Vinyl vs Laminate Flooring for Bathrooms: Which Is Best for You?

When it comes to choosing bathroom flooring, practicality is crucial. Traditional wood floors require ongoing maintenance, while tiles can be expensive and tricky to repair. These factors make them less ideal for many homeowners.

That’s where vinyl and laminate flooring come in as cost-effective, stylish, and low-maintenance alternatives. But how do you decide between them? Let's explore the pros and cons of both options to help you choose the best flooring for your bathroom.

What to Consider When Choosing Bathroom Flooring

When selecting flooring for your bathroom, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

• Water resistance: Bathrooms are prone to moisture, so it’s essential to choose flooring that can handle it.
• Durability: Bathroom floors must stand up to foot traffic and daily wear.
• Maintenance: Choose a flooring option that's easy to maintain and keep clean.
• Comfort: Bathrooms are often places where you stand for longer periods, so comfort matters too.

With wood and tiles often being more expensive and challenging to maintain, vinyl and bathroom laminate flooring offer affordable and user-friendly alternatives. Let's dive deeper into the features of each option to help you make the right choice for your bathroom.

Vinyl Flooring – A Waterproof Solution for Bathrooms

Vinyl flooring is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a versatile plastic that has evolved into a top choice for bathroom flooring. Available in a variety of styles, including LVT with wood effect and stone looks, it’s an excellent option for homeowners looking for low-maintenance, water-resistant flooring.

Pros of Vinyl Flooring:

• Waterproof Options: Some types of vinyl flooring, like Rigid Core and Stone Plastic Composite (SPC), are fully waterproof, making them ideal for bathrooms and other high-moisture areas.
• Easy to Maintain: Vinyl requires minimal upkeep—just a quick mop and occasional vacuuming will do the job.
• Comfortable Underfoot: Softer than wood or tile, vinyl is more comfortable to stand on for long periods, making it ideal for bathrooms.
• Wide Variety of Styles: Vinyl is available in a range of designs, including those that mimic wood, stone effect LVT, and ceramic, allowing you to achieve your desired bathroom look.
• Affordable: While high-quality vinyl can be pricier than laminate, it remains a budget-friendly option compared to traditional tiles.

Cons of Vinyl Flooring:

• Potentially Higher Price for Premium Options: Good-quality vinyl can be more expensive than laminate.
• Durability Issues with Low-Quality Options: Cheap vinyl may dent, scuff, or scratch easily, so it’s essential to choose a high-quality product for long-term durability.
• Texture Differences: Even though vinyl can look like wood or stone, it won’t feel exactly like those materials. The texture is still that of vinyl, which may not appeal to everyone

Laminate Flooring – Budget-Friendly, But Not Ideal for Moisture

Laminate flooring was first developed in Sweden in 1977 and has since evolved from a budget option to a stylish and durable choice for various rooms. While bathroom laminate can be used in dry areas, it’s not as water-proof as vinyl, so it’s important to understand its limitations.

Pros of Laminate Flooring:

• Affordable: Laminate remains one of the most cost-effective flooring options on the market, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
• Durability: High-quality laminate flooring is resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, making it perfect for areas with high foot traffic.
• Wide Variety of Designs: Laminate can be manufactured to look like wood effect, stone, or ceramic, offering plenty of options to suit your bathroom style.
• Comfortable Underfoot: Similar to vinyl, laminate is softer than stone or hardwood and is more comfortable for standing.
• Easy to Install: Laminate is a floating floor, meaning it interlocks and doesn’t require glue or nails, making it easier to install without professional help.

Cons of Laminate Flooring:

• Poor Water Resistance: Laminate isn’t fully waterproof. While some newer products offer improved moisture resistance, laminate flooring can still get damaged if exposed to excess moisture for extended periods.
• Noise: Laminate flooring can produce a hollow or noisy sound when walked on, particularly if not installed properly.
• Lifespan: Laminate flooring typically needs to be replaced after about 10 years, whereas vinyl can last much longer with proper care.
• Not Suitable for High Moisture Areas: Laminate is not ideal for bathrooms where water exposure is frequent. Prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to warping, peeling, or other damage.

Vinyl vs Laminate: Which is Better for Your Bathroom?

The right choice between vinyl flooring and laminate largely depends on your priorities and the specific needs of your bathroom.

• Water Resistance: If you need flooring that can withstand exposure to water (a must for bathrooms), vinyl is the clear winner. Waterproof vinyl flooring, such as SPC or WPC, is perfect for wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
• Budget: If you’re looking for an affordable option, laminate is the more budget-friendly choice. However, keep in mind that it may not last as long as vinyl in a high-moisture environment.
• Comfort: Both vinyl and laminate are softer underfoot than wood or stone, but vinyl tends to be more comfortable, especially if you plan on standing for long periods.
• Ease of Installation: Both types of flooring are relatively easy to install as DIY projects, but vinyl tends to be simpler, especially if you opt for peel-and-stick tiles or planks.
• Durability: While both are durable, vinyl flooring is generally longer-lasting, especially if you choose a high-quality option. Vinyl lasts 20 years or more, while laminate typically needs replacing after about 10 years.

Making the Best Choice for Your Bathroom Flooring

If water resistance is your primary concern, vinyl is the better choice. It’s waterproof, durable, and easy to maintain—perfect for bathrooms. If you're on a budget and can protect it from moisture, laminate could be the right choice for you.

Both vinyl and laminate flooring can be made from environmentally friendly materials. Look for products with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and certifications like LEED to ensure your choice is eco-friendly.

Final Thoughts: Vinyl or Laminate for Bathrooms?

Both vinyl flooring and laminate offer distinct advantages, and your final decision depends on your bathroom’s specific needs. If moisture resistance, durability, and low maintenance are key, vinyl flooring is your best choice. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind replacing your floor sooner, laminate could be the ideal choice for you.

At BRICOFLOR, we offer a wide range of high-quality vinyl and laminate flooring options that are perfect for bathrooms. Browse our collection today to find the perfect flooring for your home!