Difference Between Laminate and Vinyl Plank Flooring (BC Guide)

What is the main difference between laminate and vinyl plank?

The difference comes down to what each plank is made of.

• Laminate flooring has a high-density fibreboard (HDF) core (compressed wood fibre) topped with a printed photo layer and a clear wear coat. It looks like wood but the core is wood-based, so prolonged water exposure can cause swelling.
• Vinyl plank flooring (often sold as LVP or SPC) has a plastic core. SPC stands for stone-plastic composite, which is rigid and fully waterproof.

Both click together as floating floors over most subfloors, and both are far more affordable than solid hardwood.

Which is more water resistant?

Vinyl plank wins on water. Its plastic core does not absorb moisture, so spills, mopping, and humidity are not a problem. That makes it the standard choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements across the Lower Mainland, where damp slabs and coastal humidity are common.

Laminate is moisture resistant on the surface but not waterproof. Standing water that reaches the seams can soak into the HDF core and cause permanent swelling at the edges. Newer water-resistant laminates help, but they still are not a true wet-area floor.

How do they compare side by side?

Factor	Laminate	Vinyl Plank (LVP/SPC)
Core material	Wood fibre (HDF)	Plastic (PVC/SPC)
Water resistance	Surface only, can swell	Fully waterproof
Underfoot feel	Harder, more wood-like	Softer, warmer, quieter
Best rooms	Bedrooms, living rooms, hallways	Kitchens, baths, basements, whole home
Scratch resistance	Very good wear layer	Good, varies by wear layer thickness
Dent resistance	Resists denting well	SPC resists; flexible LVP can dent
Repair	Replace plank	Replace plank
Typical cost	$2.19 - $3.49	$2 - $3

Which feels and sounds better underfoot?

This is closer than people expect.

• Laminate tends to feel harder and a bit more like real wood, with a crisper sound.
• Vinyl plank feels slightly softer and warmer, and SPC products are often quieter, which matters in condos and strata buildings. If you live in a strata, check the building's acoustic rules before choosing, since underlay and floor type are often regulated.

Which is more durable for busy households?

Both are durable, but in different ways.

• Laminate generally has excellent scratch resistance, which suits homes with pets and high foot traffic.
• Vinyl plank handles water and humidity better and resists dents well in rigid SPC versions.

For a bright, hard-wearing main floor, vinyl plank has been a popular pick. We have installed greige-oak and light-oak luxury vinyl plank through whole homes and open-plan renovations for clean, continuous sightlines.

For staircases and contemporary living spaces, blonde laminate has also delivered a light, modern look.

Which is cheaper, laminate or vinyl plank?

Pricing overlaps heavily and depends on the product tier, the wear layer, and your subfloor condition. Entry-level laminate and entry-level vinyl plank are often close in price, while premium SPC can cost more than basic laminate.

The bigger cost factor is usually prep. Uneven or damp subfloors, transitions, and stairs add labour regardless of which material you choose.

How do I choose between them?

Use this quick rule of thumb:

• Choose vinyl plank if you want one waterproof floor that works everywhere, including kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, or if quiet and warmth matter (condos, strata).
• Choose laminate if your rooms stay dry, you want a firmer wood-like feel, and you want strong scratch resistance for pets and traffic.

If you want a higher-end real-wood surface instead, compare both against hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood, which offer authentic wood at a higher cost.

Get help choosing in the Lower Mainland

We install both options across the region, including flooring installation in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Coquitlam. With 15+ years of experience, an A+ BBB rating, WorkSafeBC coverage, and a 2-year labour warranty, we can assess your subfloor and recommend the right product for each room. Call 604-901-6002 for a quote.