Choosing Vinyl Plank Flooring Over Laminate - Which One is Better?

You've finally decided to ditch the tired old carpet or scratched-up floorboards, but now you're stuck trying to figure out the difference between vinyl plank flooring and laminate. They look similar in photos, and everyone you ask seems to have a take on which is better.

So what's the real deal between these two? Both are good options, but one will suit your situation far better than the other. The wrong choice means discovering problems six months in. Think about water damage in the kitchen and cold floors in winter, and it's a sure formula for regret over money lost because of not choosing the right material.

This guide from the CarpetMe Team cuts through the noise and gives you a bird's eye view on when vinyl plank flooring makes more sense, when laminate's the smarter pick, and what actually matters for Dunedin homes and businesses.

Understanding What You're Really Looking At

Before diving into their differences, let's be clear about what these products actually are. Because sometimes names and labels are so damn confusing.

Material Composition

Modern vinyl plank flooring, also known as luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT), is entirely synthetic. It's made up of layers of PVC vinyl with a photographic image layer on top and a protective wear layer. The cool thing is that planks click together, similar to laminate. This isn't your gran's ordinary vinyl sheet flooring. Quality vinyl planks genuinely look like timber and feel great underfoot.

On the other hand, laminate flooring has a wood-based core (typically high-density fibreboard), a photographic image layer, and a protective top coating.

What's Laminate Wood Flooring?

This term confuses most people. Laminate flooring mimics wood but contains minimal actual timber in its core. It's not solid wood, and it's not engineered timber either. It's a photographic image of wood on a composite base.

Water Resistance

Perhaps this is the single biggest reason you should factor into your decision, especially in Dunedin's damp climate.

Vinyl Plank flooring and Water

Be assured that quality vinyl plank flooring is 100% waterproof. Even if you or the younger ones spill a glass of water, you can have your peace of mind that it will do no damage at all. Simply wipe it and you're off. This makes vinyl the obvious choice for:

• Kitchens (spills, dishwasher leaks, wet feet from outside)

• Bathrooms (absolutely essential, not much explaning here)

• Laundries (washing machine leaks happen)

• Entryways (rain-soaked shoes, umbrellas)

• Rental properties (tenant mishaps covered)

Laminate Flooring and Water

Here's an important difference that you need to remember. Laminate may be water-resistant, but it isn't waterproof. It can stand against spills if you wipe it quickly. But if you let it stand for a longer time, especially when there is prolonged moisture, then you may have a not-so-good result. The wood-based core swells and eventually ruins the floor. Once damaged, laminate doesn't recover, and you might need to replace your boards in the long run.

For Dunedin homes and their humidity and moisture, this matters more. Laminate in low-risk areas like bedrooms and living rooms works fine, but may not do so well in kitchens or bathrooms.

Durability and Wear: How They Stand the Test of Time

Though both materials handle wear and tear normally, you can still expect glaring differences.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Durability

Vinyl may feel softer underfoot, but the trade-off is that it is also more prone to scratches and dents from heavy furniture or sharp objects. But premium quality vinyl has thick wear layers (usually 8mm or more, and at least 20 mil of wear layer), and can prove durable against light foot traffic.

Vinyl handles temperature changes also well, without expansion or contraction issues that create gaps.

Laminate Flooring Durability

Laminate's harder surface resists scratches better than vinyl. Drop something sharp on laminate, and it's less likely to dent. This makes laminate attractive for commercial spaces with heavy foot traffic or offices with rolling desk chairs.

However, laminate expands and contracts in high temperatures and humidity changes. Installers leave expansion gaps around edges (hidden under skirting) for good measure, but extreme climate shifts can cause issues. Dunedin's temperature variations aren't extreme, but it's worth bearing this in mind.

Comfort and Feel Underfoot

Vinyl Plank Flooring Feel

Vinyl plank flooring feels slightly softer and warmer underfoot than laminate. In Dunedin's cold winters, vinyl floors don't feel quite as icy first thing in the morning. With quality underlay, vinyl plank flooring provides decent comfort for extended standing, especially for businesses and commercial establishments.

