Laminate vs. vinyl flooring
Laminate vs. vinyl flooring
$4 – $14 laminate flooring cost per square foot installed
$2 – $12 vinyl flooring cost per square foot installed
$4 – $16 luxury vinyl flooring cost per square foot installed (LVP / LVT)
Laminate vs. vinyl flooring
Laminate flooring costs $4 to $14 per square foot installed and has a slight edge over vinyl for its more realistic look and feel. Vinyl flooring costs $2 to $16 per square foot installed, depending on the type, and is the best choice for bathrooms and other high-moisture areas of the home.
| Factor | Vinyl flooring | Laminate flooring |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost per square foot installed | $2 – $12 (vinyl) $4 – $16 (LVP/LVT) |
$4 – $14 |
| Average total cost (500 – 1,000 square feet) |
$1,000 – $12,000 (vinyl) $2,000 – $16,000 (LVP/LVT) |
$2,000 – $14,000 |
| Appearance | Somewhat realistic look of wood or stone | Realistic look & feel of wood or stone |
| Material | 100% synthetic materials | wood byproduct layers laminated together |
| Water resistance | 100% waterproof | Water-resistant |
| Core | PVC | Wood fiberboard |
| Maintenance | Can be wet-mopped | Cannot be wet-mopped |
| Lifespan | 10 – 25 years (vinyl) 20 – 50 years (LVP/LVT) |
10 – 25 years |
| Environmental impact | Made from mostly non-renewable resources, releases toxins when burned | Made from mostly recyclable materials, releases fewer toxins |
| Resale value | Value boost only with luxury options | Boosts value |
What is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a synthetic material that can imitate the look of hardwood floors and has the added advantage of being waterproof. Vinyl flooring is made up of three layers: a solid vinyl core, a printed layer, and a protective layer. This low-maintenance, durable, and resilient flooring comes in sheets, tiles, or planks.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is the most popular style and mimics hardwood flooring.
Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are designed to resemble ceramic or stone tiles.
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Vinyl may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for a short time after installation. To avoid this, buy phthalate-free flooring and ensure the area is well ventilated during and after installation.
What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a composite flooring constructed with 4 or 5 layers—a backing layer, a base layer of fiberboard or plywood, a print layer that mimics the look of wood, stone, or tile, and a clear wear layer. Some types have an attached underlayment, while some require a separate underlayment.
Laminate flooring comes in planks or tiles in 6mm to 12mm+ thickness and a wide variety of colors, styles, textures, and finishes.
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Vinyl vs. laminate flooring comparison
Vinyl and laminate flooring are among the most popular hard flooring choices. Both materials are durable, water resistant, and low maintenance, but they have notable differences that may make one more suitable for your space than the other.
Cost
Vinyl and laminate flooring costs both fall into the budget-friendly range when compared to the cost of natural flooring materials like hardwood or stone. Sheet vinyl flooring costs the least to install, but the thicker, more widely used luxury vinyl flooring costs about the same as most laminate flooring options.
| Factor | Laminate cost per square foot |
Vinyl (sheet / tile) cost per square foot |
Luxury vinyl (LVP / LVT) cost per square foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1 – $6 | $1 – $7 | $2 – $10 |
| Labor & supplies | $3 – $8 | $1 – $5 | $2 – $6 |
| Total installed cost | $4 – $14 | $2 – $12 | $4 – $16 |
Look & feel
Appearance
While both flooring types do a decent job of mimicking various natural materials, laminate flooring wins slightly over vinyl for having a more realistic look and texture resembling hardwood, ceramic, or stone. Still, realistic-looking options can be found in the higher-quality range of LVP and LVT flooring.
Comfort
Laminate flooring tends to feel warm and more comfortable underfoot due to its thicker construction, but it can be louder to walk on than vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring feels cold and hard compared to laminate flooring but is typically quieter.
Performance & durability
Scratch & stain resistance
Laminate wins for better scratch resistance, as tiny scratches from pet nails or shoe scuffs tend to show more quickly on vinyl. Vinyl is better at hiding dents or damage from dragging or dropping heavy items like furniture. Still, both materials are quite durable, especially in the mid to high-quality material range.
Both laminate and vinyl flooring have protective top layers that are highly resistant to stains. Laminate's top layer is aluminum oxide, while vinyl's wear layer is clear urethane.
Water resistance
All new vinyl flooring types are waterproof. However, since vinyl plank and vinyl tile floors have seams where water can enter and reach the subfloor, sheet vinyl flooring is the best choice for areas where you need a 100% waterproof surface, like a bathroom or laundry room.
All laminate flooring types are water resistant, but not all types are waterproof, and its wood byproduct core is vulnerable to moisture damage. Some newer laminate flooring options are waterproof, but vinyl is still the top choice in most cases for high-humidity or moisture-prone areas of the home.
