Which is Right for You? Laminate vs. LVP
Are you looking for the warmth of hardwood without the high maintenance or price tag? At Tiles Unlimited, we specialize in installing high-quality Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring designed to withstand Albuquerque’s high-desert climate.
Whether you are replacing old carpet in a Westside starter home or updating a custom property in High Desert, we help you choose the right material that resists scratches, spills, and our intense dry heat.
Many Albuquerque homeowners confuse these two. Here is the honest difference:
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): The "Waterproof Warrior"
LVP is currently our #1 requested flooring in Albuquerque. It is made of plastic (PVC), making it 100% waterproof.
- Best For: Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
- Why We Love It: If your swamp cooler leaks or a pipe bursts, this floor won’t buckle or swell.
- Pet Friendly: It is softer underfoot and quieter than laminate, making it perfect for homes with dogs.
Modern Laminate: The "Scratch-Resistant" Choice
Laminate is made of wood byproducts with a tough resin top layer.
- Best For: Living rooms, hallways, and dry areas.
- Scratch Resistance: High-quality laminate is often harder to scratch than wood or vinyl, making it great for high-traffic areas.
- Look & Feel: It often looks more like “real wood” because of its texture and thickness.
Why Albuquerque Homes Need Professional Installation
Our climate is tough on floors. Installing “floating floors” requires local expertise:
- Expansion Gaps: Albuquerque’s humidity swings (especially during monsoon season) cause floors to expand and contract. We leave precise expansion gaps under your baseboards so your floor never buckles.
- Subfloor Prep: Many local homes (especially in the North Valley) have uneven subfloors. We grind down high spots and fill low spots before laying a single plank to ensure a quiet, flat surface.
- Transition Strips: We install custom matching transitions where your new floor meets tile or carpet for a seamless look—no ugly metal bars.
Neighborhoods We Serve
We install flooring across the entire metro area, including:
- Taylor Ranch & Paradise Hills
- Nob Hill & Ridgecrest
- Foothills & Glenwood Hills
- Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
Frequently Asked Questions
Most projects range from $2.00 to $6.00 per square foot for labor, depending on the complexity of the layout and whether we need to remove old flooring. We provide a firm, upfront price during your free estimate.
In many cases, LVP can be installed directly over existing tile, provided the tile is flat and secure. This saves you money on demolition and keeps dust out of your home. We will check your current floors to see if this is an option.
It depends on your lifestyle. Tile is cooler in the summer, but LVP is softer, warmer in the winter, and cannot crack if your house foundation settles—a common issue in our sandy soil.
Get a Free Flooring Estimate
Stop guessing and start planning. Contact Tiles Unlimited today. We’ll bring sample boards to your home so you can see how they look in your lighting.
Call Today: (505) 385-0790
