What holds up better laminate or vinyl flooring?

Author: Arvilla Bernier  |  Last update: Saturday, June 21, 2025

Vinyl is more durable than laminate flooring. It's even used in commercial settings, where durability and maintenance are top priorities.

What lasts longer, vinyl or laminate?

For high-traffic areas, vinyl flooring has historically emerged as the superior choice due to its exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear.

Is it better to do vinyl or laminate flooring?

Laminate is a good option where there is not a lot of moisture. Vinyl is a better option in rooms with a lot of spills and splashes. Vinyl or Laminate? If your basement needs flooring, vinyl may also be the top recommendation, as many basement areas can have a lot of moisture.

What flooring holds up best?

8 Most Durable Options for Flooring
  • Vinyl Flooring for high-traffic areas.
  • Laminate Flooring for high-traffic areas.
  • Hardwood Flooring for high-traffic areas.
  • Ceramic Tile Flooring for high-traffic areas.
  • Porcelain Tile Flooring for high-traffic areas.
  • Natural Stone Flooring for high-traffic areas.

Can mold grow under vinyl plank flooring?

Mold Growth: Mold can thrive under vinyl plank flooring due to moisture. Health Risks: Exposure to mold can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and more serious health conditions. Vinyl Plank Flooring: While durable and versatile, can be a breeding ground for mold if not properly maintained.

Laminate Flooring VS Vinyl Plank Flooring

What destroys vinyl plank flooring?

Enemies of Vinyl Flooring
  • Dirt and Grit: Acting like sandpaper, dirt and grit particles can scratch the wear layer of the vinyl, especially at entryways and high-traffic areas. ...
  • Sharp Objects: Dropping sharp objects like knives or tools can puncture or gouge vinyl.

What is the best flooring for mold prevention?

The key to preventing mold and mildew lies in controlling moisture levels. Waterproof vinyl flooring is engineered to be completely impervious to water, meaning spills and splashes stay on the surface and don?t seep through to the subfloor, where mold can thrive.

What type of flooring lasts the longest?

“Tile is the highest-rated flooring among the categories we test,” says Enrique de Paz, who leads flooring testing at Consumer Reports. “It doesn't wear out, scratch, or stain. Its color doesn't fade, it's waterproof, and it is surprisingly slip-resistant, even when wet.

What is the most popular flooring in homes today?

The most popular flooring found in new homes today has changed significantly in the last few years. Carpet used to be a common choice for bedrooms, hallways, and living areas. However, wood floors are the more modern choice of flooring in 2025 – and their use is expected to remain in style for many years to come.

What is the best flooring for older adults?

Soft options like carpet, cork, and rubber can cushion falls while looking natural in their place. They're not just gentle on the feet; they offer peace of mind.

What are the negatives to vinyl plank flooring?

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.

What is the downside to laminate flooring?

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.

What looks more real laminate or vinyl?

Appearance. While both vinyl and laminate flooring are designed to simulate natural wood, they do produce slightly different final effects. For example, laminate flooring tends to look more realistic, as a woodgrain-like texture can be imprinted upon the wear layer.

Should I get vinyl or laminate flooring?

Vinyl flooring is best for laundry rooms, wet bathrooms, and mudrooms because of its moisture resistance. For dry areas, laminate flooring works well, has a generally better appearance, and has more styles to choose from.

Can you mop laminate flooring?

You should sweep and mop them regularly. Use a specialty mop to clean them without excess liquid. Though laminate floors are water resistant, if they are soaked in water, they can be damaged. The best way to clean laminate floors is to use products especially made for them.

Why avoid vinyl flooring?

Polyvinyl chloride is a known carcinogen and contains health and environmental toxins such as dioxin and phthalates. While dioxin is generally only released when exposed to heat, such as during the manufacturing process, it poses a lesser threat to you and your family's health.

Do high end homes use vinyl plank flooring?

Do builders use luxury vinyl in high end homes? Hardwood flooring is typically the most popular choice for high end homes. However, some extremely discerning customers request vinyl, particularly if they have children, due to its increased durability.

What is the best flooring for the money?

Affordable Flooring Options
  • Vinyl Tiles. Vinyl is one of the most popular and versatile cheap flooring options. ...
  • Sheet Vinyl. Sheet vinyl is a cut-to-length option that has seen many design, texture, and quality advancements. ...
  • Plank Vinyl. ...
  • Carpet. ...
  • Laminate. ...
  • Tile. ...
  • Cork. ...
  • Refinishing Existing Floors.

What flooring will not go out of style?

If you enjoy lighter flooring, white oak and white maple are two of the best choices for a neutral color that won't go out of style anytime soon. If darker tones are more your type, walnut and cherry woods are both classic looks, according to Washco for Martha Stewart.

What is the most scratch proof flooring?

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is one of the best waterproof and scratch-proof flooring options. It gives a natural hardwood look and offers great durability and resistance to water and scratches. Luxury Vinyl Plank is made up of multiple layers, including a tough top layer that protects against scratches and dents.

What lasts longer vinyl or laminate 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.

What is the lowest maintenance flooring?

What are the most popular low-maintenance flooring options? Popular low-maintenance flooring options include ceramic and porcelain tiles , luxury vinyl tile, engineered hardwood , stone, concrete and carpet tiles .

What kills mold on vinyl flooring?

Vinegar: this is a natural solution that provides an acidic environment, helping to kill the mold. Spray on and wait for about 60 minutes, then scrub. Detergent: The EPA recommends a mixture of household detergent and water to address mold.

How fast does mold grow under flooring?

Given the proper conditions, mold will start to germinate and grow as early as 24 hours after encountering the moisture source. In 3 to 12 days, the mold spores will colonize. In 18-21 days, the mold can become visible. In general, the longer that moisture is present, the greater the chance for mold to grow and spread.

How do I keep my room mold free?

Reduce condensation and black mould growth
  1. Produce less moisture. There are lots of things you can do to reduce the amount of moisture in your home. ...
  2. Remove excess moisture. ...
  3. Ventilate. ...
  4. Keep your home a little warmer. ...
  5. Insulate your home. ...
  6. Remove black mould.

Previous article
What happens if you never wash your floors?
Next article
Why is hot water not recommended for removing stains?