Laminate: a wood-fibre floor with a photo on top
Laminate isn't plastic and it isn't vinyl. It's mostly compressed wood fibre, which is why it feels firm and handles scratches well, but it doesn't like water.
- Overlay (wear layer)A clear melamine resin layer reinforced with aluminium oxide particles. This gives laminate its excellent scratch resistance, rated by AC class (AC3–AC5) under EN 13329.
- Decor paperA high-resolution printed image of wood or stone, often with embossed texture to match the grain.
- HDF coreHigh-density fibreboard: wood fibres bonded with resin under heat and pressure. It's what makes laminate rigid and stable, but it's also its weakness, because if water gets into the joints, the core can swell and won't recover.
- Balancing layerA melamine backing that stabilises the board and stops it bowing. Some boards also have an underlay attached.
LVT (dryback): flexible vinyl, built in layers
Dryback LVT is thin and flexible, and is glued (fully bonded) to the subfloor. That's what gives it a very solid, quiet, tight-jointed finish. It's the classic choice for herringbone and parquet.
- PU / UV coatingA cured polyurethane finish that adds stain resistance and makes the floor easy to clean.
- Clear wear layerTransparent PVC, typically 0.3–0.7mm thick, which protects the design. 0.55mm suits busy homes; 0.7mm is heavy-duty.
- Printed decor filmThe photographic wood or stone design.
- PVC core layersVinyl (PVC) combined with limestone filler. It's flexible, warm and quiet, and 100% waterproof.
- Glass-fibre stabilising layerFound in most quality LVT. A fine glass-fibre mesh that keeps tiles dimensionally stable as temperatures change.
- Backing layerVinyl backing that bonds into the adhesive.
SPC rigid core: vinyl on a stone-composite core
SPC (sometimes called rigid core LVT) takes the waterproof vinyl surface of LVT and puts it on a rigid stone-composite core with a click joint. It gives you the waterproofing of vinyl with the easy floating installation of laminate.
- PU / UV coatingHard-wearing, stain-resistant surface finish.
- Clear wear layerTransparent PVC (0.55mm or 0.7mm on our range) protecting the design.
- Printed decor filmThe wood or stone design, with embossed texture.
- SPC coreStone Plastic Composite: limestone (calcium carbonate) powder bonded with PVC and stabilisers, then extruded into a dense, rigid board. It's very stable, highly dent-resistant and 100% waterproof.
- Attached underlayA pre-attached acoustic underlay (usually IXPE foam) for comfort and sound reduction, so no separate underlay is needed.
Side-by-side comparison
| Laminate | Dryback LVT | SPC rigid core click | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core material | HDF wood fibre | Flexible PVC vinyl | Limestone + PVC composite |
| Waterproof | No, water-resistant at best | 100% | 100% |
| Typical thickness | 7–12mm | 2–3mm | 4–8mm |
| Installation | Click, floating, separate underlay usually needed | Glued down, professional fit recommended | Click, floating, underlay attached |
| Subfloor tolerance | Fairly forgiving | Needs smooth & level, as imperfections show through | Forgiving of minor imperfections |
| Feel & sound | Firm, can sound hollow | Solid, warm, quietest | Solid, quiet with attached underlay |
| Dent resistance | Good | Fair: protect from point loads | Very good |
| Best rooms | Living rooms, bedrooms | Anywhere, incl. kitchens, bathrooms, commercial | Anywhere, incl. kitchens, bathrooms, whole-house |
| Underfloor heating | Generally yes, check product | Generally yes, max 27°C surface | Generally yes, max 27°C surface |
Which should you choose?
- Kitchen, bathroom, utility or pets? Choose LVT or SPC, because both are 100% waterproof.
- Doing it yourself? SPC click is the easiest: no glue, no separate underlay, and it's forgiving of minor subfloor imperfections.
- Want herringbone with the crispest, most authentic finish? Dryback LVT, professionally fitted.
- Bedroom or living room on a tight budget? Laminate can be great value. We regularly stock Krono and Egger laminate, so ask what's in.
Questions about your floor?
Brady's always on hand for advice. Call, WhatsApp or book a viewing in Leicester.