Laminate vs Vinyl Plank Flooring — Which Should You Choose?

Laminate and vinyl plank are both click-install, hardwood-look floors sold at similar price points — but they are fundamentally different materials with different strengths. Laminate is a wood-fibre core product that looks and feels close to real hardwood. Vinyl plank (LVP) is a plastic-core product that is 100% waterproof. The right choice depends almost entirely on where you're installing it and who lives in your home.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Spec	Laminate	Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Waterproof	Water-resistant only — spills must be wiped immediately	100% waterproof — standing water causes no damage
Core material	HDF (high-density fibreboard)	SPC (stone plastic composite) or WPC (wood plastic composite)
Typical thickness	8–12 mm	4–8 mm
Feel underfoot	Firm, dense — closest to solid hardwood feel	Slightly softer and quieter; varies by core density
Wear / scratch resistance	AC3–AC5 aluminium-oxide layer	6–20 mil wear layer; good at 12 mil+
Installed cost ($/sf)	$3.50–$9.00	$3.50–$9.00
Basement-safe	Some products rated below-grade — always check	Yes — all products suitable below grade
Radiant heat	Compatible products available — check spec sheet	Most products compatible — verify max surface temp
Can refinish	No	No
Typical lifespan	15–30 years	15–25 years

Pros and Cons

Laminate

Pros

More realistic wood texture — embossed-in-register surface mimics actual grain
Firmer, denser feel underfoot — less hollow sound than thin LVP
AC5-rated options handle heavy commercial traffic
Often cheaper per sf at mid-range and entry tiers
Wide variety of realistic wood and stone looks

Cons

Not waterproof — spills must be wiped immediately or core swells
Cannot get wet or be installed over damp concrete without proper barrier
Hollow clicking sound if underlay is inadequate
Cannot be refinished — replace when worn
Lower-grade products off-gas VOCs during first weeks

Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Pros

100% waterproof — standing water, pet accidents, and flooding cause no damage
Ideal for below-grade and slab-on-grade installations
Softer and quieter underfoot than laminate when quality underlay is used
Can often install over existing floors — saves removal cost
Most products compatible with radiant heat systems

Cons

Thinner products can feel hollow and plasticky underfoot
Not refinishable — surface wear is permanent
Some products expand and contract significantly with temperature change
Lower scratch resistance than AC5 laminate at same price point
Less realistic texture on budget products

Which Should You Choose?

Scenario	Better choice	Why
Basement or below-grade space	Vinyl Plank	Waterproof core handles slab moisture and any flooding; no risk of swelling or buckling
Pets or young children	Vinyl Plank	Accidents can sit for hours without damage; urine cannot reach the core
Kitchen or laundry room	Vinyl Plank	Inevitable spills and splashes won't harm the product over time
Master bedroom or formal living room	Laminate	Superior density, texture, and feel where moisture risk is low
Radiant heat system	Check both	Both have compatible products — verify max surface temperature on the product spec sheet
Rental or investment property	Vinyl Plank	Waterproof core survives tenants; wide-plank LVP looks premium at modest cost
Budget-conscious on entry tier	Laminate	Entry laminate has better feel at the same price as entry LVP

Bottom line

For most Metro Vancouver homes, vinyl plank is the safer long-term choice — BC's wet climate, slab-on-grade foundations in Richmond and Burnaby, and high pet ownership all favour a waterproof product. Choose laminate when the feel and look of wood matters more than moisture protection, and you're confident the space will stay dry.

Get Laminate Estimate →Get Vinyl Plank (LVP) Estimate →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is laminate or vinyl plank better for resale value?+

Both have similar impacts on resale value at mid-range and above. Vinyl plank is currently trending higher with buyers due to its waterproof reputation, but quality laminate in the right space is equally well-regarded. Neither adds as much value as genuine hardwood, but both are preferred over worn carpet.

Which is easier to install — laminate or vinyl plank?+

Both use a click-lock floating system and are considered DIY-friendly. LVP is slightly more forgiving because it can be cut with a utility knife rather than a saw, and minor subfloor imperfections are less critical. Both products require acclimation before installation.

Can I use laminate in my kitchen?+

Technically yes, but it requires vigilance. Laminate is water-resistant, not waterproof — a spill wiped immediately is fine, but water allowed to sit will swell the core. For kitchens with heavy cooking, young children, or dishwasher risks, vinyl plank is a much safer choice.

Does vinyl plank feel cheap underfoot?+

Entry-level thin LVP (4 mm) can feel hollow, but quality 6–8 mm SPC with a good underlay feels solid and quiet. Spend $4.50+/sf on a 6 mm product and the quality difference is significant.

How long does each product last?+

Quality laminate (AC4/AC5, 10–12 mm) lasts 20–30 years under normal residential use. Quality LVP (12-mil+ wear layer, 6–8 mm SPC) lasts 15–25 years. In either case, the wear layer — not the core — determines lifespan.

Local installation cost guides

Laminate — Vancouver Laminate — North Vancouver Laminate — West Vancouver Laminate — Burnaby Laminate — Richmond Laminate — Surrey Laminate — White Rock Laminate — Delta (incl. Tsawwassen)Vinyl Plank — Vancouver Vinyl Plank — North Vancouver Vinyl Plank — West Vancouver Vinyl Plank — Burnaby Vinyl Plank — Richmond Vinyl Plank — Surrey Vinyl Plank — White Rock Vinyl Plank — Delta (incl. Tsawwassen)

Flooring installers near you

Vancouver North Vancouver West Vancouver Burnaby Richmond Surrey White Rock Delta (incl. Tsawwassen)New Westminster Coquitlam