Laminate vs Vinyl Flooring: Everything You Need to Know

When you walk into a room, one of the first things your eyes (and feet!) notice is the flooring. Flooring is a pivotal part of interior design, setting the literal foundation for your space's overall look and feel. As solid hardwood and porcelain tile flooring alternatives, both laminate flooring and luxury vinyl plank have surged in popularity in recent years due to their durability, updated designs, diverse styles, and budget-friendly appeal. Read on for a deep dive comparison of these two trending options for laminate and vinyl flooring to help you make the best decision for your home.

Laminate Flooring: Pros and Cons

Laminate flooring is a multi-layered synthetic product, fused together using a lamination process. What are the laminate layers, you ask? The core is usually made of a high-density wood mix, topped with a photographic layer that imitates wood or stone, and then coated with a protective layer.

In the case of the CALI Laminate Shorebreak Collection, tiles are made to look and feel like stone and marble, with authentic mineral veins and slate-like textures. However, not only is it far easier to install laminate flooring than real stone, it is also easier clean, lighter, warmer to the touch, and more cost-effective.

Laminate Flooring Pros:

• Durability: Laminate flooring is known for its resistance to scratches, dents, and everyday wear, making it a great choice for busy homes.

• Design Variety: From rustic wood looks to elegant marbles, there is laminate flooring for every design palate.

• Affordability: Love the look of hardwood or stone but not the price? Laminate flooring offers the aesthetics at a fraction of the cost.

• DIY Installation: Modern laminates often feature a click-and-lock system that's a dream for DIY enthusiasts.

Laminate Flooring Cons:

NOTE: The following “cons” may apply to certain low-quality laminate floors. All CALI Laminate flooring features a highly innovative design for a stronger, more resilient waterproof product. In short, stick to CALI and you’ll be golden!

• Water Sensitivity: More advanced products like CALI Laminate offer a fully waterproof floor which can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms, but there are plenty of other laminate brands which can warp if exposed to moisture.

• Sound: Some laminates can sound a bit hollow when walked on, however, this is not the case with CALI Laminate where each tile or plank is backed by an acoustic XPS pad for boosted sound insulation.

• Refinishing Limits: Unlike hardwood, once laminate is worn out, you can’t refinish it; it has to be replaced. This is less of an issue with a product that is protected by a quality overlay shield. In the case of CALI Laminate, the overlay is melted directly into the tile itself, forming one, solid, highly durable piece.

Vinyl Flooring: Pros and Cons

Vinyl flooring is made from synthetic materials, primarily polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is flexible, durable, and water resistant.

CALI Vinyl flooring is offered in a variety of collections with different dimensions, hardwood visuals, and prices to suit a range of budgets. All CALI Vinyl floors are waterproof, pet-friendly, scratch-resistant, and feature rapid click-lock milling for fast DIY installations.

Vinyl Flooring Pros:

• Waterproof Wonders: Luxury vinyl flooring has an innate resistance to water makes it perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

• Comfort & Quiet: Soft and comfortable, vinyl absorbs sound – making it quieter than most other hard flooring. Most CALI Vinyl collections offer planks backed by an IXPE pad for boosted comfort and sound insulation.

• Design Diversity: Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) convincingly mimic natural materials, offering a variety of style choices.

• Low-Maintenance: A quick sweep and mop are often all you need to keep vinyl looking fresh.

Vinyl Flooring Cons:

• Wear Over Time: Especially in high-traffic areas, vinyl flooring might show its age quicker than some alternatives, and like laminate flooring, cannot be refinished. Avoid wear by opting for a premium product like CALI Vinyl with a quality wear layer at least 20mil thick.

• Installation: While there are DIY-friendly options like CALI Vinyl, some might prefer professional installation for peace of mind.

Vinyl or Laminate Flooring: Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Space

Whether you’re flooring a sunlit living room or a humid bathroom, consider factors like the room’s purpose, foot traffic, and moisture exposure. Don’t forget to align your choice with your design vision and budget. Remember, sometimes spending a bit more upfront can save on long-term maintenance costs.

Vinyl and Laminate Flooring Maintenance and Care Tips

For both laminate flooring and vinyl flooring, a gentle daily sweep and a weekly mop with a pH-neutral cleaner will keep your floors shining. Using protective pads under furniture and avoiding high heels can help preserve the flooring's integrity. For those sunny spaces, UV-protective window treatments can prevent premature fading.

For general cleaning, dry or damp mop as needed using Bona PRO Stone Tile & Laminate Floor Cleaner or something similar. Never use a steam mop or wet-mop as standing water may cause permanent damage and the heat from the steam mop may dull the finish. The moisture from the dampened mop should evaporate off the floor quickly. Although Cali Vinyl Plank Flooring is waterproof, it is still a best practice to avoid excess moisture on the floor. Therefore, we recommend soaking up spills immediately using a dry towel or dry mop.

See all CALI Flooring Care & Maintenance Guides >

What Lasts Longer: Vinyl Flooring or Laminate Flooring?

When considering the longevity of flooring options, particularly between laminate and vinyl flooring, the choice can be influenced by various factors such as usage patterns, maintenance, and environmental conditions. CALI offers both vinyl flooring and laminate flooring options known for their durability and resilience. CALI's vinyl flooring, including luxury vinyl planks (LVP), is engineered to resist moisture, stains, and scratches effectively, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and spaces prone to spills. Advancements in vinyl technology further enhance its longevity, ensuring years of reliable performance. Conversely, CALI's laminate flooring, crafted with multi-layered construction and a high-density core, provides exceptional durability against wear and tear, including scratches, dents, and fading. Ultimately, the decision between CALI's vinyl or laminate flooring options depends on individual preferences, budget considerations, and the specific needs of the space. With proper maintenance and care, both CALI vinyl and laminate flooring choices promise enduring beauty and functionality for residential or commercial settings.

Laminate vs Vinyl Flooring: Who is the winner?

We're sorry to say that if you're stuck trying to decide between luxury vinyl planks or laminate flooring, there's not a clear winner. Both products can be highly durable, DIY-friendly, easy to clean, and beautiful, so long as you opt for a premium product like CALI Vinyl or CALI Laminate. Your personal needs, design preferences, and space specifics will determine your ideal choice. Here's to stepping onto flooring you love, every single day!