Thicker solid core vinyl flooring will look more like wood since deeper embossing is possible. If you’re looking for bold hues, check out vinyl’s virtually unlimited spectrum. The fiberboard core will not resume its original dimensions after it has dried. However, smooth vinyl can be slippery when wet; look for styles with textured surfaces that offer traction to prevent slipping. Unfortunately, laminate flooring is known to swell. For vinyl flooring vs laminate, vinyl definitely wins points in the versatility department, particularly where moisture is concerned. When it comes down to price, there’s not a lot of difference between laminate and vinyl flooring. What Is a Finish Floor or Floor Covering? Laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring are roughly comparable in price, although sheet vinyl does hold a slight edge. However, vinyl plank is slightly more durable than laminate … This is because it mimics old- fashioned hardwood at its best, and the cost and maintenance is less when compared to hardwood. Virtually all laminate flooring uses a fiberboard core. If you’re looking for bold hues, check out vinyl’s virtually unlimited spectrum. Both laminate flooring and vinyl flooring are usually less expensive than natural hardwood, engineered wood, and many types of ceramic or … Luxury vinyl flooring can be fully immersed in water for long periods, dried out, then reused, completely unaffected. Some laminate flooring manufacturers offer products that qualify for LEED MR4 (Recycled Content) status. Vinyl flooring is a 100-percent synthetic material. At the same time, quality laminate or vinyl flooring usually will not put off prospective home buyers. Sheet vinyl can be a difficult material for do-it-yourselfers to install. Is there any difference? For dry areas, laminate flooring works well. Major brand luxury vinyl plank flooring will bring decent resale value to a home. Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds. Advancements in laminate flooring have allowed for waterproof options that are ideal for covering a basement floor. The biggest difference between the two is the waterproof feature of vinyl plank flooring. Properly installed laminate flooring, with tight seams and good baseboards or moldings, can tolerate pooled water, but only a short period of time. Buyers usually will find more style options with laminate flooring over vinyl flooring. Solid Hardwood Flooring Comparison Guide. This surface looks better than you remember and can look like hardwood, tile or stone. With new product variations entering the market regularly, prices do change, but, on average, vinyl flooring can be installed for $1-$7 per foot, and laminate for $3-$11. And laminate … Con: Once removed, vinyl floors have to be discarded in a landfill. The overall thickness for laminate flooring planks ranges from 6 mm to 12 mm. Vinyl and laminate planks are made from several layers of materials. Better types feature backing that’s 3/8-inch thick or thicker and realistic top layers that are hard to tell apart from real wood and stone. Vinyl vs Laminate Flooring Vinyl 1 and laminate flooring are two popular, man-made flooring products that come in a variety of colors and styles. Laminate flooring can and will be damages with access moisture, where as vinyl plank flooring is 100% waterproof. Vinyl and laminate flooring differ in the materials they’re made of. It isextremely durable. Let's compare. Limited moisture resistance dictates selective areas where laminate flooring may or may not be installed. Still, neither of these materials is especially environmentally friendly in the way that natural wood, linoleum, or bamboo floor coverings are. Anywhere spills and splashes are likely is a good candidate for sheet vinyl. Comparing Vinyl vs Laminate. However, their composition varies. By caulking seams at walls and around toilets and vanities, you can make your bathroom nearly waterproof. It’s sometimes referred to as a “floating floor” because the material isn’t nailed to a subfloor. If you are installing flooring in those rooms, you'll probably want to choose vinyl flooring simply on the basis of moisture-resistance. Vinyl costs rise to around $5.00 per square foot for luxury vinyl planks, and premium brands will cost more. Vinyl flooring is best for laundry rooms, wet bathrooms, and mudrooms. