Laminate vs Vinyl

Laminate flooring was the first man-made alternative to natural wood. The planks are typically made from wood byproduct. They have four layers: backing, base, print and wear layer. The print layer is what gives the product the look of wood. The wear layer protects the plank over time.

• Floating floors (also known as composite or floating wood tile) snap into place over an existing floor.
• Planks are solid, with no give or movement underfoot.
• Laminate is typically considered the most affordable flooring option.

Vinyl flooring is also synthetic. It is designed to visually mimic natural flooring elements such as wood or stone. Luxury vinyl planks typically have three layers: a solid vinyl core, a print layer and a wear layer. For a long time, vinyl was not considered a good flooring option, However, the market for luxury vinyl planks has grown.

• Can be installed as floating floor (vinyl plank) or as glued-down flooring (sheet vinyl).
• Realistic-looking planks.
• More resilient underfoot, with a little give or bounce back.
• Requires very little maintenance.

When comparing laminate vs. vinyl, look at the features that are more important to your home, lifestyle and budget to make the right choice. Factors to consider include appearance, water resistance, durability and lifespan. You’ll also want to think about installation. How well the floor will work with radiant heating may also be of interest to you. Pet owners should think about which flooring option will be best for their dogs or cats.

Laminate: Deep, realistic three-dimensional embossing with accurate images of wood, ceramic or stone.

Vinyl: Luxury vinyl planks look very realistic. Its thicker solid core makes deeper embossing possible, so vinyl can resemble the look of natural materials.

Verdict: Laminate more closely mimics hardwood, stone, ceramics and other materials.

Laminate: Generally very durable, but layers can deteriorate over time. Once the wear layer is scratched, however, it can’t be repaired. Because laminate core is made of wood, it is prone to soften and swell if exposed to water. Design layers sometimes peel away after the core has become waterlogged. Water-damaged laminate will need to be replaced.

Vinyl: Tiles can loosen over time, but overall, it’s a tough floor material. VInyl is typically made of 100 percent polymer materials. Vinyl can be fully immersed in water for long periods of time, dried out and then used again.

Verdict: Vinyl has greater durability and is essentially waterproof.

Laminate: These floors are usually installed with the click-and-lock method. There is a method that uses glue for installation, but this is more time-consuming and usually not preferred.

Vinyl: Vinyl planks also use click-and-lock method. Sheet vinyl can be slightly more complicated to install and is typically not well-suited for a DIY project. It’s very heavy and needs to be cut precisely. Hiring professionals to install sheet vinyl is recommended.

Verdict: Laminate and luxury vinyl planks are both easy to install. Sheet vinyl installation is more complicated and should be done professionally.

Laminate: Warranties range from 10 to 25 years.

Vinyl: Warranties range up to 20 years.

Verdict: As long as laminate is kept dry and regularly cleaned, its lifespan is about the same as vinyl flooring.

Radiant heating systems supply home heating by means of panels that are installed behind walls or under flooring.

Laminate: Conducts radiant heat well.

Vinyl: Luxury vinyl is excellent at conducting heat, especially when paired with self-leveling underlayment which promotes conductivity.

Verdict: Both are great at radiating heat, though laminate floors may conduct radiant heat a little more effectively than vinyl.

Laminate: Easy cleanup, but a slick surface makes it less desirable for older dogs. Since water exposure may cause long-term damage, homeowners with puppies or older dogs may avoid placing laminate in pet areas.

Vinyl: Ease of maintenance and water-resistance make it a great option for a home with pets.

Verdict: Vinyl works better in homes with pets, but maintenance will be very important.

Laminate: These floors should be cleaned first with dry methods, like a broom or dry mop. A damp mop should only be used when neeeded to remove deeper dirt. These floors require little maintenance unless scratched. Laminate floor repair kits are available to fix minor scratches. If a scratch is deep or the floor has been damaged by water, the affected laminate boards may need to be replaced individually.

Vinyl: This flooring type is very easy to clean. You can use any cleaning method necessary. However, vinyl can’t be sanded down if too many deep scratches develop. Repairs require planks to be removed and replaced.

Verdict: Both require a lot of work if they need to be repaired, but vinyl is easier to care for and clean.

Pros:

• Realistic wood and stone look.
• Wide range of textures available.
• Scratch-resistant.
• Some water resistance.
• Easy to install.
• Low maintenance.
• Comfortable to stand on for long periods.
• Can be installed over radiant heating systems.
• Suits most room designs.

Cons:

• Less water resistance compared to vinyl.
• Not recommended for full bathrooms or basements.
• Loud when walked on.

Pros:

• Realistic wood and stone look.
• DIY installation with click-and-lock.
• Easy to maintain.
• Resilient, waterproof options are available.
• Products look more realistic than the plastic look of years past.

Cons:

• Doesn’t feel like real wood. Can look synthetic.
• Best value comes from luxury planks. Low-quality vinyl planks scratch and dent easily.

Costs:

Both laminate and vinyl can be cost effective, but more durable options are more expensive.

• Laminate: Prices range from $1 per square foot to $5 per square foot.
• Vinyl: Prices range from $1 to $5 per square foot.

Resale Value:

Luxury vinyl may add as much value to your home as laminate flooring. However, cheaper vinyl options make laminate a comparatively better value over the long run.

• Laminate: Lends extra resale value to a home as long as it's in good condition.
• Vinyl: Luxury options can bring value to a home, but inferior vinyl may be a project in waiting for potential buyers.