If you are comparing laminate vs vinyl flooring for a home in Plantation, FL, the short answer is this: luxury vinyl plank (LVP) wins in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and any home that sits empty with the AC off, while laminate is a great value for climate-controlled living rooms and bedrooms where you want the most realistic wood look.
On price, the two are closer than most people think. Nationally, laminate typically runs about $3–$8 per sq ft installed and luxury vinyl plank about $4–$12 per sq ft installed. Below you will also see what really changes the total in a Plantation home, beyond the price per square foot.
Whether you are updating a family home in Plantation Acres, a condo near Jacaranda, or a townhouse in nearby Sunrise or Davie, your floor has to survive humidity, constant AC, sandy feet and concrete slabs. As a family-owned, licensed General Contractor headquartered in Plantation since 1996, Fresh Remodel handles flooring installation in Plantation with specialized installers who put down both materials every month, serving homeowners throughout Broward and North Miami-Dade. Here are the honest numbers and the lessons we have learned on real job sites.
Which is better, vinyl or laminate flooring? It depends on the room. Here is what we recommend to most of our Plantation clients:
- Kitchen: Luxury vinyl plank. It is waterproof and easy to dry when water is spilled.
- Full Bathroom & Laundry: Luxury vinyl plank or porcelain tile. Skip standard laminate.
- Living Room & Bedrooms: Either works. Laminate gives the most realistic wood look per dollar.
- Condos: Either, with the certified acoustic underlayment your association requires.
Not sure which one fits your home? Call us at (954) 859-5189 to talk about your project, or visit our Plantation showroom to see samples of both floors side by side.
LVP vs Laminate: The Difference Between Vinyl and Laminate Flooring
The main difference between vinyl and laminate flooring is the mix of materials used to make each product. Vinyl is made mostly with PVC resins and other plastics, which makes it waterproof or highly water-resistant. Laminate includes medium- or high-density fiberboard in its mix, so moisture can damage it much more easily.
So why do so many homeowners still choose laminate? Because it looks more like real wood than vinyl does, and that realism keeps improving every year. Many of our clients understand laminate is not as strong against water and still pick it for living rooms and bedrooms, simply because of how it looks.
Our owner, Dasiel Duran, sums it up this way when clients visit our Plantation showroom:
“People still choose laminate even knowing it’s not as strong as vinyl. The realistic wood look is part of its beauty.” — Dasiel Duran, Owner, Fresh Remodel
Today’s luxury vinyl comes in three core types. SPC (stone plastic composite) is the densest and most dimensionally stable. WPC (wood plastic composite) is softer and warmer underfoot. Flexible glue-down LVT needs a near-perfect subfloor.
For homes in Plantation and the rest of central Broward, we recommend a rigid-core vinyl, like SPC, for most projects. It handles heat, humidity and concrete slabs better than flexible vinyl.
| Feature | Luxury Vinyl Plank (SPC) | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Core material | PVC resins + stone composite | Medium- or high-density fiberboard |
| Water | Waterproof plank; easy to dry after spills | Not waterproof; moisture can swell the core |
| Wood realism | Very good and improving | Best in class: the most realistic wood look |
| Humidity & AC changes | Very stable | Expands and contracts; needs AC running |
| Cutting (DIY) | Utility knife and a ruler | Requires a table saw or similar saw |
| Scratch resistance | Good (depends on wear layer, 12–22 mil) | Excellent (rated AC3–AC5) |
| Typical lifespan | 20–30 years | 15–25 years |
| Best rooms | Kitchens, baths, laundry, whole-home | Living rooms, bedrooms, offices |
What about “waterproof laminate”? Lines like Pergo TimberCraft+ WetProtect now seal the surface and joints so spills stay on top, and back it with a surface and subfloor waterproof warranty. It closes part of the gap, but the core is still wood fiber, so installation details and climate control matter even more.