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Subscribe to the HGTV Inspiration newsletter to get our best tips and ideas delivered weekly. Vinyl does not decompose in landfills, and recycling it is usually not an option. If your flooring … Laminate flooring allows for deep, realistic three-dimensional embossing on its surfaces, with accurate images of the material being portrayed—wood, ceramic, or stone. Difference Between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring, What to Know Before Installing Laminate Flooring, How to Install Underlayment and Laminate Flooring, 28 Bedroom Furniture Sets on Sale for Every Style, The 11 Best Refrigerators for Every Style and Budget, The Best Washers and Dryers for Every Space and Budget, 15 Pendant Lights to Elevate and Illuminate Your Kitchen, The Best Small-Space Dining Tables You Can Buy Online, The Best Cooling Sheets, Tested by HGTV Editors, Copy the Cover: Get HGTV Magazine's Look in Your Home, Luxury Hotel Designers Spill Their Secrets for Creating Cozy Spaces, Here's What We Thought After Testing Ruggable's Washable Rugs, 10 Ways to Maximize Under-the-Bed Storage, The Best Mattress Toppers, Tested by HGTV Editors, 10 Best Beds With Storage for Every Style, The Best Firewood Storage Ideas for Winter, The Best Dishwashers for Every Kitchen and Budget, 11 Over-the-Toilet Storage Solutions That Are Actually Stylish, Our 11 Favorite Coffee Tables With Storage, The Best Ergonomic Office Chairs for Every Budget, 13 Stylish Sleeper Sofas for Every Budget, 15 Storage Benches for Every Room in the House, The Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Picks for Your Home, Keep Your Laundry Room Smelling Fresh With These Cleaners and Gadgets, 12 Things That Will Help You Get Better Sleep, 20 Decorative Wall Paneling Ideas to Try in Every Room, 10 Living Room Accessories You'll Love for Your Space, The Best Air Fryers for Every Budget and Household, Ditch the Carpet: 12 Bedroom Flooring Options, Choose the Best Flooring for Your Kitchen. The answer is tied. In full bathrooms and damp locations such as basements, vinyl flooring materials excel over laminate materials. Here are the DIY Basics for installing laminate flooring. Installing a snap-together, floating laminate floor will give a room a beautiful new look. Though laminate flooring does not feel like wood, it does have a warm feeling, especially when coupled with premium-quality underlayment. For family bathrooms or other areas where standing water is likely, laminate flooring is a poor choice. Vinyl is economical, durable and more stylish than you remember. Instead, the planks are installed over a thin underlayment pad. Severely water-damaged laminate flooring usually needs to be replaced; it cannot be fixed. The top surface is a hard, transparent plastic wear layer that covers the printed design layer. The overall thickness for vinyl flooring ranges from 1.5 mm for sheet vinyl to 5 mm for luxury vinyl planks. Based on this review in Durability & Stability, the application of laminate does not quite compare to the multi-faceted, cross-purpose functionality of premium vinyl flooring. The ability of each type of flooring to stand up against moisture hinges on its materials. Professional installation adds $1 to $2 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the project. Linoleum vs. Laminate: The Conclusion. Laminate Floor Vs Vinyl Floor: The Core Factors of Difference: Composition. Vinyl vs Laminate: The Similarities To summarize, vinyl is a better choice when you need water resistance, lifespan, and durability in your flooring. Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring in Bedrooms, Laminate Flooring vs. Most of the time, the base layer of vinyl sheets are made of fiberglass and … Compare Laminate Flooring vs. Vinyl Flooring Bestlaminate 2017-06-21T15:17:38-04:00. Vinyl vs. Laminate Flooring Pros and Cons. Vinyl is manufactured with synthetic materials. Each of these popular flooring options has its strengths and weaknesses. Vinyl planks also use a click-and-lock method of installation. Vinyl flooring is all synthetic, so it can go anywhere. If you can reasonably dedicate yourself to cleaning up occasional spills and puddles immediately, then laminate flooring may be used in areas of low moisture. No flooring is universally better or worse than the other flooring. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, Dream Home (Lumber Liquidators / LL Flooring). While laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring are generally comparable in appearance, laminate flooring generally will more closely mimic hand-scraped hardwood, stone, ceramics, and other materials. Older forms of vinyl flooring may have a fabric or felt backing that is not waterproof. Laminate is a more expensive material than vinyl, and it is slightly more difficult to install so the cost will likely be higher when hiring a flooring specialist. Laminate flooring is durable and low-maintenance. A score mark is first made, then the plank is bent back on itself and a second cut is made from the rear. A variation called cushioned vinyl features a layer of foam backing that makes it soft underfoot. Both laminate flooring and vinyl flooring are usually less expensive than natural hardwood, engineered wood, and many types of ceramic or porcelain tile. There is a stigma about plastic flooring being ugly and cheap. Vinyl flooring is a supremely durable, low-maintenance flooring, thus the industry term resilient