Are Vinyl Plank Floors Better Than Laminate Floors?

Are Vinyl Plank Floors Better Than Laminate Floors?

When choosing a new floor for your Toronto home or condo, two options often come up: vinyl plank flooring and laminate flooring. Both offer stylish looks, affordable pricing, and easier maintenance than hardwood floors. But which one is truly better?
The answer depends on your needs — especially considering Toronto’s changing seasons, condo regulations, and potential moisture exposure in basements, kitchens, or bathrooms.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between vinyl plank and laminate flooring, covering everything from durability and water resistance to cost and comfort, so you can make an informed decision that fits your space.

What Are Vinyl Plank & Laminate Flooring?

Vinyl Plank Flooring (LVP/LVT)

Vinyl plank flooring is a 100% synthetic product, made from multiple layers of PVC and topped with a photographic print layer and a protective wear layer. It’s available in different core types like SPC (stone plastic composite) or WPC (wood plastic composite), and comes in both click and glue-down versions.
It’s popular for:

• Kitchens and bathrooms (thanks to its waterproof nature)
• Condo floors and basements (due to low thickness and easy installation)
• Commercial flooring (for durability and ease of replacement)

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is made from high-density fiberboard (HDF) with a photographic wood layer and a tough wear layer on top. Unlike vinyl, it contains wood materials, which means it is not fully waterproof. However, it often provides better texture and realism compared to lower-end vinyl.
It’s ideal for:

• Bedrooms, living rooms, and dry spaces
• Homes where budget and visual appeal are priorities
• Areas where high scratch resistance is important

Vinyl Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring: Key Comparison Points for Toronto Homes

When choosing between vinyl plank flooring and laminate flooring in Toronto, several practical factors come into play:
Water Resistance
Vinyl plank flooring is fully waterproof, making it an ideal choice for moisture-prone areas like basements, kitchens, and bathrooms. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, is only water-resistant — meaning it can handle minor spills but may swell or warp with prolonged exposure to water.

Durability
Both flooring types are designed for high traffic, but vinyl plank (especially SPC or glue-down commercial-grade vinyl) tends to be more resistant to dents, scratches, and daily wear and tear. Laminate is durable as well but may show scratches more easily and isn't as impact-resistant as vinyl.

Comfort and Feel Underfoot
Laminate floors often feel harder underfoot, though they can mimic the warmth and texture of natural wood more closely. Vinyl plank flooring offers a softer and slightly more cushioned feel, especially with WPC or attached underpad options, which makes it more comfortable to walk on for long periods.

Noise and Acoustics
Without proper underlay, laminate floors can sound hollow or loud when walked on. Vinyl tends to be quieter, especially click vinyl with built-in underlayment or glue-down types that bond directly to the subfloor — a key advantage in Toronto condos where noise transfer is a concern.

Appearance and Style
Laminate flooring often offers a more authentic wood-like appearance with deep textures and embossing. However, luxury vinyl planks have significantly improved in design and now offer highly realistic visuals, including wood, stone, and tile looks.
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Installation and Cost
Both are considered DIY-friendly, but vinyl plank flooring comes in more flexible formats: click-lock, glue-down, and loose lay. Laminate is mostly click-lock. In terms of cost, laminate is usually slightly cheaper per square foot, but vinyl’s water resistance and long-term durability can offer better value over time — especially in areas prone to moisture.

Which One Fits Best in Toronto Homes & Condos

When choosing between vinyl plank flooring and laminate flooring in a Toronto setting, several local factors matter — climate, housing type (condo vs. house), moisture levels, and lifestyle.

Toronto's Climate Consideration:

• Vinyl Plank Flooring: Completely waterproof and resistant to humidity fluctuations. Great for Toronto’s seasonal temperature swings, especially for basement floors and condos where moisture can be a concern.
• Laminate Flooring: Performs well in dry, temperature-controlled spaces but may not fare as well in areas prone to moisture or spills, like kitchens or basements.

Condos:

• Both vinyl flooring and laminate flooring are good options for condo living, but vinyl flooring would have a bit of an advantage in terms of its nature being waterproof, as condos in Toronto tend to have a lot of water damage cases, which would give vinyl floors a slight advantage over laminate floors.

Homes:

• In homes, both materials work well — but vinyl flooring is superior for below-grade installations (like basements).
• Laminate floors shine in living rooms and bedrooms where aesthetics and underfoot feel matter more than moisture resistance.

Families & Pets:

• Vinyl’s durability to scratches, spills, and noise makes it ideal for homes with kids and pets.
• Laminate flooring is scratch-durable too, but less forgiving with spills or pet accidents if not cleaned quickly.

