Laminate vs Vinyl Plank: Which Is Better for Your Home?
Laminate and vinyl plank are the two most popular budget-friendly flooring options, and they look similar at first glance — but they perform very differently when water, pets, and time get involved. Here's the quick breakdown.
Cost at 1,000 sq ft Installed
Pros & Cons
Laminate
Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Pick vinyl plank for any room with moisture, pets, or kids. Pick laminate for dry rooms where you want the most realistic wood look for less money.
📏Pick Laminate if
Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and stairs where water exposure is unlikely and you want the best wood aesthetic on a budget.
🔷Pick Vinyl Plank (LVP) if
Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, mudrooms, and any home with dogs, cats, or young kids.
Calculate Your Project Cost
Get an instant estimate for Laminate or Vinyl Plank (LVP) in your exact room size.
Frequently Asked
Which is cheaper, laminate or vinyl plank?
Installed costs are very similar — $4–$12/sqft for laminate vs $4–$13/sqft for vinyl plank. For a 1,000 sqft home, expect $4,000–$12,000 either way. Material-only costs are slightly cheaper for laminate at the low end.
Is vinyl plank really 100% waterproof?
Yes — the planks themselves are completely waterproof. However, water can still get between planks and damage the subfloor underneath, especially with floating installations. Proper subfloor prep matters.
Which lasts longer?
Quality laminate can last 10–30 years. Quality vinyl plank lasts 15–25 years. Hardwood still beats both at 50–100+ years, but costs significantly more upfront.
Can I install either one myself?
Yes. Both laminate and vinyl plank come in click-lock floating systems designed for DIY. Budget a weekend for a 500 sqft room. The biggest mistake DIYers make is skipping subfloor leveling.
More Comparisons
Pricing data from HomeGuide, Homewyse, HomeAdvisor, Angi, and FlooringClarity (2026 national averages).