When you’re shopping for flooring for your home, two of the most popular options are laminate flooring and vinyl flooring. Both are stylish, durable and budget-friendly alternatives to hardwood, but they’re made differently and excel in different ways depending on your space.
At Best Floor Coverings, we get asked all the time, “What’s the real difference between vinyl and laminate?”
Whether you’re looking for a new look in your living room or need something tough for wet areas like laundry rooms and kitchens, knowing the differences between these two flooring types is key to making a decision.
Let’s get into the features, benefits and use cases for both laminate flooring and vinyl.
Vinyl and Laminate Flooring 101
Both vinyl and laminate flooring offer the look of wood or stone at a budget price. They’re made in planks, tiles or sheets for homeowners who want durability without the price of real hardwood.
But the manufacturing process is different—and that’s where they start to perform differently.
Laminate is made from a fiberboard core topped with a printed design layer and a wear layer, mimicking wood or tile. This is a high density fiberboard.
Vinyl, especially luxury vinyl flooring, is made of multiple layers of synthetic materials, including a stone plastic composite (SPC) or solid core layer, making it more resistant to temperature changes and water.
Feature | Laminate Flooring | Vinyl Flooring |
|---|---|---|
Core Material | HDF (high density fiberboard) | PVC or stone plastic composite |
Waterproof? | Water resistant, not waterproof | Fully waterproof |
Texture | Hard, embossed, wood-like | Softer, cushioned |
Best for | Dry spaces, high traffic areas | Moisture-prone rooms |
Appearance | Realistic wood textures | Wood, sheet vinyl, tile, or stone visuals |
Installation | Click lock floating floor | Floating, glue-down, peel and stick |
Lifespan | 15–25 years | 15–20+ years |
Price (Installed) | $4–$14 per sq ft | $4–$16 per sq ft |
What You Need to Know About Polyvinyl Chloride
One of the key components that sets vinyl flooring apart is polyvinyl chloride, or PVC—a versatile, durable plastic used in the core layer of many modern flooring products.
PVC provides flexibility and strength while offering complete water resistance, making it ideal for wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Because it’s non-porous, flooring made with polyvinyl chloride resists mold, mildew and bacteria growth, helping to create healthier indoor environments.
It also allows for a more cushioned, softer feel underfoot and better sound absorption—especially when paired with an attached underlayment. Plus, PVC’s durability makes it perfect for high traffic areas, as it resists dents, stains, all while keeping its shape and appearance over time. These performance benefits make vinyl flooring with a PVC base one of the most popular choices among homeowners looking for longevity, comfort and style.
What to Know About Laminate Flooring and Its Benefits
Laminate Composition and Floating Floor Installation
Laminate planks are made up of four layers: a bottom stabilizing layer, a fiberboard core, a printed design layer and a top surface wear layer. The result? A hard surface layer that looks like wood but is much cheaper and easier to install.
Most laminate uses a floating floor system that clicks together over an existing floor without glue or nails. Some premium options come with built-in underlayment, making DIY or professional installation faster and smoother.
Laminate Flooring and Moisture Resistance
Traditional laminate is water resistant, not waterproof. Spills should be cleaned up quickly to avoid damage to the fiberboard core, which can swell if saturated. But laminate performs great in dry rooms—and new waterproof laminate innovations are closing the gap.
Where Flooring and Laminate Work Best in Your Home:
Laminate is great for living rooms, dining rooms, hallways and bedrooms. Its scratch resistant surface handles pet claws, kids’ toys and high traffic well. With deeper embossing technology, many modern styles now rival the look of real hardwood.
All About Vinyl Plank Flooring
What Is Vinyl Plank and How Is It Made?
Vinyl plank (or LVP) is part of a broader category of luxury vinyl options. It’s engineered with four layers: a backing layer, core layer (either stone plastic composite or wood plastic), a printed design layer, and a top wear layer that’s both stain resistant and durable against foot traffic.
It’s waterproof and can withstand temperature fluctuations making it perfect for busy households and commercial spaces.
Why Vinyl Flooring and Laminate Are Often Compared
Vinyl flooring ranges are designed to look like real wood or stone. Because both vinyl and laminate are affordable and have high-end visuals, many homeowners compare them side by side. But vinyl shines where moisture resistance and low maintenance are top priority.