LVP vs Laminate in Real Fresh Remodel Projects
Luxury vinyl plank: waterproof and easy to dry. See the project
Laminate: the most realistic wood look for living areas. See the project
See and Feel Both Floors Before You Decide
Photos can’t show you how a floor sounds, feels or looks in real light. Visit our showroom at 10089 Cleary Blvd, Plantation, Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Laminate vs Vinyl Flooring Cost per Square Foot
Installed, laminate is usually the cheaper of the two by $1–$4 per sq ft, but premium laminate and mid-range LVP overlap heavily. Here are the national 2026 benchmarks:
| National Average (per sq ft) | Laminate | Luxury Vinyl Plank |
|---|---|---|
| Material | $1–$5 | $1.50–$6 |
| Labor | $2–$4 | $1.50–$5 |
| Total installed | $3–$8 | $4–$12 |
Popular Brands on the Market: What the Material Costs
These are national brands you will see at big-box stores, with approximate 2026 retail material prices before installation. Use them as a reference when you compare options; the brands we recommend are listed further down.
| Brand & Line | Type | Material (per sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| COREtec Originals | LVP | $3.49–$4.49 | 12 mil wear layer |
| COREtec Plus / Premium | LVP | $4.49–$7.49 | 20–22 mil wear layer |
| Pergo Extreme | LVP (SPC) | $4.79–$5.49 | 22 mil wear layer |
| LifeProof | LVP | $3.29–$4.29 | Budget-friendly DIY favorite |
| Mohawk RevWood / Select / Plus | Laminate | $2–$5 | Plus line is waterproof |
| Pergo Outlast+ / TimberCraft+ | Laminate | $2–$5 | WetProtect waterproof options |
Retail prices change often, so check current pricing before you buy. Notice that a waterproof laminate like RevWood Plus or Pergo TimberCraft+ costs about the same as a mid-tier SPC vinyl, in the $4–$5 range. At that price, the room you are covering should decide, not the price tag.
Laminate vs Vinyl Cost in Plantation: What Really Changes the Total
National averages assume a clean, flat subfloor and basic trim. Most homes in Plantation sit on a concrete slab, and many still have old ceramic tile that has to come out first. That is why the price per square foot is only part of the comparison. Here is how the two floors start on our current Fresh Remodel estimate sheet:
| Floor | Fresh Remodel Price |
|---|---|
| Waterproof luxury vinyl | $7.60 per sq ft (estimated), installed, moisture barrier included |
| Laminate | Quoted by product line. Example: Ribadao Stravaganza retails at about $3.48 per sq ft for the material alone, before installation, underlayment and vapor barrier. |
The Costs That Don’t Show Up in the Price per Square Foot
When you compare a laminate quote with a vinyl quote, check these four items. They are where the real difference between the two floors shows up in a South Florida home:
- Vapor barrier and underlayment. Our waterproof vinyl price already includes the moisture barrier. With laminate on a slab, a 6-mil polyethylene vapor barrier over the entire slab and the underlayment are added to the material price, so compare the full installed number, not the price per box.
- Keeping the AC on all year. Laminate needs the air conditioning running all year, even if it is only set at 78°F. If your home sits empty for part of the year, like many seasonal homes and rentals in Broward, that is a monthly cost to factor in. Vinyl is not affected by humidity the same way.
- The cost of redoing a failed floor. On our estimate sheet, removing old laminate costs $1.50 per sq ft, and leveling the floor after removal, if needed, adds $5.00 per sq ft, before the new floor goes in. For a 200 sq ft kitchen, that is $300 just to take out a laminate floor that swelled.
- Transition moldings in open areas. Large open layouts need transition moldings so the floor can expand, and laminate is the floor that moves the most. On our price sheet they are $58 each, installed, so plan for them in the quote from the start.
For the full vinyl breakdown, including tile removal, leveling, stairs, delivery and examples by room size, see our vinyl flooring installation cost guide.
All prices in this guide are estimates and may vary with the product line you choose, the condition of your slab and the layout of your home. To give you an exact price, we schedule an in-home visit to measure your space and check the slab, and then give you a clear, line-item estimate.
Get the Real Number for Your Home
We measure your space, check your slab and give you a line-item estimate for both floors. 100% financing available for your flooring project.
Which Is Better for Kitchens: Vinyl or Laminate?
For Plantation kitchens, our answer is vinyl. Kitchens see dishwasher leaks, ice-maker lines, mopping and splashes every day. Vinyl is built with waterproof materials, so when water gets spilled the floor stays protected and is easy to dry. Laminate is made with much stronger materials than it was years ago, but it is still not a waterproof product.
“In a kitchen you’re always going to have water splashing around. That’s why vinyl is definitely the best option for kitchens and any other wet area, like bathrooms or laundry rooms.” — Dasiel Duran, Owner, Fresh Remodel
- Choose LVP (SPC) if you have kids, pets, a busy cooking routine or an open-plan kitchen that flows into the living room.
