The essentials in 30 seconds
Both laminate and vinyl are made in layers, with a wear layer for durability and a design layer that imitates wood, stone or tile. The difference is the core: laminate is mainly high-density fibreboard (HDF), a wood product, so it is water-resistant but not waterproof; vinyl (LVT, vinyl plank) is mainly PVC, so the planks themselves are waterproof. That is why Tarkett says its laminate suits semi-moist rooms such as kitchens but not bathrooms, while LVT and sheet vinyl can go in any room, bathrooms included. Tarkett also describes LVT as quieter and softer underfoot, and easier to fit without extra tools.
- Waterproof planks do not mean a waterproof floor: water can still get through badly fitted seams.
- On laminate, wipe spills straight away so liquid does not reach the joints.
- Always check each product's own specifications and warranty for wet rooms.
Laminate vs vinyl flooring side by side
| Laminate | Vinyl (LVT / vinyl plank) | |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Mainly high-density fibreboard (wood product) | Mainly PVC |
| Layers | Wear layer and design layer | Wear layer and design layer |
| Water | Water-resistant, not waterproof; water in the seams can damage it | Planks waterproof; seams are not if badly installed |
| Bathrooms | Not suitable (Tarkett laminate) | Suitable, including bathrooms and laundries |
| Kitchens | Suitable as a semi-moist room; sealing joints recommended | Suitable |
| Feel and noise | Harder and louder | Softer and quieter underfoot |
| DIY fitting | Click options; needs a wood saw | Click options; no extra tools needed (Tarkett LVT) |
Which is better with water: laminate or vinyl?
This is the deciding factor. Tarkett explains that its laminate's HDF board is completely sealed and gives good resistance to moisture and liquids, but water that seeps into the seams penetrates the lower layers and damages the floor, so it is not suitable for bathrooms. In kitchens it recommends cleaning spills straight away and sealing the joints with silicone sealer to reduce the risk of buckling and warping.
Vinyl is mainly PVC, which gives it superior resistance to moisture. But Tarkett warns that while LVT planks are waterproof, the installation is not: with many seams side by side, water can seep through if they are not fitted correctly, so wet rooms need extra care.
Laminate or vinyl for each room
- Bathroom, laundry: vinyl (LVT or sheet vinyl). Tarkett laminate is not suitable.
- Kitchen: either; with laminate, wipe spills quickly and consider sealing the joints.
- Living room, bedroom: either; choose by feel, noise and look.
- Where noise matters: Tarkett describes LVT as quieter underfoot than laminate.
Vinyl vs laminate flooring pros and cons
Laminate
- Durable wear layer and realistic design layer.
- Water-resistant for semi-moist rooms such as kitchens.
- Not waterproof; not for bathrooms; spills must be wiped up quickly.
- Harder and noisier underfoot than LVT.
Vinyl (LVT / vinyl plank)
- Waterproof planks, suitable for every room.
- Softer and quieter underfoot.
- Seams can still let water through if badly installed.
- Easy DIY fitting without extra tools on Tarkett's click LVT.
Laminate vs vinyl flooring: frequently asked questions
What is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?
The core. Laminate is mainly high-density fibreboard, a wood product; vinyl is mainly PVC. Both have a wear layer and a printed design layer.
Which is better, vinyl or laminate?
It depends on the room. Vinyl is better where there is water, such as bathrooms; in dry rooms either works, and LVT is softer and quieter underfoot.
Can laminate go in a bathroom?
Tarkett says its laminate is not suitable for bathrooms, because water in the seams damages the floor. Check each manufacturer's rules.
Is vinyl plank flooring waterproof?
The planks are, but the floor as installed is not: water can get through badly fitted seams.
Is laminate waterproof?
No. It is water-resistant, so spills must be wiped up straight away.
Sources
Manufacturer information, checked on 2 November 2026 (02/11/2026).
- Tarkett · Different types of vinyl flooring ↗LVT vs laminate: layered construction, wear and design layers; laminate mainly HDF and not waterproof; LVT mainly PVC and suitable for any room; waterproof planks but not waterproof installation; LVT quieter and softer; laminate cut with a wood saw, LVT without extra tools.
- Tarkett · Laminate flooring in bathrooms ↗Sealed HDF board; suitable for semi-moist rooms such as kitchens, not bathrooms; water in the seams; laminate water-resistant but not waterproof; wiping spills; sealing joints with silicone; vinyl for bathrooms.
Choosing a floor for a bathroom?
Check the product's specifications and warranty for wet rooms before buying, and take extra care sealing the seams.