Vinyl vs. laminate flooring: which is better for your home?
Picture this: you’re ready to update your floors, but you’re staring at samples of vinyl and laminate, wondering which one is the better choice. Both options are budget-friendly, stylish, and relatively easy to install—but which is right for your home? Have you been wondering:
Do people even use laminate flooring anymore?
What is the difference between vinyl and laminate flooring?
When would vinyl flooring be a better choice?
When would laminate flooring be a better choice?
Are there any pitfalls I need to avoid when installing laminate or vinyl flooring?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Let’s walk through these two flooring options and uncover the pros and cons of each.
What is the difference between vinyl and laminate flooring?
Vinyl and laminate flooring may look similar, but their construction sets them apart. Vinyl is made primarily from PVC (a type of plastic), making it highly water-resistant. Laminate, on the other hand, has a core made of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or compressed wood, topped with a photographic layer and a clear protective coating. This gives laminate more rigidity and a more authentic wood feel.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Vinyl flooring: Very water-resistant (the planks are fully waterproof, but the joints often aren’t), suitable for areas prone to moisture, but that don’t typically have standing water.
Laminate flooring: Very rigid, feels more like real wood, tends to be more scratch-resistant than vinyl, but it’s only water-resistant, not waterproof, making it less ideal for wet areas.
Which is more budget-friendly: vinyl or laminate flooring?
If you’re working within a tight budget, both laminate and vinyl are excellent choices. On average, laminate tends to be slightly more affordable than vinyl, but the price difference is often negligible. For example, laminate typically costs $1.50 to $5 per square foot, while vinyl ranges from $2 to $6 per square foot. Keep in mind that premium versions of both options can exceed these ranges.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to factor in the installation costs if you’re not planning a DIY project. Glue-down vinyl, for instance, requires more labor than click-together options, which could increase your overall cost.
What is the difference between click-together and glue-down flooring options?
Both vinyl and laminate offer click-together and glue-down options, but what’s the difference? Let’s break it down:
Click-together flooring: Also known as floating flooring, these planks snap together like puzzle pieces and rest on top of the subfloor without adhesive. This makes them easier to install and ideal for DIYers.
Glue-down flooring: This type requires adhesive to secure the planks to the subfloor. While it’s more labor-intensive, it provides a sturdier feel underfoot and is less likely to shift over time.
So, which is better? If you’re planning to tackle the flooring installation yourself, click-together options are the way to go. For high-traffic areas, especially bathrooms and kitchens, glue-down flooring may be worth the extra effort.
Avoiding common pitfalls with vinyl and laminate flooring installation
Contrary to what you may have heard, vinyl and laminate flooring aren’t as “slap it down and walk away” as advertised. There are some common mistakes that both professionals and DIYers often make, severely reducing the longevity of the floor you invested so much into!
Before you jump into your flooring project, it’s important to avoid these common pitfalls to ensure that your new floors hold up over time. Here are two major issues to watch out for:
Trapping floating floors
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make with floating floors (click-together options) is "trapping" the flooring by placing heavy items like cabinetry or appliances on top of it. Floating floors need room to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes, and heavy objects can restrict this movement, causing the planks to warp or buckle.
Another mistake that creates this problem is failing to leave an expansion gap at the edges of the room. This gap is critical for allowing the floor to expand naturally. Glue-down options are almost always preferable in bathrooms and kitchens for this reason, as they don’t rely on floating mechanics and are more stable under heavy fixtures, like toilets or refrigerators.
Skipping floor prep and leveling
Proper subfloor preparation is essential for both vinyl and laminate flooring, especially floating products. These materials need to be installed on a flat surface to prevent stress on the joints. Vinyl, in particular, is a flexible product, and many DIYers assume it will conform to uneven subfloors. Unfortunately, this approach often leads to premature failure of the click-together joints due to excessive stress.
To avoid this issue, it’s critical to use floor patch or self-leveling underlayment to fill any low spots and even out imperfections in the subfloor. Whether you’re installing click-together or glue-down flooring, taking the time to properly level the surface will ensure a smoother, longer-lasting installation.
