Vinyl Tile vs. Laminate: A Homeowner’s Choice for a New Floor
When choosing a durable, cost-effective hard surface that beautifully mimics hardwood or tile, homeowners often find themselves weighing the merits of Vinyl Tile (often LVT or LVP) against Laminate Flooring. Both options offer exceptional value and aesthetic versatility, but they are constructed differently and excel in different environments. Making the right choice for your Green Bay or Appleton home hinges on understanding the key differences in their core composition, especially regarding moisture and wear.
At Macco’s Floor Covering Center, we provide a side-by-side comparison to help you select the perfect floor material for your specific lifestyle and room function.
Composition and Core Differences
The primary distinction between the two flooring types lies in what they are made of, which directly impacts their water resistance.
Waterproof Cores vs. Fiberboard Cores
| Feature | Vinyl Tile (LVT/LVP/SPC) | Laminate Flooring |
| Core Material | PVC, Stone Plastic Composite (SPC), or Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) | High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) wood-based |
| Water Resistance | 100% Waterproof (the core will not swell when exposed to water) | Water-resistant (can swell if water penetrates seams and reaches the core) |
| Look/Wear Layer | Realistic photo layer protected by a thick, clear vinyl wear layer | Realistic photo layer protected by a hard, aluminum oxide resin top layer |
| Ideal Use | Bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms, basements anywhere water is present | Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways areas requiring high scratch resistance |
Durability and Feel Underfoot
While both floors are resilient, they offer different performance characteristics in terms of denting, scratching, and general comfort.
- Denting and Wear: Vinyl tile (especially SPC rigid core) is often more effective at resisting dents from dropped objects or heavy furniture due to its dense, waterproof core. Laminate’s hard surface (its aluminum oxide wear layer) offers superior scratch resistance compared to most vinyl products. If you have active pets, a high-rated laminate might be the better choice for preventing surface scratches.
- Feel Underfoot: Vinyl is generally softer and quieter underfoot than laminate, which can sometimes feel hollow if not paired with a quality underpad. Vinyl also tends to be warmer to the touch, a welcome feature during a Wisconsin winter.
- Maintenance: Both are very easy to clean. Vinyl is easier to repair; if a plank is damaged, it can often be replaced without tearing up the whole floor.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
The choice between vinyl tile and laminate ultimately comes down to the room’s function and your priority:
- Choose Vinyl Tile (LVP/LVT) if: Your priority is water resistance. Install it in kitchens, full bathrooms, and basements where leaks or high humidity are major concerns. Its quieter, softer feel is also a bonus.
- Choose Laminate if: Your priority is scratch resistance and you want the most realistic wood look at the lowest cost. Install it in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms where surface durability is more important than absolute water immunity.
By considering the environment of your room and the core composition of the material, you can select a high-performance floor that matches your needs and style.
Ready to compare vinyl tile and laminate for your next project? Contact us or visit one of our showroom locations in Green Bay WI, Sheboygan WI, Marinette WI, Appleton WI, Schofield WI, Sturgeon Bay WI, Janesville WI. At Macco’s Floor Covering Center, our goal is to provide our customers with genuine old fashioned family service backed with honesty and integrity. We create inspiration to express yourself with a distinguished collection of designer choices and flooring essentials to enhance any home décor, and competitive prices suitable to match any lifestyle, even if your style includes an eye to the bottom line. We’re proud to feature carpet, hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl, and tile flooring from all of your favorite brands. See expert installation displays, designed to help you visualize how your future renovations will look in your home. Our design experts will work with you to select the prefect options for you and your family. At Macco’s Floor Covering Center, we take pride in the quality of our workmanship and customer service.