LVP vs. Carpet vs. Laminate for Southern Utah Homes
Choosing a floor in Southern Utah is different from other places. Red dust, sand, hot summers, pets and lots of rentals all change what works best. Here's how the three most popular floors compare, from a local installer.
LVP (luxury vinyl plank)
Best for kitchens, living areas, bathrooms, laundry rooms and rentals. LVP is 100% waterproof, easy to sweep and mop, and very forgiving with kids and pets. It is the most popular floor we install in St. George.
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean red dust and sand
- Looks like wood
- Can feel harder than carpet underfoot
Carpet
Best for bedrooms, basements and stairs. Carpet is warm, quiet and soft, which is why many homeowners keep it upstairs even after switching the main level to LVP. It holds dust, so it needs regular vacuuming in our climate.
- Warm and quiet
- Lowest cost per square foot
- Comfortable on stairs
- Holds dust and stains
Laminate
Best for bedrooms, offices and dry living areas. Laminate has a very hard, scratch-resistant surface and the look of wood at a lower price, but most laminate is not fully waterproof, so we avoid it in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Very scratch-resistant
- Budget-friendly
- Realistic wood look
- Not ideal where water spills
Our recommendation for most St. George homes
Waterproof LVP on the main level, including the kitchen, entry and baths, and carpet in the bedrooms. On stairs, choose carpet for comfort or LVP treads to match the main floor. Rental properties do best with LVP throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which floor is best with dogs?
LVP. It is waterproof and easy to clean. Choose a matte finish and a thicker wear layer to hide scratches.
Can you install LVP and carpet in the same project?
Yes. Most of our whole-home projects combine LVP on the main level and carpet in bedrooms, with clean transitions between them.
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