However, there are some important differences to consider when choosing between these two types of flooring. Laminate floors tend to be more affordable than LVP floors, but they may not last as long. LVP floors are more durable and easier to maintain, but they can be more expensive to purchase and install.
You can find vinyl flooring that realistically mimics not only the look but also the feel of stone, tile, and even wood floors. Vinyl also has a longer lifespan and better overall durability than laminate.
Vinyl is more durable than laminate flooring.
It's even used in commercial settings, where durability and maintenance are top priorities.
Con: Hard to Remove
Once the flooring is down, it will be difficult to remove should you change your mind later on. This is because the adhesive glue that affixes the planks to the subfloor is not easy to remove. Still, should it become necessary, removal is possible without professional help.
For some homeowners, the choice between luxury vinyl and genuine hardwood comes down to a variety of factors including budget, lifestyle, and personal taste. High-end homes may still opt for the timeless appeal of real hardwood in main living areas, while using LVP or LVT in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
Does vinyl flooring devalue a home? It's possible. While vinyl plank floors are affordable and versatile, they might not boost your home's resale value like hardwood or tile would.
Top 6 Most Popular Flooring in New Homes 2025. The most popular flooring in new homes is wood floors, including prefinished hardwood, unfinished hardwood, and engineered wood followed by laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, and luxury vinyl planks.
Yes, if heavy furniture is not properly supported or moved, it can cause permanent damage such as deep indentations, scratches, and tears. Using protective measures like furniture pads, coasters, and sliders can help prevent this.
The average cost to install 1,000 square feet of vinyl flooring is between $2,000 and $7,000 for standard vinyl planks and between $3,000 and $10,000 for luxury vinyl planks. Adding in labor costs brings the total to between $5,000 and $20,000.
Steam mops are not recommended for LVP flooring or any other type of flooring that is not water-resistant, such as hardwood or laminate. Excessive heat and moisture from steam mopping can damage these floors.
However, vinyl flooring often takes the lead in environments prone to moisture or heavy foot traffic, thanks to its water-resistant and sometimes fully waterproof nature. Laminate flooring, while durable and scratch-resistant, is better suited for areas with less exposure to moisture.
Should you get laminate or vinyl flooring? Vinyl flooring is well-suited to areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens, due to its waterproof qualities. Laminate flooring can offer a realistic, wood-like appearance, making it a great choice for living areas where moisture is less of a concern.
If your planks already have a pad-attached underlayment, you most likely won't need an additional one, unless the flooring manufacturer's installation instructions allow for it. However, if your vinyl flooring doesn't have a pad-attached underlayment, adding one is highly recommended.
Its thickness ranges from 0.3mm to 0.7mm. Thinner layers (0.3mm) are expected to last 10 to 15 years, while thicker layers (0.5mm to 0.7mm) can extend the flooring's lifespan beyond 20 years, particularly in residential settings.
Not moisture-proof
Being made of wood, laminate flooring is not impervious to the effects of moisture. Therefore, it's not suitable as a hard flooring for bathrooms and should be used with caution in kitchens or laundries. Light surface water for cleaning shouldn't cause issues, but saturation must be avoided.
Highly Durable: Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are incredibly durable and resistant to fading, even under prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Laminate flooring tends to cost $2 to $11 per square foot depending on the quality of the flooring. Also be sure to budget $4 to $8 for labor and installation per square foot installed, depending on labor costs in your area. Labor costs should also include underlayment for the flooring.
One of the leading & most affordable flooring options is vinyl flooring. This flooring is crowned just for its adaptability and cost-effectiveness. It saves you even more money due to the peel-and-stick options available.
Since most furniture will not go under just one plank, it is perfectly safe for bulky furniture and refrigerators to go on vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring will not be damaged or cracked by home appliances' weight due to its strong durability.
Cons: LVP Can be Difficult to Remove
LVP floors that use a peel-and-stick or a glue-down method during installation can be difficult to remove due to the strong adhesives they use to attach the vinyl flooring to the subfloor.
Warm Neutrals for Flooring: Neutral colors are timeless classics that never go out of style. In 2024, warm neutrals like beige, cream, and taupe will dominate flooring options. These colors create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making them ideal for both residential and commercial spaces.
If you shop in May or June, you could find your ideal flooring for 30% or even 50% off the original price. Other times of the year to get the best floor discounts are Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Some flooring retailers offer discounts during the holiday season, while others wait until late December or January.
Wooden flooring is a type of flooring that never goes out of style. After all, the planks bring nature's beauty to the inside of your home. That being said, thousands of wood species can be used to create hardwood floors.