Vinyl Plank vs Laminate Flooring: Which Is Right for Your Home?

What type of flooring is best? It depends on what you’re looking for. Take hardwood, for example, it’s one of the most durable materials you can get.

At the same time, it’s one of the more expensive options. Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives such as laminate and vinyl.

Trying to decide on one? Looking for a vinyl plank vs laminate flooring guide? If so, you’re at the right place. We’ll be going over the pros and cons of both below.

Learn more by reading the rest of the post!

What Is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is a type of synthetic flooring that’s made of polyvinyl chloride resin. Appearance-wise, it can be designed to imitate other materials such as hardwood or ceramic tile.

There are three main types—luxury vinyl planks (view more), vinyl tile, and vinyl sheet.

Pros of Vinyl Plank Flooring

One of the greatest things about vinyl flooring is that it’s water-resistant. This makes it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.

Not only that, but they’re easy to install as the planks interlock together—you won’t even need glue! Plus, they’re budget-friendly at $2 to $5 per square foot.

Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl floors aren’t biodegradable. Some products may also emit volatile organic compounds (VOC), which can cause respiratory problems over time.

On top of that, they can fade slightly in direct sunlight. Fortunately, most come with UV inhibitors for light resistance.

What Is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a synthetic product that’s designed to mimic the appearance of real hardwood. Made of fiberboard material, the layers are fused together with extreme pressure and temperature.

There are two main styles—engineered wood laminate and plastic laminate, the former of which is more expensive.

Pros of Laminate Flooring

Laminate floors are durable as they’re protected by a tough external layer. Not only are they moisture-resistant, but they’ll also resist scratches and wear and tear.

They’re super affordable as well. On average, you can expect to spend $3 to $7 per square foot, including installation.

Cons of Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring can’t be refinished like real hardwood (i.e. you can’t sand them down). In other words, you’ll have to replace the whole thing once it wears out.

And while it’s durable, it’s not impervious to the effects of moisture. That is, it can still get damaged if it gets wet. For this reason, they should be used with caution in bathrooms and kitchens.

Deciding Between Vinyl Plank vs Laminate Flooring

There are several things that you want to consider when you’re deciding between vinyl plank vs laminate flooring. They each have their pros and cons, after all. That’s why you want to do your research before making a decision.

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