Malmo 12mm Herringbone Laminate in a furnished room

Laminate vs Vinyl Flooring: Which Is Better?

September 30, 2026

Laminate and vinyl flooring are both great options for your room. But how do you choose between either one? Is it just about aesthetics or does it also depend on how you will use the room? Well, both types have varying performance and based on the conditions of your floor.

They mainly behave differently when exposed to moisture or the elements. This means that different flooring is better for different parts of your home. Read on to find out exactly what those requirements are.

What Is the Difference Between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a multi-layered product with a wood-based core. It is usually made from high-density fibreboard (HDF). This board lies beneath a decorative surface and protective wear layer.

Vinyl flooring is made from synthetic vinyl-based materials. It can be manufactured in different constructions. It could be made from flexible sheet products and rigid or semi-rigid luxury vinyl flooring.

Now LVT, or luxury vinyl tile, is a type of vinyl flooring designed to recreate the appearance of different things. You can find LVT in the appearance of timber, stone or ceramic tile. You can buy separate planks or tiles or else click lock them or glue them down.

Which Is More Water Resistant?

This is one of the most important differences. Laminates have wood fibre based cores although some modern variants have better water resistance. However, they mostly don’t have sealed joints and water will make the core swell.

Vinyl flooring is much less affected by water due to its vinyl construction. It is not entirely waterproof but has better edging and fewer scope for gaps. So if you are making laminate flooring for your bathroom, the obvious option is to go for vinyl tiles. But don’t go by assumptions. If it is a kitchen that is exposed to splashes or moisture often, check the flooring’s water resistance levels.

Is Vinyl Flooring More Durable Than Laminate?

Both laminate and vinyl can be durable flooring choices. Durability depends on the specific product. With laminate, factors such as

The wear layer
Core construction
Locking system
Use class

Can affect performance. With vinyl,

The wear layer
Overall construction
Installation method
Product specification

Are important. A high-quality laminate is not less durable than vinyl. A vinyl floor is not more durable than laminate. For either type, look at the manufacturer's intended use rather than choosing based only on the material.

Which Feels Better Underfoot?

Laminate and vinyl can feel quite different when you walk across them. Laminate generally has a firm, solid feel underfoot. The thickness and construction of the plank can affect how substantial it feels. The subfloor and underlay also make a difference.

Vinyl tends to have a slightly softer and more resilient feel. The exact feel depends on the product's construction and what is underneath it. If underfoot comfort is important, try walking on samples rather than judging the two materials from photographs.

Which Is Easier to Install: Laminate or Vinyl?

Many laminate floors use a click-lock system. They are installed as a floating floor over a suitable underlay or integrated underlay system. But vinyl flooring has more variation as click LVT can use a floating installation system. Glue-down LVT is bonded to the prepared subfloor.

Glue-down LVT requires better subfloor preparation. This is just because imperfections can affect the finished surface and the bond. Whichever flooring you choose, the subfloor needs to meet the product's requirements before installation.

Which Is Easier to Clean?

Both laminate and vinyl are relatively easy to maintain. You need to brush off loose dirt and debris often. Wipe off spills promptly and try not to leave standing water on the floors.

Vinyl is ideal in wet areas where cleaning is more common. Laminate needs more care around excess water due to its wood fibre core. Neither floor should be assumed to be suitable for steam cleaning or harsh chemicals. This can damage their cores and the floor beneath.

Laminate or Vinyl: Which Is Better for Different Rooms?

Not every product will work for every room. Here is a general rule of thumb:

Room or requirement	Laminate	Vinyl/LVT
Bedroom	Suitable with the right product	Suitable
Living room	Suitable	Suitable
Hallway	Suitable with an appropriate use class	Suitable with an appropriate specification
Kitchen	Some products suitable	Often practical where moisture is a concern
Bathroom	Product-specific; check permitted use	Product-specific; check permitted use
Areas with frequent spills	Requires careful moisture management	Often more practical
Firm feel underfoot	Generally a good option	Depends on product
Click installation	Common	Available with click LVT

These are broad comparisons, not substitutes for checking the specifications of the flooring you plan to buy.

Which Should You Choose: Laminate or Vinyl?

Rather than choosing one material as universally better, start with the conditions in your room.

Laminate may suit you if you want:

A firm, solid feel underfoot
A wood-based flooring construction
A wide choice of wood-look designs
A click-lock floating floor where the product permits it
Flooring for rooms where moisture is not the main concern

Vinyl or LVT may suit you if you want:

Greater tolerance of everyday spills
A resilient feel underfoot
Wood, stone or tile effects
A choice of click or glue-down systems
Flooring for areas where moisture resistance is important

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vinyl flooring better than laminate?

Vinyl has advantages in terms of moisture resistance. But laminates feel better underfoot and have wood based constructions. It comes down to personal preference.

What is LVT flooring vs laminate?

LVT is luxury vinyl flooring, supplied as individual planks or tiles. It is made from a vinyl-based construction. Laminate has a wood-based HDF core and a printed decorative layer.

Is vinyl flooring waterproof?

Some vinyl products are designed with better water resistance. But the subfloor and joints still need good protection. Check the specific product before you decide what to buy.

Is laminate flooring waterproof?

Some laminate products have enhanced water-resistant construction. But it is usually made of wood fibre cores that are not sealed or secure. Check the product's permitted applications and water-resistance claims.

Can you use laminate or vinyl with underfloor heating?

Some products are compatible with underfloor heating. Compatibility, maximum temperatures and thermal resistance vary. So check the flooring and heating system requirements before installation.