What’s The Difference Between Vinyl and Laminate Flooring?
Choosing between vinyl and laminate flooring can be challenging, as both options offer durability, affordability, and style.
However, they have crucial differences—like water resistance, comfort, and installation—that can make or break your decision.
In this guide, we’ll break down vinyl flooring vs. laminate flooring, covering their features, benefits, and which is better for different areas of your home, helping you make the right choice for your space. First let’s break down the main features of both.
| Feature | Vinyl Flooring | Laminate Flooring |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Synthetic (PVC and foam) | Wood fiberboard with resin coating |
| Thickness | 1.5 – 5 mm | 6 – 12 mm |
| Water Resistance | 100% waterproof | Limited water resistance |
| Installation | Glue-down, interlocking, floating | Click-and-lock, floating |
| Durability | Very durable, ideal for wet areas | Durable, but can warp with moisture |
| Appearance | Imitates stone, wood, ceramic | More realistic wood and stone looks |
| Comfort | Slightly harder, cold underfoot | Softer, more cushioned feel |
| Cost | $1 – $12 per sq ft (depending on type) | $1 – $5 per sq ft |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean (wet mop allowed) | Needs dry cleaning methods |
| Lifespan | Up to 25 years | 15 – 25 years |
| Environmental Impact | Synthetic, hard to recycle | Small advantage due to wood content |
| Resale Value | Moderate | Moderate |
What is Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a 100% synthetic material made primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
It has multiple layers, including:
- Wear Layer – Protects the surface from scratches and stains.
- Printed or Decorative Layer – Provides the desired look, such as wood, stone, or tile.
- Core Layer – Made of PVC for stability.
- Backing Layer – Provides support and acts as a base.
Types of Vinyl Flooring
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) – Mimics hardwood planks.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) – Resembles ceramic or stone tiles.
Sheet Vinyl – Large, flexible sheets, usually used for seamless, water-resistant coverage.
Key Features and Benefits
- Waterproof: Ideal for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Durable: Resistant to scratches and stains, suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Versatile Design: Can replicate natural materials at a fraction of the cost.
- Comfortable Underfoot: Slightly softer and warmer compared to hard surfaces.
- Easy Installation: Available in various formats, including glue-down, peel-and-stick, and floating installations, making it a DIY-friendly option.
- Low Maintenance: Simple to clean with sweeping and mopping, making it practical for busy environments.
During the design phase, the middle vinyl foam layer is printed and embossed with a surface print layer to create a decorative pattern. Then, a second protective layer is applied.
Vinyl comes in glue-down, loose-fit, and interlocking styles — the latter of which joins together like laminate flooring planks.
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a multi-layered synthetic product made from compressed wood byproducts and resins.
Laminate flooring offers a stylish, cost-effective, and comfortable solution for many areas of the home, especially living spaces and hallways. It provides a high-quality look and feel while remaining practical and resilient.
It consists of:
- Wear Layer – A clear, durable layer of aluminum oxide for protection.
- Printed Layer – Provides the desired aesthetic, often mimicking natural materials.
- Core Layer – High-density fiberboard (HDF) for stability and strength.
- Backing Layer – Offers moisture resistance and adds structural support.
Types and Characteristics
Standard Laminate: Typically 6-12 mm thick, ideal for general use in living areas.
Water-Resistant Laminate: Offers some resistance to spills, suitable for kitchens and powder rooms.
Key Features and Benefits
- Durable Surface: Highly resistant to scratches, stains, and dents, making it great for busy households.
- Realistic Appearance: Uses advanced printing technology to closely replicate natural wood, stone, or tile, with added embossing for texture.
- Comfortable Underfoot: Its thickness makes it warmer and softer compared to vinyl.
- Ease of Installation: Uses a click-and-lock mechanism, making it ideal for DIY projects.
- Affordable Alternative: Provides the look of real hardwood at a fraction of the cost, making it a cost-effective choice.
- Eco-Friendly: Often made with renewable wood products and may qualify for LEED credits, giving it a slight environmental advantage over fully synthetic flooring.
Comparing Vinyl and Laminate Flooring
Appearance
Vinyl and laminate flooring both mimic natural materials like wood and stone, but they have some differences in visual appeal. Laminate often offers a more realistic texture, especially with its deeper embossing, giving it an authentic wood or stone look. Vinyl, especially luxury options, also provides a convincing appearance but may not match the depth and texture of laminate.
Water Resistance
Water resistance is one of the biggest differences between these two flooring options. Vinyl is 100% waterproof, making it an ideal choice for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. Laminate, on the other hand, has a core made from wood byproducts, which means it is more vulnerable to water damage, especially if spills are not cleaned up immediately.
Durability and Maintenance
When it comes to durability, vinyl and laminate perform differently in various settings. Vinyl is extremely durable, resisting moisture, scratches, and stains, making it low maintenance and ideal for high-traffic areas. Laminate is also durable and scratch-resistant but is susceptible to damage from prolonged exposure to water or moisture. Proper maintenance is key for both, but vinyl is generally easier to clean with wet mopping, while laminate requires drier cleaning methods.
Comfort and Sound
Comfort and noise levels underfoot can vary significantly between vinyl and laminate. Laminate tends to be thicker, which makes it warmer and softer underfoot, often providing a cushioned feel. This makes laminate more comfortable in living areas. Vinyl can be slightly harder and colder, especially in cooler environments. In terms of noise, laminate can produce more sound underfoot, whereas vinyl tends to be quieter, especially when paired with underlayment.
Is Vinyl Flooring More Expensive Than Laminate?
Vinyl and laminate flooring are similarly priced, but there are differences depending on the type and quality. Vinyl ranges from $1 to $12 per square foot, with luxury options being more expensive. Laminate typically costs between $1 and $5 per square foot.
Vinyl offers a more budget-friendly option for moisture-prone areas, while laminate provides cost-effective luxury for dry spaces with its thicker, realistic look. Both options are affordable compared to natural wood or tile.
Is Laminate Flooring Easier To Install?
Vinyl and laminate can both be installed as floating floors, making DIY installation easier. Vinyl also comes in glue-down varieties, which provide more stability but are harder to remove. Laminate uses a click-and-lock system, allowing the planks to snap together easily. Vinyl installation can also include peel-and-stick options, while laminate usually requires more precise fitting.
Is your business looking to install a new vinyl or laminate floor? For all your commercial flooring needs, get in touch with the experts at Bennetts Carpets today on 1300 653 314.
