The main difference between laminate and vinyl flooring is the materials they're made of. Vinyl is 100% synthetic, while laminate uses a fiberboard core constructed of wood byproducts. Thus, laminate flooring is not waterproof, while vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof.
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.
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.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring offers all of the benefits of laminate flooring and can legitimately be called waterproof. Luxury vinyl is now available in many, many options, and it has the same easy installation methods as laminate flooring.
In conclusion, waterproof laminate flooring is fully moisture impervious and offers the most hard wearing surfaces out of all the hard flooring types.
The protection both waterproof and water-resistant laminate offer against moisture makes them ideal flooring choices for spaces that tend to get the most spills like bathrooms, kitchens and even laundry rooms. That, plus their durability also helps them last a long time especially with active families and pets.
Because of its durability, low cost, and simplicity of installation, waterproof laminate flooring has become a popular choice for homeowners who desire the appearance of hardwood or tile without the upkeep or expense.
The answer is yes, and here's why and how. An underlayment can do so much for your hard surface flooring, including waterproof laminate flooring. It adds comfort, a warmer touch, and noise reduction, which can benefit just about any area.
How Long Do Waterproof Laminate Floors Last? Quality waterproof laminate floors should last around 25 years, but a lot of factors can go into this (upkeep, brand, product, etc.). However, many high-end brands offer lifetime residential warranties. So: it's possible that these products could last much longer.
Waterproof vinyl flooring (also known as WPC vinyl flooring) is 100% waterproof. Its waterproof core is made from a mixture of wood and plastic. This core is durable, yet resilient enough to provide a bit of give underfoot, making it perfect for busy homes. You can install WPC vinyl almost anywhere.
Laminate flooring, which is limited to planks, is similar to LVP in its look and method of installation. The critical difference is that its core is made from wood byproducts bonded with resins. The top surface is a hard, transparent plastic wear layer that covers the printed design layer.
Laminate flooring is much cheaper than vinyl, even though it has a higher ROI when it comes to home value.
Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile. It is also prone to scratching and denting from heavy furniture or objects being dragged across the surface.
Vinyl plank flooring makes for a great waterproof floor option. It is made up of different layers and is entirely synthetic, however, it looks feels and installs like conventional flooring. Rigid vinyl plank specifically, is one of the best waterproof flooring choices around.
Luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile are the best waterproof vinyl flooring options. Easy to install and suitable for areas of high moisture like basements and bathrooms, LVP and LVT are sturdy, thick planks that click together and can be laid down over an existing floor with little to no prep.
Pros of waterproof laminate for bathrooms & kitchens
With the waterproof variety, you don't need to clamber for a mop or a cloth, as there isn't the same urgency to clear up a spill, the way you have with other flooring options.
While wet laminate flooring will eventually dry out, it can take several weeks or longer to do so on its own. Not only does this increase the risk of mold, but it's also likely the floor will start to degrade and fall apart too.
Waterproof Laminate Cost
Waterproof laminate flooring costs around $3 – $5 per square foot. The industry average cost is about $4.50 per square foot. Standard laminate flooring products cost about $2.50 a square foot.
From a distance, both types of flooring even look similar. Neither type of flooring is better than the other across all categories. Vinyl flooring is best in high-moisture areas and it's easy to keep clean. Yet laminate flooring offers a wider variety of style choices and has a higher resale value.
Underlayment, or “padding” as it's often called, is the spongy, closed-cell plastic foam sheet that comes in rolls.
No matter which underlayment you choose, if you are installing on a moisture prone subfloor or concrete subfloor, you really need a moisture barrier underlayment. Protect your laminate flooring from moisture for years to come by installing moisture barrier underlayment.
“Waterproof” and “water resistant” may sound almost the same, but the two terms define very different capabilities. Water can't penetrate waterproof flooring, period. From outer surface through the core of the material, waterproof flooring won't buckle, swell or warp in response to liquid or humidity.
The simple answer to this question is yes. Laminate flooring can work really well in bathrooms, you just need to ensure you're installing the right type of laminate. Ideally, you should use water-resistant laminate flooring in your bathroom to help prevent problems with water damage.
Laminate ranges from 6-mm to 12-mm and, as a rule, it shouldn't be less than 8-mm. If, however, budget is an issue and if your subfloor is level and debris-free, you might be able to get away with 7-mm; keep in mind that subfloor imperfections can telegraph to the surface floor, so make sure it's okay.