What Are Vinyl, Laminate and Hybrid Resilient Flooring?
Vinyl
There are several types of vinyl flooring, including luxury vinyl tile flooring (LVT flooring) and luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP flooring). Our guide to vinyl flooring explains different types, but in this article comparing common flooring types, we focus on luxury vinyl plank flooring:
- A decorative layer gives vinyl flooring its design and color while a wear layer helps protect it from scratches.
- A thicker wear layer, measured in mils, generally provides more surface protection, but other factors, such as plank thickness, core material, the backing layer and installation quality are part of the overall performance of the flooring.
- Luxury vinyl tile shares many of the same specifications and features, though the shape or format and available visuals differ.
A mil equals 0.001 inch and wear layers of 12 mils or 20 mils and more are common.
Laminate
Laminate is a wood-based flooring made of a decorative layer — typically a realistic image of hardwood — and a durable top surface that protects the flooring. Get specifics in our guide to laminate flooring, but in general:
- Laminate flooring is available in traditional, water-resistant and waterproof options.
- Some laminate flooring features a texture known as Embossed in Register or EIR, which adds a wood grain feel that aligns with the decorative layer image, creating a more realistic feel.
- An industry-standard Abrasion Class (AC) rating indicates how well laminate flooring handles daily wear, with a higher rating indicating better wear resistance.
Laminate Floor Abrasion Classes
| AC1 | Light-traffic residential |
| AC2 | Moderate-traffic residential |
| AC3 | Higher-traffic residential |
| AC4 | Heavy-traffic residential, some commercial |
| AC5 | Heavy-traffic commercial |
Use our Flooring Visualizer to see different flooring options in showrooms or upload a photo of your own space.
Hybrid Resilient Flooring
Hybrid resilient flooring combines the realistic visuals and surface durability of laminate with the moisture protection and easy care of vinyl. A multilayer construction includes a protective coating, a decorative image, a stable, wood-based rigid core, and many products include built-in underlayment. Our hybrid resilient flooring guide tells you what you need to know, but here are the key points:
- While hybrid resilient flooring offers many of the benefits of vinyl, it creates a floor with a more rigid and substantial feel.
- Hybrid resilient flooring offers realistic wood or stone visuals, waterproof performance and strong scratch and dent resistance.
- Hybrid resilient flooring also features available click-lock installation.
Hybrid resilient flooring is free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), unlike many types of vinyl flooring. In addition, many hybrid resilient floor products use renewable materials in the wood-based core.
Water Protection With Vinyl, Laminate and Hybrid Resilient Flooring
You can find waterproof options within all three types of flooring, giving you options for moisture-prone areas:
- Waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring is widely available.
- Waterproof laminate is also common.
- Hybrid resilient flooring is waterproof.
While waterproof options are available, manufacturers have product-specific requirements for suitable rooms and for installation steps. Make sure you understand the specifications and the warranty for the product you’re considering.
Comparing Vinyl, Laminate and Hybrid Resilient Flooring
Comparing several key factors helps you determine if luxury vinyl plank, laminate or hybrid resilient flooring is best for your home.
Laminate Floor Abrasion Classes
| Luxury Vinyl Plank Floor | Laminate Floor | Hybrid Resilient Floor | |
| Water Protection | Waterproof options widely available | Waterproof options are common | Waterproof |
| Scratch Protection and Wear | Wear layer protects against scratches and stains | • Top layer resists scratches and stains • High resistance to daily wear with high AC rating | Top coat protects against scratches and stains |
| Dent and Impact Resistance | Influenced by: • Plank thickness • Core construction | Influenced by: • Plank thickness • Core construction | Influenced by: • Plank thickness • Core construction |
| Appearance | Realistic images of wood | Realistic images of wood or tile | Realistic images of wood or stone |
| Comfort | Flexible PVC core creates a softer feel | Firm feel underfoot and, depending on underlayment, some cushioning possible | More substantial feel than LVP and softer feel than laminate |
| Sound Dampening | Some sound dampening due to: • Flexible construction • Backing layer | Hard surface can increase sound levels | Sound dampening due to: • Dense core • Built-in underlayment |
| Maintenance Requirements | • Prompt spill cleanup • Regular sweeping or vacuuming • Damp mopping with pH-neutral vinyl cleaner | • Prompt spill cleanup • Regular sweeping, dry mopping or vacuuming with a hard floor attachment • Lightly damp mopping with laminate cleaner if needed | • Prompt spill cleanup • Regular sweeping or vacuuming • Damp mopping with pH-neutral cleaner labeled for the flooring |
| DIY Installation | DIY-friendly installation: • Click-lock or peel-and-stick • Easy to cut and manage with thin, lightweight planks | DIY-friendly installation: • Typically click-lock • Attached underlayment options available • Heavier and more complex to cut | DIY-friendly installation: • Typically click-lock with attached underlayment • Reasonably easy to cut and manage |
| Common Room Applications | • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Laundry rooms • Basements • Living spaces • Entryways • Hallways | • Bathrooms* • Kitchens* • Laundry Rooms* • Basements* • Living spaces • Entryways • Hallways • Bedrooms | • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Laundry rooms • Basements • Living spaces • Hallways |
| Active Households and Pets | • Suitable for active households • Waterproof products suitable for pets | • Suitable for active households • Waterproof, pet-friendly options available | • Suitable for active households • Suitable for pets |
| Price Range | Typically, about $1.00/sq ft and up | Typically, about $1.00/sq ft and up | Typically, about $3.00/sq ft and up |
*Varies by product
Flooring can contribute to chemical emissions in indoor air. GREENGUARD Gold certified products are tested to meet strict limits for chemical emissions, making the certification a helpful way to identify flooring that supports healthier indoor air. Along with other flooring types, you can find GREENGUARD Gold certified luxury vinyl plank, laminate and hybrid resilient flooring.
Deciding Between Vinyl, Laminate and Hybrid Resilient Flooring
Different homes have different conditions and features like waterproofing and durability vary by the individual flooring product and installation. Use these tips to help choose the right flooring for your space, but always defer to the flooring specifications and manufacturer's instructions.
Best for Pets and Kids:
- Waterproof LVP with 20 mil or greater wear layer
- Pet-friendly, waterproof laminate
- Hybrid resilient flooring
Best for Kitchens, Bathrooms and Laundry Rooms:
- Waterproof LVP
- Waterproof laminate
- Hybrid resilient flooring
Best for Basements:
- Waterproof LVP
- Water-resistant or waterproof laminate
- Hybrid resilient flooring
Best Flooring for High-Traffic Areas:
- LVP with 20 mil or greater wear layer
- Laminate with AC 3 rating or higher
- Hybrid resilient flooring with high scratch resistance
Best Flooring for DIY Installation
- Click-lock laminate
- Click-lock or peel-and-stick LVP
- Click-lock hybrid resilient flooring with attached underlayment
You can install luxury vinyl plank, laminate and hybrid resilient flooring yourself, but if you don’t have time or prefer professional installation, take a look at our flooring installation services.
Vinyl, Laminate and Hybrid Resilient Flooring: Find the One That’s Right for You
Browse flooring by type and wood, design, price range and more to find a floor that fits your home and lifestyle. Or visit your local Lowe’s. A Lowe’s Red Vest associate can show you flooring samples so you can compare the different types and choose the look and features that work best for you. Plus, we can help you set up professional flooring installation.