So, you’re staring at your living room floor and noticed that it has now become dull and scratched, almost begging for a makeover. Enter two contenders in the battle for better flooring: laminate and vinyl. Both claim to be durable, stylish, and budget-friendly. But just like everything else, not all promises are equal.
Let’s break down the key differences between these two flooring favourites so you can make an unbiased and educated decision.
1. The Material
First, what are they actually made of?
Laminate flooring mimics the appearance of natural materials like wood or stone. It has a fiberboard core, topped with a photo layer that mimics wood or tile, sealed in with a protective coating. It is almost similar to hardwood, but this time, it comes with a cheaper price tag.
Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is made entirely of synthetic materials—usually PVC. It doesn’t try to be wood. It is water-resistant and easy to clean.
2. Water
Laminate and water have a complicated relationship. Just a few drops of water are fine. But anything more than that will be a complete disaster. Laminate swells like a marshmallow in a microwave when it gets soaked.
Vinyl, on the other hand, can handle water well, with the newer luxury vinyl planks or LVP being completely waterproof.
3. Texture and Comfort
Laminate generally has a stiffer, more realistic wood feel underfoot. You’ll sometimes find it with textured finishes that almost convince your toes it’s the real thing.
Vinyl, on the other hand, can feel a bit softer or “bouncier,” especially with padding underneath. But cheap vinyl can also feel like you’re walking on a giant sticker. So be sure to choose wisely.
This means that while laminate wins in terms of authenticity, vinyl wins on comfort.
4. The Price Isn’t Always Right
Both types are budget-friendly, but there’s a range. Entry-level laminate might undercut high-end vinyl planks. But vinyl usually wins in the bang-for-your-buck category, especially with easier DIY installation and lower long-term maintenance.
It just goes to say that vinyl might save you money and stress. Meanwhile, laminate might require a bit more care and maintenance.
5. Installation Process
Are you the kind of person who once built a bookshelf without using a single instruction page? Laminate’s click-and-lock system makes the whole installation process pretty satisfying.
With vinyl, all you have to do is peel-and-stick, click-and-lock, full-sheet glue-down, and you’re done. It’s the choose-your-own-adventure of flooring. Some types are as easy as laying down a rug minus the tripping hazard.
Both are DIY-friendly, but vinyl offers more installation styles to match your tool skill level (or lack thereof).
Final Thoughts: Team Laminate or Team Vinyl?
At the end of the day, it’s not about which one is better, it’s about which one fits your lifestyle. Laminate is your best friend if your goal is to impress the neighbours. But vinyl is what you should go for if you want to dance in the kitchen and clean up without complaints afterwards.
So when your floor looks like it can use a fresh start, listen. Whether you go laminate or vinyl, just remember: your feet and your future self will thank you if you choose either one.