Vinyl vs Laminate Flooring_ Which One Fits Your Home

Which is Better: Laminate or Vinyl Plank Flooring?

If you’ve found your way here, you’re probably seeking answers. What’s the difference between vinyl and laminate flooring? Is laminate the same as vinyl? Which is better? Rest assured, you’re in the right place. We’re equipped with all the insights you need. Laminate and vinyl plank flooring seamlessly fuse beauty with endurance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into the intricacies of luxury vinyl and laminate flooring. Our mission? To empower you with the knowledge to make a well-informed decision that aligns perfectly with your space, lifestyle, and budget. 
Floorily Blonde luxury vinyl plank flooring commercial LVP CoreLogic Four Seasons

Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Where Elegance Meets Resilience

Imagine a flooring solution that seamlessly combines elegance and resilience – that’s luxury vinyl flooring. With an impressive selection of luxury vinyl plank styles that capture the essence of natural materials while offering unmatched practicality, this choice is a testament to strength and sophistication. Crafted with several layers, luxury vinyl flooring is ideal for pet-friendly homes and areas prone to humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms, thanks to its synthetic composition that grants immunity against moisture. 

Grey brown vinyl plank flooring CoreLogic Floorily Forest View dark LVP

Advantages of Luxury Vinyl Flooring:

  1. Endless Colors: Luxury vinyl plank colors showcase many styles, shades, and designs, permitting you to craft your desired ambiance. 
  2. Waterproof Marvel: Luxury vinyl flooring thwarts water with remarkable efficiency, proving invaluable in spaces grappling with moisture. 
  3. Ultimate Resilience: Designed to endure heavy foot traffic and daily wear, luxury vinyl flooring retains its pristine appearance even in high-traffic areas of your home. 
  4. Comfort Underfoot: The various layers of luxury vinyl provide a comfortable surface, reducing strain on your joints, making it ideal for areas where you stand for extended periods. 
  5. Pet-Friendly Choice: Luxury vinyl is exceptionally resistant to scratches and stains, making it an excellent choice for households with furry companions. 
  6. Easy Maintenance: With a quick sweep and occasional damp mop, luxury vinyl flooring remains impeccably clean, saving you time and effort on cleaning. 
  7. Noise Reduction: The inherent resilience of luxury vinyl flooring helps absorb sound, resulting in a quieter environment, perfect for tranquil living spaces. 
  8. Simple Installation: Luxury vinyl options often include hassle-free installation methods like floating or glue-down, ensuring a smooth and efficient process. 
Floorily CoreLogic Black Vinyl Plank Flooring Dark LVP Fortika Mallumo

Laminate Flooring: Budget-Friendly Panache

Laminate flooring, a cost-effective contender in the flooring realm, channels the appearance of natural elements without an exorbitant price tag. Laminate flooring assembles a sturdy surface that defies scratches and fading by fusing layers of diverse materials. But is laminate flooring better than vinyl? Although it doesn’t boast the same water resistance as waterproof vinyl flooring, contemporary laminate options have elevated their moisture resilience, rendering them suitable for areas with moderate humidity.
Chevron herringbone blonde white oak laminate flooring

Advantages of Laminate Flooring:

  1. Affordability Redefined: Laminate flooring introduces the elegance of hardwood or stone at a fraction of the cost, ideal for those seeking a sophisticated yet budget-friendly choice. 
  2. Installation Ease: Many laminate floors integrate click-and-lock installation systems, making it a delightful DIY venture for laminate flooring installation. 
  3. Varied Aesthetic Repertoire: Laminate flooring spans a wide spectrum of styles, replicating the look of diverse materials and allowing you to align your flooring with your interior design vision. 
  4. Stain Resistance: Laminate’s top layer is engineered to resist stains, making it an excellent option for spaces prone to spills and mishaps. 
  5. Fade-Resistant Finish: Sunlight exposure can lead to fading over time. However, some laminate options’ UV-resistant surface ensures your flooring remains vibrant and appealing. 
  6. Environmental Friendliness: Many laminate options use recycled materials, contributing to sustainable living and minimizing environmental footprint. 
  7. Hygienic Choice: Laminate’s smooth surface is easy to clean and doesn’t harbor allergens or dust mites, enhancing indoor air quality. 
  8. Versatile Placement: Laminate’s moisture resistance allows it to be easily used in various areas of the home, from living rooms to bedrooms. 

Wood Laminate vs Vinyl Plank: What's the Difference?

Feature  Luxury Vinyl Flooring  Laminate Flooring 
Water Resistance High  Low to Moderate 
Durability  Excellent  Good 
Aesthetic Variety  Extensive  Wide Range 
Installation  Glue-down or Floating  Click-and-Lock 
Cost  Affordable to High  Affordable to Mid 
LVP click flooring - vinyl vs laminate flooring - Floorily waterproof vinyl flooring

What’s Better: Luxury Vinyl or Laminate?

Ultimately, your choice between luxury vinyl and laminate flooring depends on your unique requirements. If you prioritize ultimate moisture and scratch resistance and a wide array of styles, luxury vinyl plank is your go-to. On the other hand, if affordability and keeping a classic look take precedence, laminate flooring is the frontrunner. 

Both luxury vinyl and laminate flooring offer an array of benefits that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. Whether captivated by the allure of luxury vinyl plank or swayed by the timelessness of laminate, make your decision confidently. Rest assured, you’re choosing a flooring solution that harmoniously aligns with your lifestyle and design aspirations. 

Author

  • Sarah Dyer Headshot

    Sarah is the Communications Manager at Floorily. With a strong background in digital marketing, she develops strategies and marketing material to help grow and promote Floorily. In her free time, Sarah enjoys camping, hiking, and being a passenger on flights flown by her aviator husband.

    https://www.floorily.com sarah@floorily.com Dyer Sarah