Laminate vs vinyl flooring: Which is best?

It can be tricky to know which route to go down when deciding between laminate or vinyl. While both options share similarities, each offers unique features that could make one a better fit for your space. 

Here at Flooring King, we know everything there is to know about flooring. So, when it comes to understanding the difference between laminate and vinyl, we’re the experts. We’ll break down everything you need to know about laminate vs vinyl, including insights on composition, pricing, installation, and more. Ready to find the perfect flooring for your home? Let’s get into it! 

What is laminate flooring? 

Laminate flooring is a cost-effective alternative to traditional wood planks and natural stone tiles. It’s mainly made from wood fibres and resins, including the following layers: 

• Wear layer: A thick resin coat that provides scratch resistance. 
• Image layer: Sitting directly below the wear layer, this mimics the look of natural wood or stone. 
• Core layer: The middle layer offers dent resistance and sound dampening. 
• Backing layer: This final sturdy layer provides moisture resistance and insulation. 

What is vinyl flooring? 

Vinyl flooring is a type of fibreglass-cushion-backed flooring that comes in flexible, easy-to-lay sheets. Versatile, durable, and stylish, it’s a popular choice for both homes and commercial spaces. 

Vinyl is available in a wide variety of styles, coming in everything from wood-look vinyl to contemporary speckled sheet vinyl. It is mainly comprised of PVC, yet just like laminate, it’s also made from multiple layers. 

For additional insights on all things vinyl, just dive into our full guide: what is vinyl flooring? 

Vinyl vs laminate flooring: pros and cons 

Now that we’ve covered the key differences between laminate vs vinyl, it’s time to take a look at some of their pros and cons. 

Pros of vinyl flooring 

From its impressive durability to its affordability, vinyl flooring offers an array of benefits: 

• Waterproof: Vinyl’s PVC composition makes it ideal for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms. 
• Durable: It is also highly durable, making it perfect for high-traffic areas in busy family homes. 
• Easy installation: Laying vinyl is quick and simple, allowing you to transform your home in a matter of days. 
• Low maintenance: All vinyl requires is regular sweeping and occasional mopping to keep it looking its best. 
• Cost effective: Featuring striking shades and grains that you’d find in natural materials, vinyl offers a high-end look for a fraction of the price. 

Cons of vinyl flooring

Despite these advantages, there are also some disadvantages you’ll need to bear in mind when it comes to vinyl: 

• Susceptible to scratches and dents: While durable, sharp or heavy furniture can scratch or dent vinyl, meaning you’ll need to be wary with what you’re placing on top of it. 
• Fading: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause vinyl to fade over time, so avoid laying it in sun-drenched areas like conservatories. 

The benefits of laminate

From easy installation to durability once it’s installed, laminate comes with a unique set of benefits too: 

• Durable: Due to its modern manufacturing methods, laminate is highly durable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. 
• Low maintenance: Thanks to its tough surface, laminate doesn’t require heavy maintenance to keep it looking pristine. Usually, regular sweeping and mopping are all that’s required.  
• Easy installation: If you opt for click-and-lock laminate, its DIY friendly nature means you might be able to save money on installation costs. 
• Eco-friendly: Many laminate options are bio-degradable, making them great for environmentally conscious homeowners. 
• Affordable: If you’ve got a tighter budget, laminate is much more cost-effective than traditional wood and stone. So, you’ll be able to transform a room at a price that works for you.
  

The drawbacks of laminate 

Just like vinyl, laminate comes with a set of drawbacks you’ll need to consider before purchasing: 

• Non-waterproof: Laminate isn’t waterproof, meaning any spills or splashes will need to be quickly mopped up. When exposed to high levels of moisture, it can stain and bubble beyond repair. 
• Shorter lifespan: While well cared for laminate can withstand many years of wear and tear, it cannot compete with the durability of natural wood and stone. Since it can’t be refinished, laminate will eventually need replacing.  

For a more in-depth look at laminate, check out our comprehensive guide on buying laminate flooring!

What to consider when choosing between laminate or vinyl 

Once you’ve weighed up the above pros and cons, here are some extra factors to think about: 

1. Style

Thanks to its thick top layer which allows for a three-dimensional appearance, laminate mimics the look of hardwood and authentic stone impressively. While vinyl is impressive in appearance too, laminate is known for being particularly realistic. 

2. Room 

While both laminate and vinyl offer impressive durability, vinyl excels in moisture prone areas due to its waterproof properties. So, if you’re looking to renovate your bathroom or utility room, go with vinyl, but if it’s a bedroom or hallway you’re hoping to transform, laminate will work perfectly. 

3. Sound proofing

Vinyl offers a soft, cushioned feeling underfoot, and it’s particularly ideal if you’re looking for added sound proofing. Footsteps will be muffled, reducing echoing sounds in high traffic areas. 

While Laminate is similarly comfortable, it may require an underlay to achieve similar sound-dampening effects. 

4. Cost

Vinyl and laminate are competitively priced, however sheet vinyl is generally the most budget-friendly option. Whether you opt for vinyl or laminate, both stand as fantastic, cost-effective alternatives to traditional wood and stone.

Laminate vs vinyl: Which should you choose?

So, is vinyl flooring better than laminate? Well, both vinyl and laminate are top contenders if you’re looking for style, durability, and cost-effectiveness. 

Vinyl outperforms laminate when it comes to water-resistance, however laminate offers an authentic look that’s hard to beat. So, at the end of the day, it all comes down to your personal preferences as well as the space you’re looking to transform. 

Settled on a decision and ready to get started? Here at Flooring King, we stock a variety of options ranging from herringbone sheet vinyl to natural laminate flooring.  

Just get in touch with a member of our team to find out more, or if it’s tips and inspiration you’re after, head over to our flooring blog. There you can check out guides on laminate vs engineered wood and engineered wood vs vinyl.