Deciding if vinyl or laminate is better can feel overwhelming. Both look stunning, but the subtle differences can significantly impact your home’s longevity and style. Knowing the key differences between vinyl vs. laminate flooring is important to help you make an informed decision.

What is Laminate Flooring?

Laminating flooring is a material that joins several layers of synthetic flooring together through a lamination process. A layer that doesn’t absorb water is usually put down first, then a layer of high-density fiberboard (HDF), and finally, a high-resolution photographic image of wood or stone.

The clear, protected top layer doesn’t give in to wear and tear. Laminate flooring is known for being long-lasting and looking close to hardwood or tile at a lower cost.

What is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is a synthetic material, mostly polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. It comes in sheets, tiles, and luxury vinyl planks (LVP), among other shapes and sizes. Vinyl flooring is made up of several layers, such as a core layer, a wear layer, and a printed pattern layer.

It’s famous for its water resistance, lasting long, and comes in many different styles. Vinyl flooring can look like wood, stone, or ceramic tile, and it is better at resisting water than laminate flooring.

Vinyl vs Laminate Flooring: What’s the Big Difference?

The difference between laminate and vinyl flooring lies in several key areas:

Structure: Laminate is a material consisting of several layers. Vinyl is a synthetic material mostly made of PVC.
Water Resistance: Vinyl, especially LVP, is very resistant to water, which makes it perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Laminate is better at keeping water out, but too much water can damage it.
Durability: Both are durable, but impact and water can damage laminate more easily.
Comfort: Vinyl, especially LVP, feels softer and more gentle on the feet than laminate, which is more rigid.
Installation: Vinyl may be easier to put down in some situations because it is more flexible and can sometimes be put down over existing floors.

What Flooring Type is Better for Appearance?

When it comes to appearance, both flooring types offer impressive visuals. However, vinyl vs. laminate often comes down to preference.

Laminate does a great job of looking like real hardwood. Realistic embossing and high-definition pictures can make wood grains, knots, and textures look very real. Because of this, laminate is a popular choice for people who want the look of real hardwood.
Vinyl, especially LVP, has improved in the last few years. You can now choose from more design choices, such as beautiful wood looks and realistic stone, tile, and even fabric looks. Vinyl is flexible, so it can be installed in areas that might be harder to do with laminate.

Ultimately, the “better” flooring for appearance depends on your desired style and the specific look you’re trying to achieve.

Durability Rating Vinyl vs Laminate

Vinyl:

Water Resistance: Vinyl, especially luxury vinyl plank, is highly water-resistant and even waterproof in some cases. This makes it perfect for places like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements that get a lot of spills, water, and humidity.
Scratch and Stain Resistance: Vinyl flooring is usually harder to scratch, dent, and mark than laminate. Its protective top layer can withstand the normal wear and tear of everyday life, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.
Impact Resistance: Vinyl is more durable in homes with kids or pets because it can better handle dropped items.

Laminate:

Water Sensitivity: Although it has improved over the past few years, laminate flooring is less water-resistant than vinyl. If wet, it can expand, warp, or even delaminate.
Scratch Resistance: Laminate floors can get scratched, especially by heavy furniture or pets’ claws.
Impact Resistance: Although laminate is strong, dropping heavy items can cause damage.

Average Cost for Vinyl and Laminate Flooring

The price difference between vinyl and laminate flooring varies based on the style and quality. Sheet vinyl costs between $0.50 and $2 per square foot and is usually the least expensive choice. Prices for LVP and laminate flooring are about the same, ranging from $2 to $7 per square foot. Some of the best choices for both can cost more than $10 per square foot.

Sound & Comfort

If you’re choosing between vinyl plank vs. laminate, Vinyl flooring tends to be more comfortable. It is softer and more flexible, providing a cushioning effect. Laminate, on the other hand, can feel more rigid and “clicky” when walked on.

Vinyl can help reduce noise transmission between floors for sound dampening. Laminate, while not as noisy as hardwood, may be less effective at reducing sound transmission.

What About Resale Value?

If you want to sell your home, is vinyl or laminate better for resale value? It’s a toss-up.

The effect the flooring has on a home’s value depends on several factors, such as its style and quality. If the flooring is of higher quality and installed correctly, the resale value of a home will always be higher. It is very important to pick a design that will never go out of style and appeal to many buyers. No matter what kind of flooring you choose—vinyl or laminate—if you choose high-quality products and take good care of them, it will increase the value of your home.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Vinyl and Laminate Flooring

Vinyl Benefits:

Highly water-resistant
Durable and long-lasting
Wide range of designs

Vinyl Drawbacks:

Can be prone to fading in direct sunlight
Not biodegradable
May emit VOCs

Laminate Benefits:

Realistic wood appearance
Scratch-resistant
More affordable than hardwood

Laminate Drawbacks:

Not water-resistant
It can’t be refinished
Can fade in colour

So, Which Flooring Type is Better?

Ultimately, there isn’t a single “winner ” when it comes to laminate vs. vinyl. Both offer unique advantages and drawbacks. Your best choice depends on your needs, budget, and style preferences. When deciding, consider factors like water resistance, durability, comfort, and appearance.

Still unsure? Let the experts at Zelta Floor and Design guide you! We offer a wide selection of laminate and vinyl flooring options and can help you choose the perfect flooring for your home.