Vinyl Plank vs. Laminate: Which Costs Less?
The verdict
These two are close on price and both are DIY-friendly click-lock floors — but vinyl plank's waterproof core is the tiebreaker for most homes. LVP can go in kitchens, baths, and basements where laminate can't, and it feels softer underfoot. Laminate still makes sense in dry bedrooms and living rooms, where its harder, more scratch-prone surface and slightly lower price work fine. If you want one floor for the whole house, LVP is the safer call.
The two most popular budget wood-look floors are luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and laminate — and they’re close enough on price that the real decision is about water. LVP is waterproof; laminate isn’t.
Both are affordable, DIY-friendly click-lock floors that mimic wood. The difference shows up in wet rooms and underfoot: LVP handles moisture and feels softer, while laminate is a touch cheaper and works fine in dry spaces. Here’s how they compare.
| Factor | Vinyl plank (LVP) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $3 – $10 / sq ft | $3 – $8 / sq ft |
| Water resistance | Waterproof (rigid core) | Not waterproof; swells if soaked |
| Durability | Scratch- and dent-resistant | Hard surface; can chip/scratch |
| Feel & sound | Softer, quieter underfoot | Harder, can sound hollow |
| Best rooms | Kitchens, baths, basements, anywhere | Bedrooms, living rooms (dry areas) |
| Lifespan | 15 – 25 years | 15 – 25 years |
| DIY | Click-lock, very DIY-friendly | Click-lock, very DIY-friendly |
Frequently asked questions
- Is vinyl plank or laminate cheaper?
- They overlap closely — laminate is $3–$8 per square foot installed and LVP is $3–$10. Budget versions are nearly identical in price; LVP's edge is being waterproof, which laminate isn't.
- Which is more waterproof?
- Vinyl plank, clearly. Rigid-core LVP is fully waterproof, making it safe for kitchens, baths, and basements. Laminate is water-resistant at best and can swell or delaminate if water sits on it.
- Which is more durable?
- Both last 15–25 years. LVP resists scratches, dents, and moisture better day to day, while laminate has a hard, durable wear layer but is vulnerable to water and can chip at the edges.
- Which should I choose for a basement or bathroom?
- Vinyl plank, every time. Its waterproof core handles the moisture and occasional spills that would ruin laminate. Save laminate for dry, above-grade rooms.
How we estimate: ranges are cross-checked against current 2026 industry sources (see our data & methodology). Your actual cost depends on local rates — always get multiple written quotes.
Sources
Cost ranges on this page were checked against current (2026) data from these industry sources:
- Vinyl Plank Flooring Cost (2026) — HomeGuide
- Flooring Installation Cost (2026) — HomeGuide
- How Much Should My New Floor Cost? — Angi