Vinyl vs laminate flooring: Which is best for your home?

We outline everything you need to compare vinyl vs laminate flooring, including pros, cons, cost, and room suitability, helping you make the best choice for your home.

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When it comes to affordable flooring options, vinyl and laminate are two great choices. However, with so many similarities, many people confuse the two and find it hard to decide between vinyl vs laminate flooring.

In this post, we explain the differences between vinyl and laminate flooring, their pros and cons, and where they're best suited. You'll have everything you need to help make the best choice for your home.

What is vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring is made using sheets of plastic and is completely synthetic.

Standard vinyl usually has a cushioned backing layer, generally made of cork or foam. This acts as an underlayment for the vinyl flooring, making it comfortable to walk on and soundproof without needing a separate underlay. Vinyl flooring comes in two main types:

• Sheet vinyl: Cut from a roll and installed in large, complete sections

• Luxury vinyl tiles/planks (LVT/LVP): Made from multiple vinyl layers, they are thicker and more durable, and can better mimic wood or stone floors

Vinyl flooring is popular in kitchens and bathrooms due to its waterproof quality. You can expect good quality, well-maintained vinyl to last between 20-25 years.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate flooring consists of several layers sandwiched together: compressed wood pulp, a printed design layer, and a protective resin top layer.

It mimics wood or stone flooring at a fraction of the price of the real thing, with a variety of colours, woodgrain effects, and styles, such as herringbone or chevron. Laminate tiles are also available.

• Planks and tiles are usually between 6mm and 12mm thick

• Laminate is a floating floor which means it should never be glued or nailed down - it clicks into place for easy installation

Laminate flooring is scratch-resistant and easy to maintain, but it's not fully waterproof, making it less suitable for wet areas. It should last between 15-25 years.

Key differences between vinyl and laminate flooring

There are several key features homeowners compare when deciding between vinyl vs laminate flooring. Here, we put them under the microscope to help you decide which option is best suited to your needs.

1. Flooring durability

Vinyl

• Completely waterproof, making it a better choice for rooms with high moisture such as the kitchen or bathroom

• For longevity and durability, quality vinyl is a must - at least 3mm thick

Laminate

• Highly scratch resistant due to its protective resin top layer - making it one of the best flooring options in a busy home with pets or children

• Available in graded durability ratings (AC1 to AC5). AC3 or higher is recommended for high-traffic areas such as hallways, AC1 is fine for a guest bedroom, and AC5 is best for high-moisture areas such as bathrooms

Overall, vinyl is considered more durable than laminate as it won't delaminate. This is when the flooring layers begin to separate, typically due to poor installation or water damage.

2. Lifespan

Vinyl

• High-quality vinyl that's well-maintained can last up to 25 years

Laminate

• Some laminate flooring warranties go up to 25 years, but typically, laminate flooring will last between 15-25 years

Both flooring options have a long lifespan, but as with most things, you get what you pay for. Lower quality, poorly installed flooring will need replacing much sooner.

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3. Maintenance and cleaning

Vinyl

• Easy to clean with a wet mop

• Resistant to stains and spills

Laminate

• Also easy to clean, but should be kept dry - a slightly damp mop or specialist cleaning product is best to avoid water damage

Both vinyl and laminate are stain-resistant and easy to maintain. However, vinyl flooring can be wet-mopped, while laminate flooring cannot - it's best cleaned using methods that won’t expose it to water.

4. Waterproof flooring

Vinyl

• Vinyl is one of the most durable types of flooring when it comes to water damage, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and mudrooms

• If opting for vinyl tiles, you will need to seal in between the seams to ensure no water seeps through, whereas vinyl sheeting will only need sealing at the edges

Laminate

• Laminate is water resistant, not waterproof. Avoid using a wet mop when cleaning and clean up any spillages as soon as possible!

Vinyl is completely waterproof as it’s made of synthetic materials. On the other hand, laminate’s pulp core means it can get damaged and then warp if it’s exposed to too much water.

5. Sustainability

Vinyl

• Vinyl is a synthetic material and does not decompose in landfill

• Recycling is not normally an option

Laminate

• The wood pulp layer is from natural sources, but the resin top layer is not

Laminate is slightly better than vinyl as a more eco-friendly flooring option, but neither score particularly highly here. If this is a top priority for you, consider natural wood or bamboo flooring.

6. Style and design

Vinyl

• Available in a wide selection of designs including hardwood, tile, and natural stone effect

• Luxury vinyl has a more authentic look than sheet vinyl

Laminate

• Also available in a huge variety of styles to mimic wood, tile, or stone flooring

• Super realistic designs that can be made to look like reclaimed wood, whitewashed wood, or rustic tiles, etc

• Different lengths and widths of laminate planks are available

Both vinyl and laminate are good lookalike alternatives to more expensive materials such as wood, tile, or stone. However, laminate has a more realistic appearance - particularly the woodgrain effect - and a wider variety of styles and designs.