Vinyl vs Laminate: Head-to-Head
Durability, Longevity and Everyday Wear
Both flooring types perform well. Laminate’s top surface is harder, making it more scratch resistant. But vinyl is better at absorbing impact and resisting everyday wear, especially in wet areas.
With proper care:
Laminate flooring lasts 15–25 years
Luxury vinyl flooring can last 15–20+ years or more in low traffic zones
Appearance of Vinyl and Laminate Flooring
Laminate is known for its textured feel and wood look, while luxury vinyl offers more design variety. From ceramic tile patterns to bleached oak wood tones, today’s luxury vinyl options are very realistic.
Moisture Resistance: The Big Difference Between Vinyl and Laminate
This is where vinyl vs laminate really differs:
Laminate is water resistant and fine for dry rooms* Vinyl flooring, especially solid vinyl or stone plastic composite, is 100% waterproof and perfect for laundry rooms, bathrooms, kitchens and basements
If moisture is a major concern, vinyl wins.
Comfort, Sound and Attached Underlayment Options
Vinyl is softer underfoot and often comes with attached underlayment for extra comfort. Laminate can be louder but installing it over underlayment can help. If you have radiant heat, both are compatible when installed correctly.
Flooring Installation: Floating Floor Systems and DIY Flexibility
Laminate is almost always a floating floor, making it great for DIY installation. Vinyl is even more flexible, available in floating, peel and stick and glue-down options. Vinyl’s flexibility is a big plus over uneven subfloors which can be a big issue in older homes.
Both can be installed over most existing flooring, saving time and money during renovations.
Cost Breakdown: Affordable Flooring Options
Both laminate flooring and vinyl flooring are considered budget friendly options to hardwood.
Laminate: $4–$14 per square foot (installed)
Vinyl Plank or LVP: $4–$16 per square foot (installed)
Sheet vinyl: Even cheaper, best for low-traffic or utility areas
Considering long term maintenance and room suitability, luxury vinyl flooring may offer more value in moisture-heavy areas, while laminate flooring shines in comfort and realism for dry zones.
Vinyl Plank vs Laminate: Which One Is Right for Your Home?
Which Flooring Type Is Best for You?
Think about the room, your lifestyle and your long term plans. For high traffic areas with pets and kids, laminate flooring is the winner. It’s great for scratch resistance as kids and pets tend to scratch the top layer of the floors. For bathrooms, mudrooms or kitchens with regular water exposure, vinyl plank is a safer and more durable option.
Also consider your installation timeline, sound preferences and if you want to do a DIY installation or leave it to the pros.
Best Floor Coverings’ Advice:
At Best Floor Coverings, we’ve helped thousands of local homeowners navigate the vinyl flooring vs laminate flooring decision. We bring our showroom to you, so you can feel and compare multiple layers of products in your own home lighting. Then our expert team handles the professional installation, so you get flawless results.
Laminate Flooring vs Vinyl Flooring
When comparing laminate flooring and vinyl flooring, it’s important to understand how different construction styles impact long term performance and comfort. Vinyl plank flooring has a stone plastic composite core, more rigid and 100% waterproof—perfect for moisture-prone areas.
Solid vinyl and sheet vinyl options are flexible and seamless, great for utility spaces or large open areas. Laminate has a high-density core and a printed design layer and durable top layer, it looks like natural materials like wood at a more affordable price.
Both have a wear layer that protects against scratches, so your floors stay beautiful in high traffic areas. Regardless of which flooring types you prefer, either the comfort of vinyl or love the textures found in laminate, today’s click lock systems make installation faster and easier than ever.
No matter what you’re looking for, Best Floor Coverings has a wide selection of stylish, high-performance flooring solutions for your lifestyle and home.
Realism and Style: Natural Looks Without the High Price
Advancements in manufacturing have made both laminate and vinyl more stylish and realistic than ever. Whether you prefer the charm of natural hardwood or the clean lines of stone, both flooring types deliver.
Laminate offers ultra-realistic textures that mimic wood grain, knotting, and natural imperfections. Its printed design layer and top layer work together to create an authentic feel underfoot.
Vinyl flooring also offers exceptional realism—especially high-end vinyl plank flooring options. These mimic wood and tile with amazing accuracy and come in more sizes, finishes, and competitively priced collections than ever before.
From farmhouse to modern minimalist, there are endless looks to choose from in both categories.
