Laminate vs. vinyl flooring comparison guide.

What is vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring is a practical, highly durable and affordable covering for your floor. It is made up of several layers of different materials compressed together to form a stable, moisture-resistant and hard-wearing product. 

There are several types of vinyl flooring, including vinyl planks, sheets and tiles. There’s also luxury vinyl. Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) can mimic the look of real wood and is thicker than sheet vinyl. Luxury vinyl also often contains a waterproof core.

Because it’s impervious to water, vinyl is one of the go-to materials for bathrooms, wet rooms and laundry rooms. It can also last up to 25 years if looked after properly. As with a lot of tiled products, installation and maintenance are key — if there are gaps between the planks or tiles — water or moisture can still seep through. This is why vinyl sheets can be better than the tiled counterpart, as there are few seams in comparison.

Vinyl flooring pros and cons:

Related: How much does it cost to install vinyl flooring?

Where to install vinyl flooring: As vinyl is completely waterproof, it’s best suited in rooms that tend to get wet — bathrooms, kitchen, laundry rooms and even basements.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring is a cheap alternative to real wood. It mimics solid hardwood flooring by having a cheap wooden base layer topped by a layer with an image of more expensive hardwood. This type of flooring is solid, durable and works extremely well in areas that receive high traffic, such as the hallway or living room. 

Many homeowners prefer laminate flooring because it is cost-effective, easy to install and will last a long time (about 15-25 years). However, it’s not well-suited for rooms that tend to get wet — like the bathroom, laundry room and mudroom. 

Laminate flooring pros and cons: 

Related: How much does it cost to install a laminate floor?

Where to install laminate flooring: Due to laminate’s versatility, it can be installed almost anywhere in the home — except for areas that are prone to moisture. Consider installing laminate in bedrooms, hallways, living rooms and dining rooms.

Laminate vs. vinyl flooring — which one is better?

Vinyl flooring and laminate have many similar properties - such as being easy to install, long-lasting, and cost-effective. They are increasingly becoming the go-to flooring option for homeowners. However, there are some things that set them apart. We've broken down the similarities and differences across a variety of categories to help you make the decision on which to pick for your home.

Appearance and comfort.

Winner: Laminate

Vinyl flooring offers a huge array of designs and colors. But, laminate does a better job of mimicking the look of expensive hardwood flooring. If you want a more traditional, expensive feel to your flooring, choose laminate instead of vinyl.

Cleaning and maintenance.

Winner: Vinyl

Both laminate and vinyl flooring options are pretty easy to maintain and keep clean. However, due to laminate flooring not holding up as well against moisture, you need to be careful with how you clean and maintain this material. 

Laminate floors are best cleaned using dry methods with as little water as possible. Vinyl, if installed correctly, is 100% waterproof, and therefore can be dry or wet mopped. 

Related: How to maintain and clean your floors.

Comfort.

Winner: Laminate

Laminate flooring is usually warmer than vinyl flooring. It’s recommended that you also install an underlayment to make laminate floors as comfortable and warm as possible.

Laminate vs. vinyl flooring cost.

Winner: Tie (but vinyl may be more cost-effective over time)

There’s a wide range of costs for both laminate and vinyl flooring and this will all depend on the design, quality, thickness and material you wish to use.

Still, the two flooring options are generally comparable in pricing. But keep in mind that laminate also has a greater possibility of needing to be replaced when damaged. So, you may incur additional costs in the long run.

Durability and longevity.

Winner: Vinyl

Vinyl wins here because of its ability to hold up against moisture. It also holds up well to scratches and stains. Vinyl has a lifespan of 25 years, while some laminate flooring will only last 15 years. Unlike laminate, vinyl also won't swell, warp or contract — all of which can happen to laminate when it’s exposed to excess moisture.

Versatility in your home.

Winner: Vinyl

Vinyl wins in this category too, and it’s not that surprising considering it outscore laminate when it comes to water resistance, durability and longevity. Here’s a look at where you can install laminate and vinyl flooring in your home:

Water-resistance.

Winner: Vinyl

The main difference between laminate and vinyl is that vinyl flooring stands up better against water and moisture. This quality (along with its durability) also makes vinyl a more pet-friendly option than laminate flooring. 

How to choose between laminate and vinyl floors.

The best thing you can do when deciding on which flooring to pick is to think about the room where you require the new flooring. Consider how the room is used and by whom. A room that is going to be used by children and pets will need a different approach to a room that doesn't get much traffic, such as a study or home office. 

For example, if you’re looking for new flooring for your bathroom, for instance, vinyl is a no-brainer — it's waterproof and will last longer in comparison to laminate. However, if you wish to add a luxury feel to your bedroom, hallway, dining room or living room, then laminate is the best option. Its comparability to natural hardwood means you can add that luxurious feel at a fraction of the cost.

Who to hire to install your flooring.

Both vinyl and laminate floorings have improved tremendously over the years. These products were once seen as a cheap alternative to natural hardwood, but they’re now becoming a strong contender for the real thing. If you’re ready to upgrade your flooring, use Thumbtack to find a flooring installation professional near you.