Vinyl and laminate are both manufactured flooring types that are budget-friendly alternatives to traditional hardwood flooring. Vinyl is generally considered to be a premium choice that is durable and visually appealing, but the quality of each product can vary widely.
If you’re not sure which is best for your home, understanding the differences between vinyl flooring and laminate is a good place to start.
What is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is primarily made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but it also contains plasticizers to increase flexibility, stabilizers to increase UV resistance, and printed layers similar to other flooring materials such as wood and stone. There is a wear layer on top, a decorative layer below, a core layer made of PVC, and a backing layer.
There are three main types of vinyl flooring.
- Vinyl sheet: Vinyl sheeting is usually the most affordable to install, but the least aesthetically appealing of the three options. It seems to be highly waterproof as there are no seams. Vinyl sheeting is less durable than other options, so it’s most common in rooms with low foot traffic, such as laundry rooms and utility rooms.
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): LVP flooring closely resembles traditional hardwood floors and can provide greater durability and water resistance than engineered wood flooring. Most common in living areas and bedrooms.
- Luxury vinyl tile (LVT): LVT flooring is as durable and water resistant as LVP flooring, but it is harder and more similar to stone or tile floors. Most common in bathrooms and kitchens.
What is laminate flooring?
“Laminate flooring has a core made of high-density fiberboard and a top laminate made of melamine-impregnated paper,” explained Thomas Borcherding, owner and principal designer of Homestar Design Remodel, a home improvement company in Missouri.
Laminate flooring also has a wear layer for physical protection and a design layer to make it resemble other materials. Like vinyl flooring, laminate flooring comes in sheets or tiles, but the material looks more synthetic and doesn’t resemble real wood or stone as much as LVP or LVT flooring.
The core layer of laminate flooring easily absorbs water and moisture, making it much less resistant to spills and humid environments.
Laminate flooring is more affordable, but less common, especially given its lack of visual appeal, durability, and moisture resistance, and is typically used for low-traffic rooms such as utility rooms and laundry rooms.
Vinyl flooring vs. laminate: key differences at a glance
Neither flooring material is best suited for every situation, so you should understand the pros and cons of vinyl and laminate before deciding which one to install in your home.
| category | vinyl | laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost (per square foot, installed) | $4 to $12 | $4 to $10 |
| lifespan | 25 years | 15-25 years |
| Abrasion resistance | Moderately | low to moderate |
| water resistance | expensive | low to moderate |
| comfortable | Moderately | Moderately |
| visual appeal | moderate to high | low to moderate |
| maintenance | low | low |
Durable and water resistant
Vinyl flooring is more durable because it is harder and has a thicker top layer that resists scuffs, scratches, and footwear. PVC is also impermeable, making it highly water resistant, while the laminate’s HDF or MDF core layer easily absorbs water.
For these reasons, vinyl flooring is a better option in high-traffic, damp areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. It’s also a long-lasting option, especially if you have kids or pets, as it can get a lot of wear and tear.
However, laminate is more affordable, so if you want to optimize your installation for an affordable price, laminate is a better option. Note that the long-term value will be lower since you will have to pay to replace it more frequently. Some homeowners choose vinyl for high-traffic rooms, such as the kitchen, and save laminate for low-traffic rooms, such as the laundry room.
Looks and feels comfortable
“For certain people, laminate flooring has an image of being outdated and of lower quality than vinyl flooring,” says Borcherding. “Vinyl flooring is considered a more modern flooring solution and, as a result, more appealing to potential buyers. For this reason, vinyl flooring often improves the resale value of a home over laminate.”
Not only does it resemble more expensive materials such as wood or stone, but it also wears out more slowly and physical damage does not appear as quickly.
Both flooring materials offer some cushioning and comfort underfoot, but laminate’s core is more flexible and may be a little gentler on your joints. You can also choose a thicker underlay underneath either for increased comfort. Underlayment reduces the noise generated when walking on either type of flooring.
Installation and maintenance
Installing flooring requires some tools, patience, and skill regardless of the material you choose, but both vinyl and laminate flooring are easy to DIY compared to options like hardwood, natural stone, and tile. Both can be cut using a standard blade on a table saw or miter saw, and both materials are lightweight and easy to place into place.
