Vinyl vs Laminate: Which Is Better for Kitchens?

Vinyl and laminate both look good in a kitchen and both cost less than real wood or tile. They behave very differently once water gets involved, though, and in a kitchen that matters more than anything else.

Water resistance is where vinyl wins. Vinyl is a solid, waterproof material all the way through, so a spilled pan of water, a leaking dishwasher or a wet mop does it no harm. Laminate has a fibreboard core under the printed surface, and once water finds its way into a joint that core swells and the edges lift. Water-resistant laminates are much better than they used to be, but they are still not waterproof.

Comfort underfoot goes to vinyl too, especially cushioned sheet vinyl. Kitchens are rooms you stand in, and vinyl is softer, warmer and quieter than laminate, which has a slightly harder, hollower feel unless it is fitted over a good acoustic underlay.

Cleaning is straightforward with both, but vinyl takes more. You can mop vinyl properly. With laminate you want a barely damp mop and to wipe up spills quickly rather than letting them sit along a joint.

On appearance, both have improved enormously. Good laminate has deep embossing that lines up with the grain and looks convincing close up. LVT — the plank and tile form of vinyl — matches it, with the added option of herringbone and parquet layouts and stone effects.

For durability, laminate has a tough wear layer that resists scratching well, which suits homes with pets and heavy chairs. Vinyl is more forgiving of dropped pans and dents, but a sharp edge can mark it.

Practically: if the kitchen is a busy family room with a dishwasher, a back door and children, vinyl or LVT is the sensible choice. If the kitchen is smaller, spills are rare and you want the floor to run through into an adjoining living area, a quality water-resistant laminate can work well. Come in and stand on both before you decide.