Laminate Flooring Feel

Laminate feels harder and can sound hollow if underlay isn't good. It's colder underfoot in winter, not as bad as tile, but noticeably cooler than vinyl. For homes where you walk around barefoot often, you might notice a very significant difference.

Cost Comparison: What You'll Actually Pay

Prices may overlap significantly, making this comparison tricky.

Vinyl Plank Flooring Cost

• Budget vinyl: $30-$50 per square metre

• Mid-range: $50-$80 per square metre

• Premium: $80-$120+ per square metre

Laminate Flooring Cost

• Budget laminate: $25-$45 per square metre

• Mid-range: $45-$75 per square metre

• Premium: $75-$110+ per square metre

Professional installation costs are similar for both. Prices may vary, depending on room complexity. Frankly, the cost difference isn't significant enough to base your decision on. Choose based on performance and your needs, then find what best suits you depending on your budget.

Vinyl vs Laminate: When to Choose Which

So, when do we choose vinyl plank flooring over laminate? Here's our straightforward take.

Choose Vinyl Plank Flooring When:

1. Installing in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, or entryways

These rooms see constant water exposure, like splashes from the sink, shower spray, washing machine leaks, name it. Laminate will eventually fail in these conditions, while vinyl handles it without issue.

2. You've got kids or pets

Family life is fun and messy. especially when you have kids and fur babies around. Vinyl's waterproof material means these daily mishaps will not stress you out that much. Wipe it up whenever you get around to it without worrying about permanent damage.

3. Underfloor heating is involved

Vinyl plank flooring conducts heat efficiently and handles temperature changes without expanding or contracting like laminate does. It won't warp or create gaps when the heating cycles on and off.

4. Rental properties

If you're a landlord, you know by experience that you cannot fully control tenant behaviour, especially their eventual carelessness. Waterproof vinyl adds another layer of protection to your investment by minimising water damage that may cost thousands to repair later on.

5. You want a warmer, softer feel underfoot

Vinyl plank flooring feels noticeably warmer when you walk on it barefoot, especially on cold Dunedin mornings. It's also slightly softer, which reduces fatigue if you stand for long periods cooking or working.

6. Dunedin's humidity concerns you

Our damp climate means moisture is always a risk, particularly in older homes with concrete slabs that can sweat. Vinyl plank flooring provides a waterproof barrier that laminate can't match. It's the sensible choice when you're dealing with predictable moisture challenges.

Choose Laminate Flooring When:

Laminate makes perfect sense for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices where water exposure is minimal. These dry areas don't need waterproof protection, so you can take advantage of laminate's lower cost and excellent durability.

If budget's your main concern and you're covering large areas that won't see moisture, laminate delivers good value. Just be realistic about which rooms truly have zero water risk.

Commercial spaces benefit from laminate's exceptional hardness when moisture isn't involved. Offices with heavy foot traffic, retail areas with constant furniture movement, or any business environment where durability matters more than waterproofing - laminate can handle these pretty well.

What to Consider For Most Dunedin Homes:

Here's our quick pro tip to top it all: vinyl in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries, while laminate in bedrooms and living areas if the budget's tight. Or vinyl throughout if you want consistency and don't mind spending slightly more.

Making Your Decision Without Regrets

The vinyl plank flooring vs laminate debate doesn't have a universal winner. It has its own pros and cons, depending on your needs and budget.

If you're still genuinely torn, think about these questions:

Will this floor ever encounter standing water? (If yes, consider vinyl)

1. Is this a rental property? (If yes, consider vinyl)

2. Is budget your absolute priority and moisture zero concern? (If yes, consider laminate)

3. Do you want one flooring type throughout for visual consistency? (Vinyl gives you that option everywhere)

The worst choice is picking laminate for the wrong space because it's marginally cheaper and then finding yourself replacing water-damaged boards within two years. The best choice is selecting the right product for each specific application in your home.

Ready to see the actual difference? See Vinyl & Laminate Samples at Your Place with our mobile showroom. Compare them in your lighting, match them to your décor. Get a Comparison Quote for both options, or Book a Hard Flooring Consultation with our CarpetMe Team to discuss your specific situation.