7. Comfort and room suitability

Vinyl

• Vinyl is perfect for kitchens and bathrooms due to its waterproof nature and soft feel underfoot

• Ideal for high-traffic areas of the home due to its durability and easy cleaning

Laminate

• Has a warmer, sturdier feel underfoot

• Great for living areas, hallways, and bedrooms where a more realistic appearance might be appreciated

Both types of flooring have unique qualities that make them suited to particular areas. Underlay can be installed if desired for added comfort. Underfloor heating can be compatible with both vinyl and laminate flooring, but check your specific flooring to be certain.

Vinyl vs laminate: pros and cons

Vinyl

• Pros: Vinyl is easy to clean, cost-effective, and waterproof, and available in various styles such as wood, stone, or tile, offering versatility

• Cons: Not as scratch-resistant as laminate - can dent or scratch with heavy furniture or high heels

Laminate

• Pros: More realistic in appearance, inexpensive, and easy to install

• Cons: Not as durable as vinyl and can swell or warp with water exposure

Cost comparison: Vinyl vs laminate flooring

Vinyl and laminate are both cost-effective flooring options. Sheet vinyl will probably cost you the least. Some Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) can cost more than laminate.

Cost of vinyl flooring

• Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) typically costs between £20 - £50 per m² depending on the quality

• Budget around £300 per day for vinyl floor installation

• If underlay is needed, expect to pay around £7 per m²

• Need more guidance? Read more on our dedicated cost guide.

Cost of laminate flooring

• Laminate flooring tends to cost in the region of £20 - £60 per m²

• If your laminate fitter charges per day, you’ll typically be looking at a day rate of roughly £270

• Underlay for laminate is normally charged around £7.50 per m²

• Not sure about the different costs? Find out more in our dedicated article.

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Installation: DIY or professional help?

Are you wondering about DIY flooring installation? It's absolutely possible if you're a competent DIYer with the right tools, knowledge, and equipment.

However, there are some common mistakes to avoid when laying laminate flooring, for example. These include:

• Not leaving enough room for expansion

• Failing to seal it in potentially wet areas

• Installing it on an uneven surface, leading to warping

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

For a top-quality, efficient, long-lasting job, we always recommend using a specialist floor fitter. As well as fitting your flooring to a professional standard, they'll also:

• Deal with the hassle of removing and disposing of old flooring

• Install any fiddly trim or moulding

• Make light work of ensuring your skirting and doors are just right.

Get a quote from flooring installation services near you

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Vinyl vs laminate flooring - what's best for your home?

• Choose vinyl if you need waterproof, low-maintenance, easy-to-clean flooring. Perfect for kitchens or bathrooms or anywhere you're concerned about moisture or humidity

• Choose laminate if you want a more realistic wood or tile appearance and value scratch resistance and sustainability. Ideal throughout main living areas due to the wide range of styles available

For more help and advice, and to discuss your flooring requirements, search for approved flooring specialists in your area. Enter your postcode, below, to get started.

FAQs

Is vinyl flooring better than laminate?

Vinyl flooring is better than laminate in rooms prone to moisture or humidity such as a kitchen or bathroom. However, laminate typically offers a more realistic appearance.

Can vinyl flooring increase the value of my home?

Vinyl flooring can create a smart appearance, but its unlikely to increase the value of your home.

Which is more durable: vinyl or laminate?

Vinyl is considered more durable than laminate as it won't delaminate over time.

Is laminate flooring waterproof?

Laminate flooring is water-resistant, but not waterproof. It can be damaged if exposed to excess moisture.

What’s the average cost of installing vinyl flooring in the UK?

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) typically costs between £20 - £50 per m² depending on the quality. Budget a further £300 per day for installation.

Can I install vinyl or laminate flooring myself?

It is possible to install vinyl or laminate flooring yourself if you have the skills, knowledge, and tools to do so. Bear in mind, professional installation will help to ensure your flooring looks good for longer - up to 25 years in some cases!

Which is easier to clean, vinyl or laminate flooring?

Both vinyl and laminate flooring are easy to clean. The main difference is that vinyl flooring can be cleaned with a wet mop, whereas laminate should be cleaned with a dry mop or specialist cleaning product.

Is vinyl flooring suitable for bathrooms and kitchens?

Vinyl flooring is well-suited to bathrooms and kitchens as it is completely waterproof.

What’s the best flooring option for pet owners?

Laminate is more resistant to scratches, making it the better option for pet owners.