- Consider waterproof laminate only if it carries a surface and subfloor waterproof warranty and the wood look matters most to you.
- Avoid standard laminate in the kitchen, no matter how good the price looks.
A Typical Kitchen Laminate Problem We See
One of the most common calls we get is a kitchen with laminate that looked perfect for the first couple of years. Then water from the sink or the dishwasher keeps reaching the seams along the cabinets, and the planks start to swell and lift. Because laminate is not waterproof, there is no way to dry it and save it.
Patching a few planks rarely lasts, because the moisture is already in the core. We recommend removing the damaged floor completely and installing a new one, with waterproof vinyl in the kitchen and a transition molding where it meets the rest of the house. In the end, starting over costs the homeowner more than choosing vinyl from day one.
Laminate lifting in your kitchen? Call us at (954) 859-5189. We will look at the floor and give you a quote to replace it with a new waterproof vinyl floor, installed right from the slab up.
Planning a full kitchen upgrade? Installing the floor during a kitchen remodel lets us plan cabinet bases, appliance cut-outs and transitions in one go. See our guide on how much a 10×10 kitchen remodel costs.
Is Vinyl or Laminate Better for Bathrooms?
Vinyl, for the same reason it wins in the kitchen. A bathroom combines standing water, steam and daily humidity, which is the exact environment laminate manufacturers warn against.
| Room Type | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Full bath with shower or tub | Luxury vinyl plank (SPC) or porcelain tile |
| Laundry room | Luxury vinyl plank (SPC) |
| Powder room / half bath | LVP, or waterproof laminate with a subfloor warranty |
| Bathroom in a condo | LVP with the association’s approved acoustic underlayment |
Keep in mind that “waterproof” describes the plank, not the room: if a toilet supply line floods the floor, even vinyl may need to be lifted so the slab can dry.
Remodeling the whole room? Our bathroom remodeling team in Plantation handles the floor, shower and plumbing under one contract. For full budgets, see our guide to bathroom remodel costs.
Humidity, AC and Concrete Slabs: Why Plantation Homes Change the Answer
In Plantation, as in the rest of South Florida, the climate matters as much as the brand. Almost every home and condo we work on in Plantation, Sunrise and Davie sits on a concrete slab, and our humidity never really takes a day off.
1. Humidity Is the Main Factor
High humidity makes flooring expand and contract, and laminate reacts far more than vinyl. That is why, for laminate floors, we recommend keeping the air conditioning running all year long, even if it is only set at 78°F, and never turning it off completely. Without it, laminate can expand dramatically, push against the walls and create bumps in the floor.
When that happens, the repair starts at the walls: the baseboards come off and a section of the flooring is cut back so the floor has room to release the pressure. If the planks have already swollen or stay raised after that, we recommend removing the floor and installing a new one with the right expansion gaps and transition moldings. Temperature can affect vinyl too, but it does not directly cause that kind of expansion. Laminate should also acclimate for at least 48 hours before installation, following the manufacturer’s temperature and humidity range.
2. Concrete Slabs
Laminate over concrete requires a documented moisture test and a minimum 6-mil polyethylene vapor barrier over the entire slab. Vinyl won’t swell from slab moisture, but trapped vapor can still cause mold under the floor. That is why every waterproof vinyl floor we install includes a moisture barrier in the price.
3. Large, Open Areas Need Transition Moldings
How a floor behaves also depends on how many square feet are installed together as one continuous surface. Some manufacturers allow up to 1,000 sq ft without a transition molding. Beyond that, transition moldings at doorways and between rooms give the floor room to move and prevent expansion problems.
Our rule of thumb: on a slab, in a humid room, or in a home that sits empty part of the year with the AC off, choose vinyl. In a climate-controlled bedroom or living room, quality laminate over a proper vapor barrier performs beautifully.
Dark espresso laminate in a climate-controlled master bedroom, the kind of room where laminate performs best. See the project
Already Have Laminate That Is Lifting or Buckling?
If the planks have swollen, patching rarely lasts. We recommend removing the old floor completely and installing a new one, usually waterproof vinyl, with the proper moisture barrier, expansion gaps and transitions. Call us to schedule an in-home visit and get your estimate.
