Vinyl Plank vs Laminate Flooring: Which Is Better?
The short answer
For wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements, vinyl plank is the better choice because it is fully waterproof, while laminate is only water-resistant. For dry living spaces on a tight budget, laminate can give a slightly richer wood look for a similar or lower installed cost of roughly $4 to $9 per square foot. {/* TODO: confirm current local pricing */}
Vinyl plank vs laminate: the short answer
Both are floating, wood-look floors that install over a prepared subfloor, and both are affordable and durable. The deciding factor for most BC homes is water. Vinyl plank is waterproof, so it goes anywhere, including bathrooms, basements and laundry rooms. Laminate is water-resistant only, so it is best kept to dry living spaces.
Water resistance
Vinyl plank has a plastic or stone-polymer core that does not swell when it gets wet, which is why it is the standard pick for kitchens, bathrooms and below-grade rooms in our coastal climate. Laminate has a fibreboard core that can swell and delaminate if water sits on it, so spills need to be wiped up quickly and wet rooms are off the table.
Durability and comfort
Laminate often has a slightly harder surface and can resist scratches and dents very well, especially at higher AC ratings. Vinyl plank is softer and warmer underfoot, quieter to walk on, and more forgiving on minor subfloor imperfections, particularly the rigid SPC products. Both handle pets and kids well when the right grade is chosen.
Cost
The two sit in a similar installed range in BC, roughly $4 to $9 per square foot for laminate and about $5 to $12 per square foot for vinyl plank, with most projects clustering near the middle. Laminate is often marginally cheaper, but the price gap is usually smaller than the difference water resistance makes to your decision. {/* TODO: confirm current local pricing */}
Which should you choose?
- Choose vinyl plank for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, entryways, rentals and full homes where water resistance matters.
- Choose laminate for bedrooms, living rooms and hallways where you want a wood look on a sensible budget and the space stays dry.
- If in doubt across a whole home, many Lower Mainland owners go vinyl plank for the peace of mind.
Comparison at a glance
Vinyl plank vs laminate flooring, side by side
| Factor | Vinyl plank (LVP / SPC) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | Waterproof | Water-resistant only |
| Best rooms | Anywhere, including wet areas | Dry living spaces |
| Core material | Plastic or stone-polymer | Fibreboard (HDF) |
| Feel underfoot | Softer, warmer, quieter | Harder, can sound hollow |
| Scratch resistance | Good, varies by wear layer | Very good at higher AC ratings |
| Installed cost (per sq ft) | About $5 to $12 | About $4 to $9 |
| Basements and condos | Excellent | Limited (dry, prepped only) |
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Frequently asked questions
Is vinyl plank or laminate better for a basement?
Vinyl plank is better for basements because it is waterproof and tolerates the humidity and occasional moisture common below grade. Laminate is only water-resistant, so it is a risk in basements unless the space is reliably dry and well prepared.
Is vinyl plank more expensive than laminate?
Usually only slightly. Laminate often costs a little less to install, but both sit in a similar range of roughly $4 to $12 per square foot installed in BC. Most people decide based on water resistance rather than the small price difference.
Which is quieter to walk on?
Vinyl plank, especially rigid SPC with the right underlay, is generally softer and quieter underfoot. Laminate can sound a little more hollow, though good underlay narrows the gap and helps meet strata acoustic rules in condos.
Which lasts longer?
Both can last 15 to 25 years or more with proper installation and care. Vinyl plank wins in wet or humid rooms, while a high AC-rated laminate is very tough against scratches in dry, high-traffic areas.
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