Laminate and vinyl planks feature plastic design and wear layers. But vinyl planks also have plastic cores, while laminate cores are made from wood composites. This is one of the most important differences between the products. Vinyl planks and tiles are waterproof, especially the more recent WPC and SPC products.
Vinyl has a longer lifespan and better overall durability than laminate. Don't forget to factor in your budget, however. Vinyl flooring may be more expensive than laminate flooring, especially if you choose luxury vinyl flooring.
While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.
Durability. Both vinyl and laminate flooring are extremely durable. Laminate usually lasts for up to 20 years, while vinyl flooring typically comes with a 15+ year warranty. However, you can't refinish or reseal laminate, while you can add extra layers of urethane to vinyl flooring to extend its life.
Vinyl and laminate are priced pretty similarly, but laminate may be a little bit cheaper than vinyl on average. Laminate flooring costs can run anywhere from $1 to $10 per square foot. Luxury vinyl planks often cost between $1 and $14.
Whereas laminates are hard and inflexible, most vinyls are soft and flexible. So, vinyl flooring can tolerate floors that are sloped or have humps in it. The vinyl will just go right on top of it.
Best for Cost: Tied
Laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring are roughly comparable in price, although sheet vinyl does hold a slight edge. Both laminate flooring and vinyl flooring are usually less expensive than natural hardwood, engineered wood, and many types of ceramic or porcelain tile.
It is largely recommended not to lay vinyl on laminate because there is a chance that the laminate may be uneven, and putting vinyl on top may make it look unprofessional. However, vinyl can be installed over existing flooring as long as it is clean of debris and completely smooth.
When comparing vinyl plank to laminate, it's a close race as to which is easier to install. However, the installation of vinyl plank requires fewer tools and steps, so it's the superior choice in this category.
Laminate, on the other hand, is made out of recycled hardwood, so it is not waterproof. Due to its melamine wear layer, it has a tough finish which resists against scratches and may have minor protection against minor water (quick spills).
Both flooring types are compatible with underfloor heating, although vinyl is slightly more efficient. Vinyl floors have the lowest thermal resistance of all Pergo flooring solutions and act as excellent thermal conductors.
Installing laminate floors on laminate is possible, but it is never a good idea. Laminate on laminate increases the floor's thickness, the probability of mold formation, and puts a lot of stress on the joints, which disrupts the locking pattern and will cause cracks.
You can put vinyl floors on other vinyl floors, as long as the existing vinyl is clean and intact. This is true for all types of vinyl, including vinyl sheets, vinyl tiles, and vinyl planks.
Vinyl flooring is highly durable. If installed and maintained correctly, it can last upwards of 10-20 years. That said, vinyl is a great choice for the rooms in your house that get the most foot traffic. Additionally, most vinyl flooring has a wear layer on its surface that resists scratches and stains.
To keep your laminate floors fresh, mop them every two months. Damp mops (a.k.a. microfiber mops) are gentle enough to use on laminate floors. If you're going to use a regular mop, just wring it out until it's almost completely dry.
Vinyl in the kitchen
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and vinyl roll (also known as sheet vinyl), are both suitable for kitchen floors. They're durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean and maintain. Kitchen spills and splashes from cooking and washing up are no problem for vinyl's durable and water-resistant surface.
For only slightly uneven flooring, sturdy materials such as vinyl plank can also be used for full coverage. The benefit of sturdier types of flooring is that they will give the floor the illusion of being more even than it actually is. For very uneven flooring, laminate sheets or tiles may be a better bet.
Water and Heat Resistance
Waterproof vinyl flooring, either in sheets or in planks, is a clear winner here. Laminate flooring has at its core wood. If you know anything about wood, when it gets wet it tends to expand and swell. If that happens, you can try to dry it out, but it never goes back to the original shape.
Most vinyl flooring or luxury vinyl tiles do not require underlay. Vinyl floors are designed with a base layer, making the addition of underlay pointless. This baselayer makes the vinyl flooring incredibly durable and comfortable to walk on.
1. Hardwood Continues to Dominate. Hardwood has remained at the top of the podium for decades now and continues to dominate the home flooring industry.
In terms of practicality, vinyl is the best option. It's built to withstand a high level of wear and tear and any spills can quickly be wiped up without the worry of water damage. Waterproof laminate – If you want something a little more luxurious, waterproof laminate flooring is a great choice.
Q: Can I install plastic laminate over a countertop that's already covered with existing laminate material? A: Yes, but the existing surface must be even and smooth. Repair any gouges or loose edges and make sure the existing laminate is glued firmly.
Firstly, you can put a new laminate flooring over the one you already have. Many people also use vinyl flooring over laminate ones. Otherwise, you can also opt for hardwood flooring over your laminate flooring.