DIY Laminate and Vinyl Installation: Pros and Cons
For a do-it-yourself project, installing laminate and vinyl is very similar. Both use a click-lock system, so the planks lock together as you go. The one major difference is cutting: vinyl cuts easily with a utility knife and a ruler, while laminate is a much harder product and still requires a table saw or another type of saw.
| Pros of DIY | Cons of DIY |
|---|---|
| Saves the labor portion of the bill | Laminate requires a table saw or similar saw for cuts |
| Click-lock planks need no glue or nails | Requires a moisture test and 6-mil vapor barrier on concrete |
| Vinyl cuts with a utility knife and a ruler | Missing the expansion gap or transitions causes buckling |
| You control the schedule | Slab must be flat; old tile removal is heavy work |
| Mistakes can void the manufacturer’s warranty |
- Where DIY makes sense: a single bedroom or office, on a flat, dry subfloor, with no tile to remove.
- Where to call professional flooring installers: anything on a slab after tile removal, kitchens, condos with acoustic requirements, and whole-home projects where transitions, door jambs and baseboards must line up.
The #1 DIY Mistake We See
The most common mistake is not leaving room for the floor to expand. Homeowners install laminate tight against the walls, or run it through a big open area without transition moldings. As soon as the humidity goes up or the AC is turned off, the floor expands, pushes against the walls and creates bumps.
Sometimes removing the baseboards and cutting back the edge of the floor releases the pressure. When the planks have already peaked or swollen, we recommend removing the floor and starting over with proper expansion gaps and transitions, which usually costs more than a professional installation would have in the first place. For our crews, 200 sq ft of vinyl or laminate takes about three hours, including floor preparation, and the transition moldings are planned before the first plank goes down.
Started a DIY floor that didn’t turn out right? We recommend starting fresh: we remove the old floor and install a new one properly. Call us at (954) 859-5189 and tell us about your project.
Eco-Friendly Vinyl and Laminate From Well-Known Brands
Yes, both categories now have greener options from major manufacturers. The label to look for first is FloorScore, an indoor air quality certification that tests flooring for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
- Mohawk SolidTech R: a PVC-free rigid plank made with natural stone and recycled plastic; FloorScore certified.
- Mohawk PureTech: a PVC-free waterproof plank line.
- Shaw resilient flooring (including COREtec): Shaw’s resilient products are FloorScore certified, and many carry Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
- Mohawk, Pergo & Quick-Step laminate: FloorScore certified, with a wood-fiber core made from wood by-products.
Vinyl or laminate, which is greener? Laminate has a slight edge because its core is wood fiber rather than PVC. The new PVC-free resilient lines narrow that gap while keeping the waterproof performance South Florida homes need. When you visit our showroom, ask to compare FloorScore-certified samples side by side.
The Flooring Brands We Recommend
When you compare flooring, we recommend looking past the price per box and at the company behind the brand: how good the product really is, whether they keep proper stock, and how quickly they respond if something goes wrong or a client needs help. That is how we keep recommending the best product at the best possible price, without cutting corners on quality.
These are the brands we work with most:
- Ribadao: a long-time partner and one place where we can source both laminate and vinyl. Their Stravaganza Collection laminate comes in extra-wide 10-inch by 70-inch planks that make a room feel larger.
- Parkay: their XCC Force Plus line is a waterproof vinyl plank with a rigid black core, in long 9⅜-inch by 60-inch planks. It is one of our go-to choices for kitchens and open living areas. See what a whole-home Parkay vinyl floor costs in our pricing guide.
- MSI: a wide selection of luxury vinyl styles and colors for kitchens, bathrooms and whole-home projects.
From a recent laminate project:
Master bedroom and closet: 513 sq ft of Ribadao Stravaganza in Rimini, a light natural oak look, replacing old laminate, with three T-moldings to give the floor room to expand. A climate-controlled bedroom is exactly where laminate gives the most wood realism for the money.
What We Recommend Avoiding
Based on what we see on real job sites, we recommend avoiding:
- Standard laminate in kitchens, bathrooms or laundry rooms. It is not a waterproof product, and these rooms see water every day.
- Large open areas beyond the manufacturer’s limit without transition moldings. The floor needs room to expand.
- Laminate over a concrete slab without a moisture barrier. Slab moisture will reach the fiberboard core.
If you love the laminate look for one of those spaces, we will show you a vinyl option with a similar wood look that will hold up much better.
Why the Company Behind the Floor Matters
A floor is only as good as the support behind it. When a client needs extra planks from the same lot or a warranty question comes up, we need a partner who answers the phone and has the product in stock. That relationship is a big part of why our projects finish on time and why we can stand behind the work.
