Laminate vs. Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Choosing Between Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring are both a great alternate to real hardwood floors. They both offer locking, floating joinery that snap together and are easy for do-it-yourself installation. So, what are the differences?

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is 100% plastic. Laminate is 99% wood product.  This means that when it comes to wet areas, vinyl has superior resistance to moisture where laminate flooring may swell over time if subjected to repeated wetness.   Areas like kitchens and bathrooms may be better suited for vinyl plank and use laminate flooring for the rest of your home.

Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring both offer the look of wood planks in a variety of colors and styles. In addition, they both are relatively easy to install.  Maintenance and caring for these floors are pretty simple.  Vinyl can be swept and either wet or dry mopped.  Laminate floors should only be dry mopped and spot cleaned where needed.

Laminate flooring is thicker by nature of its pressed-board wood core. Vinyl is thinner.  In considering comfort, vinyl is thinner and if installed directly on concrete can be hard and cold.  Laminate with pad underlayment may be easier to walk on and warmer to the touch.

So, which one should you choose?  In order to determine what would be best for your home, you need to consider material, moisture level, and comfort along with available styles, colors and price.

Related: Waterproof Flooring, Water Resistant Flooring, Laminate Flooring