However, if you have no experience installing flooring, it is best to leave the installation to a professional. A professional will not only be able to handle any subfloor issues and repairs, but will also be more likely to install the flooring without any visible mistakes.
In addition to ease of installation and cost, maintenance must also be considered. Both types of flooring are easy to clean, but most homeowners find vinyl easier because they can use a wet mop without worrying about water intrusion or warping. Vinyl flooring lasts a long time, so using vinyl flooring will reduce the need for replacement in the future.
Cost considerations
Laminate is one of the most affordable flooring options, so it’s a better option if you have a small renovation budget. However, vinyl is more durable and water-resistant, meaning it needs to be replaced and repaired less often, increasing its long-term value.
Expect to pay between $4 and $12 per square foot when installing vinyl flooring and between $4 and $10 per square foot when installing laminate flooring. But be sure to consider the long-term value as well. Vinyl flooring is long-lasting and durable, so you may get more value in the long run.
Additionally, vinyl looks better than laminate, so unless budget is the main deciding factor, vinyl is usually a better option.
Which one is better for each room?
“Neither laminate nor vinyl is generally ‘better,'” says Mike Solomich, owner of Quality Hardwood of Michigan, a Michigan flooring supplier. “It depends on the space and how you use your home. Vinyl tends to perform better where moisture is a concern, while laminate shines in dry living spaces where homeowners want a more traditional wood look at a lower price point.”
Laundry rooms, utility rooms, and guest bathrooms are good choices for laminate because they have low foot traffic and the risk of spills and leaks is relatively low. These rooms have low foot traffic, so visual appeal isn’t necessarily your biggest concern.
Most homeowners find vinyl to be a better option for living areas that are visible to guests, high-traffic areas, or where moisture or water is a constant concern. Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and bedrooms are often suitable for vinyl flooring.
For basements and subterranean spaces, laminate is best if you’re on a tight budget, but if you and your family regularly use the space for entertaining, vinyl may be a better long-term investment.
conclusion
Vinyl flooring is more durable, aesthetically pleasing, and water-resistant than laminate, adding value to your home. “In most cases, LVP and LVT tend to add more value to a home than laminate,” said Brian Mussner, president of Mr. Handyman, a full-service manual labor and home improvement company. “Vinyl is durable, water-resistant, and low-maintenance, supporting long-term performance.”
However, in low-traffic areas of your home, laminate flooring will provide more than enough longevity. Additionally, laminate is more affordable, so it’s a better choice if you’re on a budget.
If you’re not sure which option best suits your lifestyle and desires, talk to a local flooring professional about your project. Discuss how you plan to use the space you’re renovating, the expected costs, and ask which option is best for your particular case.
FAQ
Is vinyl flooring better than laminate?
Vinyl flooring typically looks better and has better resistance to physical abrasion, water, and moisture than laminate, but it’s not better in all cases. Laminate is much more affordable, so if you have a small renovation budget, you may want to choose laminate. Laminate is also a good choice for rooms that don’t get a lot of activity, so your choice will depend on your specific needs.
Is it okay for laminate flooring to get wet?
Laminate flooring can get wet as the top layer has good water resistance, but prolonged exposure to water or moisture can cause irreparable damage. The core layer of laminate flooring is HDF or MDF, which is highly absorbent and will warp or crack when wet. When cleaning laminate, be careful not to use a dripping mop and spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible.
Does vinyl flooring look fake?
While low-end vinyl flooring can look fake, high-end luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) flooring look very similar to more expensive materials such as hardwood, stone, and even ceramic tile. Purchasing natural-looking vinyl flooring is more expensive, but it can enhance your home without the drawbacks of real wood or stone, such as poor water resistance and high installation costs.
Which will last longer: vinyl or laminate?
Vinyl flooring almost always lasts longer than laminate. Vinyl flooring has a PVC core material, so it won’t get damaged even if it gets wet. Laminate flooring contains a wood fiber core that expands and warps in the presence of moisture. Even in rooms where spills and leaks aren’t an issue, vinyl lasts longer because it resists physical abrasion.
Is vinyl or laminate easier to install?
Both vinyl and laminate floors are relatively easy to install. Notably, both are available with a click-lock system, making them easy to install by DIY. However, laminate flooring may be easier to install because it is more flexible. This means less work is required to level and smooth the subfloor. This is especially important when installing in a basement or directly over a concrete slab foundation.
