Laminate vs Vinyl Plank Flooring: Cost & Comparison
Updated
Laminate flooring costs about $2 to $6 per square foot installed, while luxury vinyl plank (LVP) runs $3 to $7. The big difference is water: LVP is waterproof and ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, while laminate handles scratches well but can swell if it gets wet.
Laminate and luxury vinyl plank are the two most popular budget-friendly floors, and they look surprisingly similar. But underneath, they behave very differently — especially around water — which determines where each one belongs in your home.
This guide compares laminate vs vinyl plank on cost, durability, water resistance, and feel, so you can pick the right one room by room.
Key takeaways
- Laminate: $2–$6/ft² installed; vinyl plank: $3–$7/ft².
- LVP is waterproof; laminate is not — that's the deciding factor.
- Laminate resists scratches and feels more like real wood underfoot.
- Both are DIY-friendly click-together floors.
- Choose LVP for wet areas, laminate for dry living spaces on a budget.
Skip the math
Get instant numbers with the Flooring Calculator.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Laminate | Vinyl plank (LVP) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost installed | $2 – $6/ft² | $3 – $7/ft² |
| Water resistance | Low | Waterproof |
| Scratch resistance | High | Medium–high |
| Feel underfoot | Harder, wood-like | Softer, warmer |
| Lifespan | 15–25 yrs | 20–25 yrs |
| Best rooms | Living, bedrooms | Kitchens, baths, basements |
When to choose laminate
Laminate's tough wear layer resists scratches and dents, and its thicker core feels more like real hardwood. It's a great budget choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways — anywhere that stays dry.
When to choose vinyl plank
LVP is 100% waterproof, making it the clear winner for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements. It's also softer and quieter underfoot, though premium products are needed to match laminate's realism.
Estimating flooring cost
For either floor, measure the room, add 10% for waste, and multiply by the installed price per square foot. Our flooring calculator gives you the square footage, number of boxes, and cost in one step.