Luxury vinyl plank vs laminate
Two click-together, wood-look, DIY-friendly floors at similar prices. The difference is one word: water. Laminate has a pressed-wood core that swells; vinyl plank has a plastic or stone-composite core that does not. Laminate answers with a harder, more scratch-resistant surface and a more convincing wood look at the same price.
| Luxury vinyl plank | Laminate | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $6–$9.50 / sq ft | $5.50–$9 / sq ft |
| Water resistance | Excellent | Fair |
| Durability | Good | Good |
| Maintenance | Excellent | Good |
| Lifespan | 15–25 years | 15–25 years |
| DIY difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Pets | Good | Good |
| Kids | Good | Fair |
Choose luxury vinyl plank when
Choose vinyl plank for kitchens, baths, basements, laundry rooms, mudrooms and any house with a dog. If there is water anywhere in the story, this is the one.
Choose laminate when
Choose laminate for dry bedrooms, living rooms and offices where scratches from chairs, toys and claws are the worry and water is not. At the same price the wear layer is harder and the print is often better.
Common questions
Is water-resistant laminate as good as vinyl?
No. It buys hours before the core swells instead of minutes. It is a better laminate, not a waterproof floor.
Which is quieter?
Neither is quiet, but vinyl with an attached pad is less hollow-sounding than laminate on a thin underlayment.
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