Vinyl Plank vs. Laminate Flooring: The Ultimate Homeowner's Guide

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Thinking about updating your floors? Vinyl plank and laminate are two options that often stand out. They both offer that homey, hardwood look we all love, and they're more alike than they seem at first.

But what lies beneath those floors? They're pretty different.

Whether you're remaking your Bergen County living room or updating your rental for a chic refresh, we'll show you the flooring that fits best with your lifestyle, budget and home.

Let's check in by viewing what really makes these two so different, and how to make your decision confident.

What Are Vinyl Plank and Laminate Flooring?

Vinyl Plank Flooring is synthetic flooring that is primarily made of PVC and designed to look like hardwood floors. It is flexible, waterproof, and simple to install, sometimes with a click-lock mechanism. 

Laminate Flooring is a hybrid wood product made with a fiberboard core topped by a printed image and a protective wear layer. It also mimics the look of wood or stone but behaves a bit differently.

1. Durability: Which One Holds Up Better?

Vinyl Plank

• Resistant to dents and scratches
• Flexible underfoot
• Excellent for high-traffic areas and pet households

Laminate

• Harder surface resists furniture marks
• Less flexibility; may shatter or delaminate if hit 
• Not meant to be used in a wet environment 

Winner: Vinyl—especially for homes with pets, children, or a lot of foot traffic

2. Water Resistance: Can It Handle Moisture?

Vinyl Plank

• 100% waterproof
• Perfect for bathrooms, basements, and kitchens

Laminate

• They are water resistant, but not waterproof.
• Susceptible to swelling and warping with standing water

Winner: Vinyl—no contest in wet areas.

Learn more about moisture considerations in our guide to painting or replacing vinyl siding and what makes materials water-resilient.

3. Installation: Which is the Easier One? 

They’re both DIY (do it yourself)-friendly, but for:

• Vinyl Plank: Can be glued down, floated or click together; forgiving and flexible can help dampen sound.
• Laminate: Usually click-and-lock floating floors; burlap underlayment; more rigid.

Winner: Draw—but vinyl is more suited to an uneven subfloor.

4. Aesthetic Appeal: Which Looks Better?

Laminate

• Often offers a more realistic wood look
• Available in matte, hand-scraped, or glossy finishes

Vinyl

• Broad range of visuals, including wood, stone, and ceramic
• Modern printing tech is closing the visual gap

Winner: Laminate—edges out vinyl slightly for natural wood appearance.  If you’re also considering siding upgrades for similar style benefits, check out our guide on wood vs. vinyl siding.

5. Comfort and Noise: Which Feels Nicer?

Vinyl

• Softer underfoot if padded
• Quieter with the right underlayment

Laminate

• Feels more solid
• Can sound hollow without proper underlayment

Winner: Subjective—depends on personal preference and underlayment used.

6. Maintenance and Cleaning

Vinyl

• Easy to mop
• Safe from wet spills

Laminate

• Requires a dry or slightly damp mop
• Sensitive to excess moisture

Winner: Vinyl

7. Cost Comparison: What Fits Your Budget?

Feature	Vinyl Plank	Laminate
Average Cost/sq. ft.	$2 – $5	$1.50 – $4
Installation Cost	Lower with glue-down	Slightly higher
Long-term Value Depth	Higher in wet areas	Great for dry interiors

Winner: Vinyl—more versatile for the price.

8. Environmental Impact

Laminate

• Made with wood byproducts
• Can be eco-friendly (FSC-certified options)

Vinyl

• Made from plastic
• Less recyclable, though very durable

Winner: Laminate—if sustainability matters to you

9. Resale Value & Lifespan

• Vinyl: Lasts 15–25 years; great for rentals and moisture-prone rooms
• Laminate: Can last 10–20 years; best for dry, design driven areas like living rooms, kitchens, basements.

Winner: Tie—depends on the room and usage

For more comparisons like this, check out our detailed flooring breakdown.

Use Case Scenarios: Which Should You Choose?

Room	Best Option	Why
Bathroom	Vinyl Plank	Waterproof and mold-resistant
Living Room	Laminate	Warmth and aesthetic appeal
Basement	Vinyl Plank	Handles moisture well
Kitchen	Vinyl Plank	Resists spills and stains
Bedroom	Laminate	Cozy, wood-like feel

Bergen County Homeowners—Need Help Choosing or Installing?

Can't decide between vinyl and laminate? No matter if you are updating one room or the entire house, our MGP Painting & Flooring experts in Bergen County will help. 

Call 845-290-5284 or contact us online for a free consultation and honest advice. Your floors lay the foundation for the entire story of your home — let's get that right.

FAQs

Is vinyl plank better than laminate for moisture?

Yes. Vinyl is completely waterproof, while laminate is not, and is well-suited for use in a damp space. 

Does laminate look more like real wood?

Generally, yes—thanks to its rigid core and advanced imaging.

Can I install laminate in the bathroom?

Not advised. Laminate may be water-resistant, but it is prone to water damage if water is left standing on it.

Is vinyl flooring toxic?

Modern vinyl is low-VOC and safe for indoor use. Look for certification labels when buying.

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