturer claims to be very quiet and environmentally friendly. Because we have children, it is especially important to us that the floor does not contain plastic materials or harmful substances such as PVC or plasticizers.
During our research, we also came across luxury vinyl tiles/planks (LVT/LVP) that are offered without PVC and plasticizers. Compared to laminate, these floors seem to have some advantages: they are said to be quieter, more water-resistant, feel warmer underfoot, and, in some cases, work better with underfloor heating.
At first glance, these advantages seem to outweigh those of laminate. Therefore, we are wondering whether we should reconsider our decision to choose laminate and instead opt for luxury vinyl flooring. In both cases, we plan to install the flooring as a floating floor.
Could you tell us what advantages laminate would have over luxury vinyl flooring in our situation – apart from the fact that laminate does not contain plastic and is considered more environmentally friendly?
Best regards
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nordanney11 Mar 2026 10:33Boden321 schrieb:
Both should be somewhat better when glued down. Yes, emphasis on "somewhat." It's not a huge difference (better for underfloor heating, you probably won’t notice any cushioning effect, slightly louder when walking on it like with all floating floor coverings).M
motorradsilke11 Mar 2026 18:59nordanney schrieb:
No, because in case of doubt you have to clear out the entire room and remove all the parquet flooring (if I understand you the way you mean it). For glued parquet, the damaged area is simply cut out and new parquet is glued in. That might be faster ;-) I was rather referring to when it has become unsightly over a larger area.M
motorradsilke11 Mar 2026 19:02Boden321 schrieb:
For floating installation, the only relevant factors for me are whether the floor feels springy when walking on it and whether the underfloor heating’s warmth is transmitted effectively. Both are said to be somewhat better with glued installation. However, gluing costs more than 20€/m² (over $20 per sq ft). I find floating parquet more comfortable to walk on because it has that slight "springy" feel, so it feels softer underfoot.
M
MachsSelbst11 Mar 2026 22:34nordanney schrieb:
With glued parquet flooring, the damaged section is simply cut out and new parquet is glued in. It could be faster that way ;-) If you have to come up with such extreme examples just to insist on being right... it might be the case, or might not, depending on where the damage is located.
Replacing a damaged section always requires a professional if the parquet is glued down, and that will cost accordingly...
Besides that, I assume your parquet is still in good condition after 15 or 20 years? So why consider the scenario of having to replace parts of it at all?
Exactly... nonsense all around... and you contradict yourself every other sentence...
N
nordanney12 Mar 2026 07:37MachsSelbst schrieb:
Besides, I think your hardwood floor is still in good condition after 15 or 20 years, right? So why consider the case that you might need to replace parts of it? Quite simple. Because someone else brought up that scenario. It wasn’t me; I only responded to a post.
You need to read everything and consider the context ;-)
MachsSelbst schrieb:
Exactly... Nonsense left and right... and you contradict yourself every other sentence... I don’t want to be picky, but please quote my contradictions so I know what you mean.
Based on your advice, I currently see two options:
1. Click-engineered oak flooring with a matte lacquer finish
2. Click laminate flooring (e.g., Logoclic Ambienta oak)
If I want to install both types as a floating floor myself, is engineered wood flooring more complicated than laminate?
And what is the difference between lacquer-sealed and lacquered finishes on engineered wood flooring?
1. Click-engineered oak flooring with a matte lacquer finish
2. Click laminate flooring (e.g., Logoclic Ambienta oak)
If I want to install both types as a floating floor myself, is engineered wood flooring more complicated than laminate?
And what is the difference between lacquer-sealed and lacquered finishes on engineered wood flooring?
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