2025 Trends: Laminate Flooring and Vinyl Flooring
The flooring world is moving fast. This year’s top trends:
Waterproof laminate flooring that looks like natural materials
Wide-plank vinyl flooring with deeper embossing
Matte, low-sheen finishes for a more refined, high-end look
Eco-friendly lines to improve indoor air quality
Whether you like the feel of laminate planks or the water-fighting power of solid vinyl, now is the perfect time to upgrade your floors. Laminate flooring and vinyl flooring continue to evolve in 2025, combining innovation with design to meet the needs of today’s homeowners. One of the biggest trends this year is natural materials-inspired designs, both laminate flooring and vinyl plank flooring have ultra-realistic wood grains and stone textures through advanced printed design layers and top layer finishes.
Waterproof laminate flooring is also hot, making it a great option for kitchens and mudrooms where daily wear and water resistance are key. Hard vinyl and stone plastic composite (SPC) cores dominate the luxury vinyl category, offering more durability and stability even under radiant heat systems.
Sheet vinyl is also back in budget-friendly renovations due to its seamless look and low maintenance. Matte finishes, wide planks and earthy color palettes are shaping the style, while the demand for click lock installation systems makes DIY upgrades more accessible than ever.
Whether you want elegance, efficiency or endurance, the latest flooring trends prove laminate flooring and vinyl flooring are leading the way in both performance and style.
See Real Results with Luxury Vinyl and Laminate from Best Floor Coverings
“We installed waterproof laminate in our living room and it looks just like real wood. The team made it easy.” – Allison M., Bellevue
“Our new vinyl plank floors in the kitchen hold up great to water and spills—and are super easy to clean.” – James L., Seattle
“They brought everything to us—samples, advice and all. The process was seamless from start to finish.” – Monica K., Kirkland
Frequently Asked What is the Difference Between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring
Can I use laminate for water resistance purposes in bathrooms?
Only water-resistant or waterproof laminate should be used, and even then, vinyl is the better choice in rooms with frequent moisture.
Is vinyl better for pets?
Yes. Vinyl is softer, quieter and more water resistant—perfect for homes with furry friends.
How do I maintain my laminate or vinyl floors?
Sweep regularly, mop with water-based cleaners (no soaking), and avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemicals.
Can vinyl be installed over radiant heat?
Yes! Both laminate flooring and vinyl flooringcan be installed over radiant heat, just make sure the product is approved by the manufacturer.
How long do laminate and vinyl flooring last?
With proper care, laminate flooring can last between 10 to 30 years, while vinyl flooring typically lasts 10 to 20 years. The lifespan depends on the product’s quality, installation, and maintenance.
Are there eco-friendly options for laminate and vinyl flooring?
Yes, some manufacturers offer eco-friendly laminate flooring and vinyl flooring options made from recycled materials and low-VOC emissions. Look for certifications and product information to ensure the flooring meets your environmental standards.
How do I maintain and clean laminate and vinyl flooring?
Both flooring types are relatively easy to maintain. For laminate flooring, use a dry mop or vacuum to remove dust and debris, and clean spills promptly to prevent moisture damage. For vinyl flooring, regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping with a mild cleaner will keep it looking new.
Is laminate or vinyl flooring better for Seattle’s damp climate?
In Seattle’s rainy, humid weather, vinyl flooring is usually the safer bet. It’s 100% waterproof, thanks to its polyvinyl chloride (PVC) core, making it ideal for bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Laminate flooring gives you that warm natural wood look and better scratch resistance, but it’s only water-resistant—not waterproof. While newer waterproof laminates exist, vinyl remains the more reliable choice in moisture-prone spaces.
So, Which Flooring Type Is Right for You?
Still wondering what is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring when it comes to your specific needs? Here’s a quick recap:
Choose laminate flooring if:
You love realistic natural wood textures
You need excellent scratch resistance
You’re flooring a dry space like a bedroom or home office
You’re looking for an affordable alternative option that elevates the style of your home
Choose vinyl flooring if:
You need waterproof protection in bathrooms, kitchens, or basements
You want something soft and quiet underfoot
You’re dealing with pets, kids, or heavy wear layer
You need a flexible, forgiving product that works in commercial settings or over uneven subfloors
Let’s Find the Perfect Floor Together
📞 Contact us today
Schedule your free in-home consultation, or explore our services online to learn more. Still deciding on laminate flooring vs vinyl flooring? We can help. Schedule your free in-home consultation and we’ll bring the expertise, samples and options to your doorstep. No pressure. No guesswork. Just great results.
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