Is vinyl flooring more durable than laminate?
Vinyl is generally more durable than laminate, especially in terms of water resistance. Because vinyl is made from plastic, it can handle spills, pet accidents, and even standing water (for a limited time) without damage. However, it’s important to note that while the vinyl planks themselves are waterproof, the joints between planks often aren’t. Standing water can slowly seep through these joints and reach the subfloor, potentially causing damage. For this reason, vinyl isn’t suitable for prolonged exposure to standing water, though it remains a better option than laminate in wet areas.
Laminate, while durable against scratches and wear, has a wood-based core that can swell and warp if exposed to water for extended periods.
However, laminate often wins in the temperature-resistance department. Vinyl can expand and contract with temperature changes, especially in areas with significant fluctuations, like sunrooms or homes without climate control. One of the biggest mistakes people make is using vinyl flooring in areas that get direct sunlight from glass, like windows or patio doors. The intense sun heats up one area of the floor while the rest remains cooler, causing the vinyl to buckle and fail over time. Laminate doesn’t have this issue, making it a better choice for rooms that receive direct sunlight on the floor.
Which option is easier to maintain?
Both vinyl and laminate are easy to maintain, but vinyl takes the crown for being nearly effortless. Since it’s practically waterproof, you can clean vinyl with a damp mop or even a mild detergent without worry. Laminate requires a bit more care—it’s best to avoid excess water during cleaning, as it can seep into the seams and damage the core.
For both options:
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris.
Use furniture pads to prevent scratches.
Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the surface.
What are the downsides of vinyl and laminate flooring?
No flooring is perfect, and both vinyl and laminate have their drawbacks.
Cons of vinyl flooring:
Temperature sensitivity: As mentioned earlier, vinyl can expand and contract in extreme temperatures, leading to gaps or buckling.
Plastic feel: While high-end vinyl mimics the look of tile or wood, some homeowners find it lacks the authentic feel of laminate.
Eco-friendliness: Vinyl is less environmentally friendly, as it’s made from PVC and isn’t biodegradable.
Cons of laminate flooring:
Water resistance: Laminate is only water-resistant, so spills need to be cleaned up quickly to avoid damage.
Noise: Laminate can feel hollow or noisy underfoot without the right underlayment.
Durability: While resistant to scratches, laminate is more prone to chipping than vinyl.
Which flooring option is better for kitchens and bathrooms?
For moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms, vinyl is the clear winner. Its waterproof nature means you won’t have to worry about spills, humidity, or steam causing damage. Just remember that while vinyl flooring itself is waterproof, its joints aren’t completely sealed, so it’s not ideal for prolonged standing water. Laminate, while stylish, is better suited for living rooms, bedrooms, or other dry areas of the home.
Can vinyl or laminate flooring increase my home’s value?
While neither option adds as much value as hardwood or tile, these budget-friendly options can still enhance your home’s appeal, especially if your current flooring is outdated. Laminate often has a slight edge in perceived value due to its wood-like appearance, but high-end vinyl can be just as attractive to potential buyers.
How do I choose the best flooring option for my home?
Here are a few questions to guide your decision:
Do you need waterproof flooring? Go with vinyl.
Do you prefer the feel of real wood? Laminate is your best bet.
Are you installing the flooring yourself? Click-together options in either material are DIY-friendly.
Will the floor be exposed to temperature changes or direct sunlight? Laminate handles temperature fluctuations better.
Do you prioritize eco-friendliness? Laminate is the greener choice.
Final thoughts: vinyl or laminate?
Choosing between vinyl and laminate comes down to your priorities and the specific needs of your space. If you need waterproof durability for a bathroom or kitchen, vinyl is the way to go. If you’re aiming for a cozy, authentic wood look in your living areas, laminate might be the better fit. Whichever you choose, both options offer a budget-friendly way to update your home’s flooring with style and practicality.
Ready to transform your floors? Contact Rothrock Kitchen & Bath Remodeling today to schedule a consultation. Our team serves the New Hampshire seacoast area and is here to help you find the perfect flooring for your home. Let’s bring your vision to life!