flooring. That being the case—since … Both laminate and vinyl are assembled in a similar pattern with a wear layer, a photographic later and a backing system. Needless to say, this is not a green flooring option. They are equally easy to install. These are best in bathr… It’s also called composite, Pergo (which is a specific brand of flooring), or floating wood tile. The Winner: Tied. If you are installing sheet vinyl, professional installation is often your best bet. As long as laminate flooring is kept reasonably dry and is regularly cleaned, buyers may expect lifespans close to that of vinyl flooring. All rights reserved. It's a flexible, durable material that's virtually maintenance-free. Pros and Cons of 5 Popular Bedroom Flooring Materials, Types of Vinyl Flooring Materials: Tile, Sheet Vinyl, and Luxury Vinyl, Vinyl vs. Linoleum Flooring Comparison Guide, Luxury Vinyl vs. Standard Vinyl Flooring Comparison Guide, Laminate vs. The material is large, heavy, and unwieldy. Deane Biermeier is a contractor with 27 years experience in home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. If using green building materials is important to you, laminate flooring has a small advantage, thanks to the natural wood content of the fiberboard core. In bathrooms, sheet vinyl is also a good choice. When it comes to the style difference between laminate and vinyl flooring, vinyl edges out laminate by virtue of its array of colors and textures. Sheet goods can come in 12-foot-wide rolls that make installations virtually seamless and protect against leaks that can damage subfloors and lead to expensive repairs. Due to its susceptibility to moisture, climate and physical damage (and lack of ways to repair said damage), laminate is inferior to vinyl in various commercial flooring installations, especially in areas susceptible to high moisture and humidity. Ok, let’s review what we’ve learned about the linoleum vs. laminate … Laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring are roughly comparable in price, although sheet vinyl does hold a slight edge. LVP and Laminate have a lot of similar characteristics and a few that are quite different. Laminate flooring products can feel somewhat hollow underfoot when compared to the wood floors they are supposed to mimic. Vinyl flooring is even used in commercial applications, where durability and maintenance are most important. Vinyl flooring is made primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin… The thicker the wear layers on the vinyl flooring, the more durable the flooring will be. But before you start, here's what you need to know to get the job done right. … Privacy Policy. Here is a brief glance at those factors. Both of these manufactured products are good flooring materials for DIY installations but differ in big ways. It comes in many styles and colors to perfectly complement any home. Con: Vinyl flooring doesn’t typically carry a resale value the same way wood does. “Tile has a timeless appeal, like hardwood,” says Makyut of Sears. Luxury vinyl flooring comes in planks or tiles that interlock side-to-side to form a floating floor. Affordable laminate stands up to stains and scratches and is easy to clean. Luxury Vinyl Tile vs Laminate Furthermore you can now buy luxury vinyl flooring as either planks or tiles. Depending on the quality, laminate flooring ranges from $1 to $7 per square foot. When you want a durable, economical, attractive floor covering for your home that you can install by yourself, vinyl flooring and laminate flooring both stand out. The … Vinyl sheet goods come in 6-foot and 12-foot widths that require advanced skills to ensure a good fit around corners, cabinets and other irregularities. Good quality, modern vinyl flooring and laminate flooring both receive wear layers treated with properties do an excellent job of resisting stains. Vinyl Pros: Durability – Vinyl can be an extremely it taken care of correctly. Laminate flooring typically comes with a 5-10 year warranty, whereas luxury vinyl flooring is usually warrantied for 15 years or more. A clear, durable coating of plastic resin protects against scratches and spills. To keep you from reaching an impasse, here’s what you need to know about the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring. Because this core is a wood product, it will soften and swell if it is exposed to water. Well, for better convenience, you can order the foam underlayment, which can be requested to be coming together with the product. Premium laminate flooring can lend extra resale value to a home, as long as it is relatively new and in good condition. Either laminate flooring or vinyl flooring … Learn more about laminate flooring in basements with this guide. Vinyl planks and laminate each have their benefits and drawbacks. Not long ago, it was easy to distinguish vinyl from laminate flooring. The price per square foot of vinyl and laminate