Laminate vs vinyl plank flooring

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate is a multi-layer floating floor built around a high-density fibreboard (HDF) core. A photographic layer printed with realistic timber or stone patterns sits beneath a tough wear layer rated by the AC (Abrasion Class) system — the higher the AC rating, the more durable the surface. Because the core is wood fibre, laminate is not waterproof; prolonged moisture exposure can cause swelling and joint damage.

At Wholesale Floors Australia, laminate starts from $24.50/m² and is sold by the full box. It suits Australian homeowners who want the warm, firm feel of timber at a budget-friendly price point, particularly in living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms where spills are less likely.

What is vinyl plank flooring?

Vinyl plank — sometimes called LVP (luxury vinyl plank) — uses a 100% waterproof PVC or stone-plastic composite (SPC) core topped with a photographic film and a clear wear layer. Because no wood fibre is involved, it will not swell, warp or delaminate if water sits on it. This makes vinyl plank the go-to choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and any room where moisture is a real concern.

WFA stocks vinyl plank from $20.50/m², making it the most affordable category in our range. Many products include a pre-attached underlay, which reduces installation time and helps dampen sound. Use our free online box calculator on every product page to work out exactly how many boxes you need, including waste allowance.

Waterproofing, noise and feel compared

Waterproofing is the biggest practical difference. Laminate is only water-resistant — small spills wiped up quickly are fine, but standing water or steam from a dishwasher will eventually damage the HDF core. Vinyl plank is genuinely waterproof throughout, so it can be laid in wet areas without concern.

Underfoot feel is where laminate often surprises people. Its dense HDF core produces a firm, solid sensation closer to real timber, which many homeowners prefer in living and sleeping areas. Vinyl plank has a slight softness or give, especially in SPC formats, and tends to be quieter underfoot — an advantage in apartments or two-storey homes. If noise is a concern with laminate, pairing it with a quality underlay (available at WFA) makes a noticeable difference.

Scratch resistance and durability

Both floors handle everyday household traffic well, but the way they resist scratches differs. Laminate relies on its AC-rated aluminium oxide wear layer; AC3 suits residential use comfortably, AC4 and above suits heavy household or light commercial traffic. Vinyl plank uses a clear wear layer measured in millimetres — 0.3 mm is standard residential, 0.5 mm or more is recommended for busy homes or pets.

Neither floor is indestructible: dragging heavy furniture without felt pads will mark both surfaces. The practical advantage of vinyl plank is that its wear layer tends to be more forgiving of fine scratches and the surface does not chip the way a thin laminate wear layer can. For homes with dogs or high foot traffic, look for the thicker wear-layer vinyl planks in the WFA range.

Price, rooms and which to choose

On price alone, vinyl plank from $20.50/m² edges out laminate from $24.50/m², though product quality and plank thickness vary across both ranges — always compare like for like. Both are sold by the full box at WFA, and the box calculator on every product page adds a waste factor automatically so you do not under-order. Use the free multi-room Room Planner to price up your whole project before you buy.

As a rule of thumb: choose vinyl plank for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and open-plan spaces that flow into wet areas; choose laminate for bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms where you want that firmer, more premium underfoot feel. Both can be click-and-collected from our Holroyd depot (24–27 Crescent Street, near Merrylands) Monday to Friday, 8 am–4 pm, usually ready within 24 hours. Delivery is available across Sydney, NSW and interstate — freight is calculated live at checkout.

Common questions