Be aware that neither vinyl nor laminate flooring is floodproof. Standing water will damage any flooring if it's not removed quickly.
Heat resistance
Laminate expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations which can cause it to bubble or lift. Vinyl flooring handles normal temperature fluctuations better than laminate but can melt or discolor from extreme heat exposure.
Laminate and vinyl flooring are both suitable for radiant floor heating, but radiant heating systems tend to work slightly better under laminate flooring than under vinyl.
Installation
Vinyl and laminate flooring have similar installation methods, the most common being a "floating floor" installation with planks or tiles that easily click or lock together. Luxury vinyl requires fewer tools and takes less time to install than laminate, making it an easier DIY project.
LVP or LVT flooring takes 1 to 2 days to install on average, depending on the size of the space.
Laminate flooring installation takes 4 to 5 days, including the material acclimation time, site prep, and the actual installation.
Most laminate flooring needs 48 to 72 hours to acclimate in the space before installation. Otherwise, the planks may buckle and separate after they're installed.
Sheet vinyl is typically glued down during installation instead of floated. The sheets are large and heavy, and the subfloor must be 100% smooth and free of debris for proper installation due to vinyl's thin, less forgiving material. For these reasons, hiring a professional installer is best.
Maintenance & repairs
Both vinyl and laminate are low maintenance, easy to care for materials. However, vinyl flooring wins for being the easiest to clean well since the waterproof surface can handle both dry and wet cleaning methods. Laminate must be cleaned using dry methods or only a slightly damp mop if needed.
When it comes to repairs, laminate flooring is easier to fix than some vinyl flooring, but both materials can be difficult to repair. A laminate repair kit can be used to fix minor scratches, but more severe damage requires replacing the plank or tile. Damaged vinyl flooring typically requires replacement.
Hire an experienced laminate or vinyl flooring repair contractor near you to replace damaged planks and tiles, or to discuss your options for damaged vinyl sheet flooring. Sometimes vinyl sheet damage can be patched.
Lifespan
Vinyl and laminate flooring have similar lifespans—10 to 25 years on average—when installed correctly and well cared for. Some luxury vinyl floors can last up to 50 years, depending on the quality, maintenance, and traffic level. Glue-down planks and tiles typically hold up the best.
You can get a general idea of the flooring's lifespan with normal wear and tear by looking at the manufacturer's warranty length. Try using area or throw rugs to reduce wear and extend its life.
Resale value
While neither vinyl nor laminate flooring will increase a home's value as much as hardwood or stone flooring, they can still add value. Newer laminate and luxury vinyl flooring in good condition and made with high-quality materials adds resale value. Cheaper vinyl flooring does not add value or entice potential buyers.
Which is better, vinyl or laminate flooring?
Vinyl flooring's waterproof surface makes it better for bathrooms and other high-moisture areas. Vinyl also tends to be the better flooring choice for homes with pets. Laminate works well for dry rooms like bedrooms and living rooms, and its more realistic look and feel make it ideal for areas with higher visibility.
Ultimately, the better flooring choice depends on the area of installation and the type and level of traffic it receives.
| Room | Vinyl flooring | Laminate flooring |
|---|---|---|
| Basement | ✔ | ✔* |
| Bathroom | ✔ | ✘ |
| Bedroom or office | ✔ | ✔ |
| Dining room | ✔ | ✔ |
| Kitchen | ✔ | ✔* |
| Laundry room | ✔ | ✘ |
| Living room | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mudroom | ✔ | ✘ |
*Confirm the laminate flooring installed in these areas is waterproof, not water resistant.
Getting estimates from vinyl or laminate flooring installers
When searching for the best local vinyl flooring installers or laminate flooring installers near you, be sure to:
Look for flooring installers specializing in laminate or vinyl flooring.
Get at least 3 detailed estimates to compare that include the flooring, underlayment, and installation.
Hire a licensed, bonded, and insured flooring company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Check laminate and vinyl flooring installer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for a portfolio with photos of past similar installations.
Ask for references you can contact.
Have a written contract and warranty in hand before the installation begins.
Never pay in full up front. Work out a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask a vinyl or laminate flooring professional
Ask the following questions to help you choose a qualified vinyl or laminate flooring installer:
How much experience do you have with vinyl or laminate flooring?
Are you bonded, insured, and licensed in this state?
Does your estimate include all materials, delivery, installation, and cleanup?
Which flooring do you recommend for my space, and why?
How long will the installation take, and how quickly can you schedule it?
Does your quote include removing and disposing of my existing floors?
Do you charge extra for moving furniture?
Do you require a deposit, and how much is it?
Do you guarantee your work?
Do you submit the manufacturer's warranty registration for me?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.