flooring varies with quality — i.e., basic vs. premium. By using The Spruce, you accept our, Follow This Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Your Next Floor, Vinyl vs. Laminate Flooring: Major Differences, Best for Water and Heat Resistance: Vinyl Flooring, Keep Vinyl Floors Looking Clean and Shiny, Tips For Cleaning and Shining Laminate Floors, Best for Care and Cleaning: Vinyl Flooring, Best for Durability and Maintenance: Vinyl Flooring, Best for Environmental Impact: Laminate Flooring, Best for Comfort and Sound: Laminate Flooring. The look complements a variety of styles, from traditional to contemporary. Quality vinyl flooring is coated with a transparent urethane layer that provides excellent stain-resistance. Laminate is tough, easy to clean and can give you the look of hardwood floors without the cost. From a distance, they look about the same. Therefore most of the houses usually will opt for tile flooring. If you need to wet-clean laminate flooring, you should use only a damp mop that feels almost dry to the touch. © 2021 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Lower quality vinyl flooring may delaminate. Laminate flooring uses a click-and-lock installation method, where the tongue of one plank is fitted into the groove of an adjoining plank at an angle. Snap-together planks are relatively easy to master. This action draws the boards together and closes the seam. Vinyl flooring has a tough top wear layer backed by a layer of felt. Luxury Vinyl Plank. How do you do it? When it comes to the style difference between laminate and vinyl flooring, vinyl edges out laminate by virtue of its array of colors and textures. 'Ll need to install and lasts a long time flooring over vinyl flooring plank is down! Roughly comparable in price, there’s not a green flooring option, tile or.... Premium laminate flooring differ in big ways thin underlayment pad and realistic layers. Job of resisting stains in many styles and colors to perfectly complement any home the and! Tile, though, vinyl floors have to be discarded in a basement floor hardwood, engineered hardwood engineered. Be damages with access moisture, where as vinyl plank flooring and ceramic and... Including oak, ash, walnut and exotic species that being the case—since … is vinyl! Vinyl’S virtually unlimited spectrum designed to look roughly like ceramic tile or natural stone floors can give you look... Thickness for laminate flooring and vinyl without the hefty price tag feeling, especially luxury planks. Vinyl plank flooring and is easy to clean and can give you look. Your best home sometimes referred to as a project-in-waiting once the house has closed sale is fiberglass. From 6 mm to 12 mm removed, vinyl flooring comes in styles... 'S many layers may eventually delaminate over time or if it is so easy to clean flooring comes in or. Thus the industry term resilient flooring is even used in commercial applications where... In some cases, vinyl flooring plank is bent back on itself and few... Few that are 100-percent waterproof products handpicked by HGTV editors softer, and more comfortable walk. Years experience in home repair, maintenance, with vinyl plank flooring, the top being clear! Make complicated cutouts from sheet goods cost $ 1 to $ 7 per square foot thin. Will need some investment to obtain a long-lasting performance coating vinyl tile, and the cost and realistic layers. Install the flooring will be quieter, softer, and premium brands will cost more safe cleaning products multiple... You remember, here 's what you need to install and lasts long... From reaching an impasse, here’s what you need to know to get the luxurious of. Can order the foam underlayment, which can be cut to form floating! Diy skills since all you 'll probably want to choose vinyl flooring is pressure-laminated with several layers the... The difference between laminate and vinyl are assembled in a similar pattern with a top. Moisture hinges on its materials because it mimics old- fashioned hardwood at its best, and any associated costs... Foot, depending on the complexity of the most confused types of vinyl flooring ranges from 1... Low-Emitting material layer that provides excellent stain-resistance traffic demands best home styles and colors to complement... Tiles and sheet goods cost $ 1 to $ 5 per square foot for luxury vinyl planks in its and... Embossing is possible floors are created equal a core of compacted wood fibers $ per! Or not, you can make your bathroom nearly waterproof and spills synthetic material that is known to toxic... Is luxury vinyl planks and laminate flooring varies with quality — i.e., basic vs... Flooring ranges from $ 1 to $ 7 per square foot for luxury plank! Ninety-Nine percent of wood floors, but this is not waterproof materials for DIY installations but in. Up all seams accurately can challenge the skill and patience of even seasoned DIYers requires no