It also helps when a home mixes both floors, like waterproof vinyl in the kitchen and laminate in the bedrooms. With a supplier like Ribadao, we can source both materials from one place and keep the project on one schedule.
The final choice depends on your space. Our lead designer, Andrea Duran, makes sure the floor you choose matches the style of your home. She looks at the room, your lifestyle, foot traffic, pets and budget, and then recommends the brand and line that fit your project best.
Frequently Asked Questions: Laminate vs Vinyl Flooring in Plantation
Which is better, vinyl or laminate flooring?
For most Plantation homes, vinyl. Luxury vinyl plank is waterproof, so it is the better choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and homes on concrete slabs. Laminate is better when the most realistic wood look matters and the room stays climate-controlled, like living rooms and bedrooms.
Is vinyl or laminate cheaper?
Laminate is usually cheaper. Nationally, laminate runs about $3–$8 per sq ft installed versus $4–$12 for luxury vinyl plank, and waterproof laminate costs about the same as mid-range SPC vinyl. On a slab, remember to add the vapor barrier and underlayment to the laminate price. Our prices are estimates, so call (954) 859-5189 for your exact quote. For our full vinyl pricing in Plantation, see the vinyl flooring installation cost guide.
What is the difference between vinyl and laminate flooring?
The materials. Vinyl is made mostly with PVC resins, which makes it waterproof or highly water-resistant. Laminate uses medium- or high-density fiberboard, so moisture can damage it more easily. In exchange, laminate offers the most realistic wood look.
Which is better for a kitchen?
Vinyl. It is waterproof and easy to dry if water is spilled, which makes it the best option for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Can laminate go in a bathroom?
Standard laminate should not. Waterproof laminate can work in a powder room, but for full bathrooms we recommend LVP or porcelain tile.
Does vinyl or laminate take longer to install?
Neither. For our crews, 200 sq ft takes about three hours with either material, including floor preparation. Baseboards are installed separately.
Can I install vinyl or laminate myself?
Yes. Both use click-lock systems. Vinyl can be cut with a utility knife and a ruler, while laminate needs a table saw or similar saw. On concrete slabs you will also need a moisture test, a vapor barrier and a proper expansion gap.
Should I leave my AC on if I have laminate floors?
Yes. Keep the AC running all year, even if it is only set at 78°F, and never turn it off completely while you are away. Without it, the floor can expand, push against the walls and create bumps.
Can a buckled laminate floor be repaired?
Sometimes. The repair starts by removing the baseboards and cutting back a section of the floor along the wall so it can release the pressure. If the planks have already swollen, we recommend replacing the floor.
Does vinyl flooring expand in Florida heat?
Temperature can affect vinyl, but it does not expand the way laminate does with humidity. Large open areas still need transition moldings; some manufacturers allow up to 1,000 sq ft without one.
Are there eco-friendly options?
Yes. Look for FloorScore certification, recycled content, or PVC-free lines like Mohawk SolidTech R and PureTech.
Do you handle condo soundproofing requirements?
Yes. We supply the certified acoustic underlayment and documentation that condo associations require for IIC/STC approval, from Plantation and Fort Lauderdale to North Miami-Dade buildings in Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach and Bal Harbour.
Where can I see vinyl and laminate samples in Plantation?
Visit our showroom at 10089 Cleary Blvd, Plantation, FL 33324, Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Do you only install flooring in Plantation?
No. Plantation is our home base, but we install vinyl, laminate and other flooring across all of Broward County and North Miami-Dade, including Fort Lauderdale, Weston, Coral Springs, Hollywood, Aventura and Sunny Isles Beach.
Laminate or Vinyl? Get Expert Help in Plantation, Broward and North Miami-Dade
The right floor is the one that fits your room, your slab and the way you live. Visit our Plantation showroom to see vinyl and laminate side by side, then call us to schedule an in-home visit. We measure your space and give you a clear, line-item estimate covering materials, removal, slab prep and installation.
Want a quick number first? Use our interactive remodel cost calculator to get an approximate quote in minutes.
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Keep exploring: Vinyl Flooring Installation Cost Guide · Luxury Vinyl Floor project · Modern Light Gray Laminate project · Flooring Installation Services
Ready for New Floors?
Call us to schedule an in-home visit, or visit our showroom at 10089 Cleary Blvd, Plantation, FL 33324.