This takes into account both the flooring and its installation. If a customer wants something more luxurious and unique, LVT can become slightly more expensive than laminate. Of course, the size of the room will also play a large part in how much LVT or laminate flooring you need to cover the surface area.
When it comes to cost, vinyl flooring is generally cheaper than laminate, particularly when considering sheet vinyl. On the other hand, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and its convincing wood finishes provide a higher level of quality, so can push the price point higher than laminate.
Another downside is its environmental impact. LVT is often made from PVC, a material known for its environmental concerns due to its production process and potential for off-gassing harmful chemicals. This makes it less sustainable compared to other flooring options like sustainably sourced hardwood.
Vinyl typically costs between $1 to $10 per square foot, with installation running an additional $3 to $10 per square foot, according to Angi. Laminate often ranges from $1 to $6 per square foot, with labor costs between $3 and $13 per square foot, per Angi.
While laminate offers some protection, it can still scratch easily if the wear layer isn't thick enough. LVP, on the other hand, provides a robust scratch-resistant surface, particularly in products with thicker wear layers.
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 flooring is an excellent option since it's a durable, easy-to-clean flooring type that's comfortable for both pets and humans. It's usually made of four layers: foam or cork backing, waterproof plastic, a design layer printed with an image of wood or stone, and a wear layer to protect the surface.
LVP is the clear winner when it comes to overall color selection and lifetime waterproofing, whereas flood-rated Laminate offers better overall durability and pricing. The thickness of Laminate flooring reduces the need for sub-floor prep.
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.
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.
While marble, natural stone, bamboo, ceramic tile and luxury vinyl have been trending in recent years, hardwood is still the dominant choice of flooring for high-end homes.
While LVT flooring is best known for its water resistance, which most users point to as its most redeeming quality, its photographic layer can easily scratch. Once scratched, LVT flooring cannot be buffed out the way that a hardwood floor sanding and refinishing can do. Damaged flooring pieces will require replacement.
2. COREtec LVP Flooring is Quieter and More Comfortable Than Laminate. Our LVP flooring options have a thick, built-in vinyl flooring underlayment made of cork.
Appearance and Design
Both vinyl and laminate flooring offer a wide range of designs to mimic natural materials. Laminate flooring has a slightly more realistic appearance, especially in wood-look styles.
Click luxury vinyl doesn't need an underlay, as the bottom layer of the plank features built-in underlay. This means it can be fitted directly onto the subfloor (providing it's in good shape). Dryback LVT uses the glue-down method, where adhesive is spread over the subfloor and the planks are stuck down in place.
Both types of flooring are comfortable to the touch, but laminate will have more of a natural feel than LVT because of its structure. The thicker the laminate, the better insulated the floor will be.
Luxury vinyl flooring is somewhat soft when compared to hardwood, but it still comes with exceptional durability. However, you do need to be mindful of the damage that heavy furniture can create. Luxury vinyl can easily dent when too much pressure is put on it.
Both flooring options are scratch-resistant and can handle heavy foot traffic. However, hybrid vinyl has a clear edge. The rigid core layer makes it highly durable and can withstand wear and tear, dents and scratches. Especially if you have pets or children, hybrid vinyl is a great option.
Both laminate and LVP are made from multilayer construction that is designed to resist wear and tear. However, there are some important differences to keep in mind when considering these two types of flooring. Laminate floors are more resistant to scratches and dents, while LVP is more resistant to water damage.
Highly Durable: Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are incredibly durable and resistant to fading, even under prolonged exposure to sunlight.
If your planks already have a pad-attached underlayment, you most likely won't need an underlayment. However, if your flooring manufacturers installation instructions allow for an extra underlayment, adding an extra underlayment will provide improved sound reduction, insulation, and moisture protection.
LVP is designed to withstand the wear and tear caused by pets, making it an ideal choice for homes with dogs. One of the main benefits of LVP flooring is its scratch-resistant surface. Unlike hardwood floors, which can easily be scratched by dog nails, LVP is designed to withstand the impact of pet claws.
Installing hardwood floors in a 1000 sq ft area typically costs between $7,000 and $25,000, with most homeowners paying an average of $16,000.
Both vinyl and laminate hold up well to high traffic areas and pets, as they are durable and stain resistant. With proper care, vinyl and laminate flooring can last from 20-25 years.