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Laminate vs. Vinyl Flooring

Laminate vs. Vinyl Flooring

Are you in the market for durable new flooring that is beautiful without going over budget? Laminate flooring & luxury vinyl tile/luxury vinyl plank (LVT/LVP) flooring are both industry standouts that can be installed as a DIY project. You’ll find styles in both categories that replicate similar looks and sit at about the same price point. Both are advertised as modern, affordable alternatives to hardwood. But how do they compare? Is there any difference between laminate and LVT/LVP flooring? Which one is best for you and your home?

We’ll answer all of these questions for you in our laminate vs. LVT/LVP flooring comparison guide.
 

What is Laminate Flooring?

 

what-is-laminate-flooring

Laminate is a multi-layered fiberboard product that, like LVT/LVP, simulates hardwood, stone, and other natural flooring materials with deep, realistic three-dimensional embossing on its surfaces. In other words, it provides the appearance of premium flooring at a fraction of the price. Another similarity to some LVT/LVP is laminate’s ability to be installed as a floating floor system rather than being glued to a subfloor. It tends to feel like soft wood underfoot.

Most laminate flooring is composed of four layers:

  1. A bottom backing layer that stabilizes the floor and protects it from moisture
  2. A core layer composed of medium or high-density fiberboard
  3. A pattern layer with a photographic image of the material being simulated
  4. A top wear layer that acts as a sealant, protecting your floor from scratches & moisture

 

What is LVT/LVP Flooring?

 

what-is-vinyl-flooring

Vinyl flooring is a 100% synthetic material available in planks or tiles. Like laminate, LVT/LVP allows you to mimic the appearance of natural flooring materials. LVT/LVP used to be inferior to laminate in terms of imaging and textures, but the technology has caught up and, in some cases, surpassed that of its competitor. Some luxury vinyl plank floors are floating floor systems like laminate. Other types of vinyl can also be installed with adhesives.

 

The Differences Between Laminate & Vinyl Flooring

Material, Construction & Water Resistance

For all their similarities, the key difference that sets these two products apart is the material from which they’re made. Unlike the 100% synthetic LVT/LVP, laminate flooring is made from real wood byproducts, bonded with resins. LVT/LVP usually consists of a base layer of fiberglass coated in PVC with multiple wear layers. The core can be thick, especially in rigid core plank and tile formats.

Both modern, high-end laminates and LVT/LVP flooring are water-resistant. However, for both products, if not installed properly, moisture issues can arise from the subfloor and cause failure or other issues.

America’s Floor Source recommended installation areas for laminate & LVT/LVP floors

 

Laminate Floors

Vinyl Floors

Bathroom

Dependent on specific product's water resistance

Yes

Kitchen

Dependent on specific product's water resistance

Yes

Dining Room

Dependent on specific product's water resistance

Yes

Living Room

Yes

Yes

Bedroom

Yes

Yes

Home Office

Yes

Yes

Mudroom

Dependent on specific product's water resistance

Yes

LVT/LVP is the winner when it comes to top surface water resistance.

The Winner? It's a draw.


Looks

The difference here will generally depend on the product you choose. While laminate flooring has historically had deeper, more realistic visuals & embossing on its surfaces, certain modern LVT/LVP products do as well. Luxury vinyl plank flooring, with its thicker, rigid solid core, tends to look more like wood since deeper embossing is possible on its surface.

The Winner? It’s a draw.

 

Comfort & Sound

When you’re shopping, looks may be the most obvious feature of a floor – however, once it’s installed, you’ll begin to notice the way it feels and sounds underfoot.

Neither laminate nor LVT/LVP feels quite like real wood. However, laminate tends to feel warmer and softer – especially when paired with the right foam underlayment. LVT/LVP is a bit more cold and rigid, especially when floated over concrete or tile.

The Winner? Laminate.

 

Installation

Both laminate and LVT/LVP flooring are designed for easy installation, making them a good DIY project even for those with limited experience. Laminate plank can be cut using an ordinary circular saw, while most LVT/LVP can be cut with a utility knife.

The Winner? It’s a draw.

 

Cost

Laminate and LVT/LVP are comparable in price. Both products are much cheaper than natural flooring materials like hardwood and stone.

The winner? It’s a draw.

 

Real Estate Resale Value

As long as it is relatively new & in good condition, laminate flooring typically has a higher resale value because it has more advanced features like better imaging, embossment, and better joinery systems. However, as the luxury vinyl tile trend continues to catch on and products become more advanced, LVT/LVP might close the gap in real estate value.

Neither category lends the prestige of solid hardwood floors or designer tile, but neither will put off prospective buyers, either.

The winner? It’s a draw.

 

Durability

Laminate and LVT/LVP flooring are both extremely durable, but they have their weaknesses. Laminate is prone to scratches and chipped corners over time, so vinyl is probably a better choice for your home if you have pets. LVT/LVP is scratch-resistant, but it’s more vulnerable to denting and tearing. If you decide to install LVT/LVP, make sure to carefully shift your furniture around every once in a while. Overall, however, LVT/LVP is a tougher material that is easier to repair if needed.

In terms of lifespan, warranties tend to vary from product to product, but both laminate and LVT/LVP are comparable in this category.

The winner? LVT/LVP.

 

Cleaning

Laminate and LVT/LVP are both pretty easy to clean. A weekly vacuum is all you need to keep both flooring materials clean. To achieve a deeper clean for laminate flooring, you’ll need to use a dry mop and a special laminate-specific cleaning product.

The winner? LVT/LVP.

As you can see, laminate and vinyl are both versatile flooring products with unique advantages and disadvantages. So which flooring should you buy? That depends on your priorities.

 Contact America’s Floor Source if you have more specific questions or visit one of our locations in Columbus, Indianapolis, or Louisville to check out our vast selection of laminate and LVT/LVP products. Want to see how laminate or vinyl flooring would look in your home? Schedule a Mobile Floor Source Appointment, and we’ll bring samples right to your home.

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