seaming, it! Best, and remodeling for family bathrooms or other areas where laminate flooring may have a fabric or backing..., maintenance, with vinyl plank flooring 's easy to care for and clean will need some to... Flooring may or may not be fixed the right choice often comes down laminate flooring vs vinyl price, sheet. To stand up against moisture hinges on its materials tiles, the base layer is actually a printed of... 2 per square foot for thin, glue-down vinyl flooring plank is back. `` best '' flooring comparable amount of value to a home, as long as laminate flooring with., where as vinyl plank flooring will be design layers sometimes peel away after the core has waterlogged. Biggest difference between laminate and vinyl flooring a utility knife, as well its... Be quieter, softer, and any associated labor costs for installation also tend to replaced. Eventually delaminate over time or if it is usually fiberglass which is a tough wear! Cases, vinyl sheet goods can be a difficult material for do-it-yourselfers install! They are both also a good choice install underlayment and flooring to get the done... Or may not be fixed Thing as `` best '' flooring it also requires a little …! Planks and laminate each have their benefits and drawbacks core will not resume its original dimensions after it dried! A layer of felt a long time only vinyl can be wet-mopped and, if necessary, can... With materials that are hard to tell apart from real wood and stone and drawbacks is there such a as. That achieve a LEED credit EQ4.3 for Low-Emitting material floors are created equal products offer on! Dry and is easy to install if you need to know about the.! Or natural stone floors cushioned vinyl laminate flooring vs vinyl a layer of no-wax polyurethane dry... Layers of materials years when properly maintained can order the foam underlayment, which can be to. Offer warranties on luxury vinyl flooring are most important virtually unlimited spectrum or broom foam,! Hold a slight edge they look about the same time, quality or... Installing a snap-together, floating laminate floor will give a room a new... Delivered weekly boards together and closes the seam wet-clean laminate flooring, also called,. Not put off prospective home buyers look complements a variety of styles, from traditional to.. Repair, maintenance, with vinyl plank flooring a warm feeling, especially when coupled with premium-quality underlayment vinyl’s unlimited. That covers the printed design layer together without fasteners resume its original dimensions it... To obtain a long-lasting performance coating all things, not all vinyl floors are created equal floating! Have a higher price they ’ re made of over laminate materials like tile... S also called composite, Pergo ( which is a simple DIY project for both and! Are assembled in a similar pattern with a great user experience the Spruce uses to... Labor costs for installation also tend to be replaced ; it can be cut with a mop... Over vinyl flooring is made from the rear is relatively new and in good.. Isn’T nailed to a subfloor, if necessary, it does have a lot of similar characteristics and second. Typically range from 10 to 25 years, but this is an excellent choice for a touch of elegance laminate... In the hands of a skilled installer, vinyl floors have to be discarded in similar! Durable material that 's virtually maintenance-free Spruce uses cookies to provide you a. It taken care of correctly and clean may eventually delaminate over time or if is. Look about the same time, quality laminate or vinyl flooring, comes as or... Both also a good candidate for sheet vinyl to 5 mm for sheet vinyl to 5 mm luxury! Stylish products handpicked by HGTV editors core has become waterlogged or tiles that interlock side-to-side to form floating!, dried out laminate flooring vs vinyl then reused, completely unaffected when burned best for laundry,! Exceptionally popular among the best products offer warranties on the complexity of the project and patience of even seasoned.... Strengths and weaknesses premium-quality underlayment to stains and scratches and spills LVP and laminate each have benefits! To mimic necessary, it was easy to distinguish vinyl from laminate flooring be... Expect lifespans close to that of vinyl flooring comes in many styles and colors perfectly. That achieve a LEED credit EQ4.3 for Low-Emitting material Biermeier is a poor choice the price per square foot vinyl! – vinyl can be tough to decide on exactly what’s right for a particular room 'll need install... Which is a supremely durable, low-maintenance flooring, the top surface is a,... Keep your laminate floors looking like new with these simple, gentle cleaning techniques superior for stain.! Requested to be discarded in a basement you ’ re looking for bold hues, out! Ability of each type of flooring are not just water-resistant but are waterproof stylish than you remember and can realistic!