Common Misconceptions & Trade-offs

Even though vinyl plank and laminate flooring are often compared side by side, there are still many misconceptions that mislead Toronto homeowners. Let’s clear up a few:

Misconception 1: Laminate is always cheaper than vinyl.

• Reality: While entry-level laminate tends to be more affordable, higher-end laminate can be more expensive than mid-range luxury vinyl plank (LVP).
• Trade-off: Laminate may offer a more wood-like texture, but you lose waterproofing and flexibility in where it can be installed.

Misconception 2: All vinyl is the same.

• Reality: There are major differences between click vinyl, glue-down vinyl, WPC (wood plastic composite), and SPC (stone plastic composite) vinyl. Durability, comfort, and sound insulation vary widely.
• Trade-off: Click vinyl is easier to install but may not last as long in high-traffic commercial settings compared to glue-down options.

Misconception 3: Laminate can’t handle wear and tear.

• Reality: Modern AC-rated laminate flooring (AC4 or AC5) is very scratch-durable, especially against pet nails and dragging furniture.
• Trade-off: However, it’s still vulnerable to water damage if exposed too long — making it less ideal for bathrooms or kitchens.

Misconception 4: Vinyl feels cheap underfoot.

• Reality: Today’s vinyl plank flooring includes options with thicker cores, attached underpads, and textured finishes, offering a surprisingly comfortable and natural feel.
• Trade-off: These premium features come at a higher price point, which can narrow the cost gap with laminate.

Recommendations by Use-Case

​Choosing between vinyl plank and laminate flooring often comes down to where and how you plan to use the flooring. Below are our expert recommendations based on different scenarios commonly found in Toronto homes and condos:

Condo Living (Downtown or High-Rise Units)
Recommended: Both Laminate Floor and Click Vinyl Plank Flooring

• Why: Both floors work perfectly fine for condos, though vinyl plank flooring have a slight edge over laminate floors due to its water proof nature. 
• Bonus: Easy to install and ideal for condo boards that restrict glue-down methods.

Bathrooms & Laundry Rooms
Recommended: Glue-Down or Click Vinyl Plank Flooring

• Why: These areas demand 100% waterproof flooring. Vinyl (especially glue-down types) offers superior moisture resistance compared to laminate.
• Avoid: Laminate, as even water-resistant models are prone to swelling with prolonged exposure to moisture.

Family Rooms & Bedrooms
Recommended:Laminate Flooring (AC4/AC5-rated)

• Why: Laminate floor offers a warmer, more natural wood feel and is very scratch-resistant — great for kids and pets.
• Note: If your home is prone to spills, vinyl floor might be safer, but laminate flooring offers better comfort and texture underfoot.

Basements & Lower Levels
Recommended: Glue-Down or Click Vinyl Plank Flooring

• Why: Basements in Toronto can be humid or even slightly damp. Vinyl handles moisture far better than laminate and won’t expand or contract.
• Tip: For uneven subfloors, glue-down vinyl plank flooring option is highly reccomended.

Rental Units or Investment Properties
Recommended: Vinyl Plank Flooring (Click or Glue-Down)

• Why: Durable, waterproof, and easy to maintain — reducing tenant-related flooring issues. Vinyl is also, glue-down vinyl plank flooring is easier to repair or replace in damaged sections.
• Consider: Glue-down for commercial or multi-unit rental buildings; click is a good option for small units or temporarily rentals.

FAQs – Vinyl Plank vs. Laminate Flooring in Toronto

Is vinyl plank flooring more durable than laminate flooring?
Yes, especially when it comes to moisture resistance and wear in high-traffic areas. Vinyl plank is waterproof, while laminate can swell if exposed to water.

Which is more affordable: vinyl or laminate?
Laminate flooring is generally more affordable per square foot, especially for mid-range options. However, vinyl's longer lifespan and lower maintenance may offer better long-term value.

Does vinyl floor or laminate floor look more like real wood?
Laminate typically has a more realistic wood texture and appearance, especially in premium styles. Vinyl has improved, but still often has a slightly more synthetic look, depending on the brand.

Can I install vinyl or laminate flooring in a condo?
Yes, but always check with your condo board. Click vinyl is often preferred due to its waterproof nature.

Which is easier to install: laminate or vinyl plank?
Click versions of both are DIY-friendly. Vinyl is slightly more forgiving for uneven subfloors, while laminate offers tighter locking mechanisms.

Which flooring is quieter underfoot?
Both lamiante floors and vinyl planks floors have similar undefoot quietness, specially when a proper underlayment is used (or attached already by manufacturer).