Which is better, waterproof laminate or vinyl plank?

Author: Darrin Effertz  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Luxury vinyl plank can handle spills and moisture, but if water manages to seep into the seams or edges, it can cause damage over time. Waterproof laminate, on the other hand, boasts superior water resistance, making it an ideal choice for areas prone to spills, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

What is the disadvantage of vinyl plank?

Vulnerability to Sharp Objects: Although it's resistant to scratches, sharp objects like heavy furniture legs or pet claws can still leave marks on vinyl plank flooring. Susceptible to Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and discoloration of vinyl plank flooring over time.

Which wears better vinyl or laminate?

For a long time, laminate flooring was considered more durable, but vinyl has been catching up. While laminate offers a strong protective wear layer, vinyl is much better at resisting dents and heavy drops, and vinyl wear layers keep getting better and better.

What is the best waterproof 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.

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 is the best flooring to avoid mold?

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. This characteristic is especially valuable in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

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 floor is 100% waterproof?

DuraLux® Waterproof Luxury Vinyl

With a rigid stone-based core, your floor is not only 100% waterproof but scratch and dent-resistant. 5mm DuraLux® Performance Plank with built-in foam backing is a great flooring choice that is quick and easy to install!

What happens if water gets under vinyl plank flooring?

If water gets under the vinyl flooring, it's important to lift the affected planks or tiles, dry out the subfloor, and replace the flooring to prevent mould or mildew growth.

What is the easiest waterproof flooring to install?

Types of Easy-to-Install Flooring
  • Laminate flooring, known for its affordability, ease of installation, and durability. ...
  • Vinyl plank, which is water-resistant and a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Carpet tiles, offering flexibility in design and easy replacement if damaged.

Should I install laminate or vinyl plank?

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.

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.

Is waterproof laminate flooring better than luxury vinyl plank?

Now, let's talk about one of the most critical differences. While both options claim to be waterproof, waterproof laminate flooring has a slight edge in this department. Luxury vinyl plank can handle spills and moisture, but if water manages to seep into the seams or edges, it can cause damage over time.

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.

Does vinyl plank flooring devalue a home?

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.

Does vinyl plank flooring scratch easier than laminate?

Laminate flooring, even the first generation from 1998, is one the most scratch resistant materials ever produced. Luxury Vinyl Plank, although not as resistant to scratches as Laminate, does a better than average job at resisting scratches.

What is the best flooring for a bathroom?

In terms of withstanding moisture and humidity, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), vinyl roll, and porcelain or ceramic tile are the best bathroom flooring options. Each of these flooring options is water-resistant and able to withstand humidity and temperature changes in a bathroom.

Is vinyl plank flooring actually waterproof?

All vinyl plank flooring is naturally water-resistant, as vinyl is a hydrophobic material. While it does well at avoiding damage from household spills or excess moisture from a shower, not all vinyl is entirely waterproof.

What causes vinyl plank flooring to buckle?

Vinyl will expand when exposed to heat and contract when the ambient temperatures are cooler. The expansion and contraction cause the flooring to shift and buckle. Planks that are closer to windows and exposed to constant fluctuation of heat and cold are more prone to buckling.

What brand is the best waterproof laminate flooring?

In conclusion, AquaGuard from Floor & Decor is a strong and dependable choice for waterproof laminate flooring, especially for those who want high durability and a wide range of style options. With its solid warranty and impressive ability to resist water, AquaGuard is a standout choice in the laminate flooring market.

How long can water sit on vinyl plank flooring?

As long as you wipe up the spill quickly, your floors will not be compromised or damaged, but water-resistant vinyl planks cannot hold up to long-standing spills like plumbing leaks, an overflowing bath, or a flooded basement from a thunderstorm.

What is the best rated LVP flooring?

2025's Top Picks: Best Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Brands Reviewed
  • #1 Proximity Mills.
  • #2 Canopy Floors.
  • #3 Liberty Home.
  • #4 Doma.
  • #5 Newton.
  • Honorable Mentions.
  • #6 Armstrong.
  • #7 Mannington.

Can you put a refrigerator on vinyl plank flooring?

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.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for LVP flooring?

Generally speaking, most luxury vinyl planks can be cleaned using soap and water and don't require a special LVP cleaner. A dishwashing soap like Dawn is the best way to clean vinyl plank flooring because it will cut grime and grease without stripping your floors or damaging the wear layer.

Can you put rugs on vinyl plank flooring?

Well, you definitely can put rugs on vinyl plank flooring but you must be careful what kind of backing the rug has as well as the rug material itself. Your best bet is to see what the flooring manufacturer recommends. Absent that, natural material rugs such as cotton or wool are safe for vinyl plank floors.

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