Spoiler alert: vinyl flooring isn’t just the “budget option” anymore — it’s having a full-on design renaissance. Whether you're renovating a rental, fitting out a new café, or planning the dream bathroom, the big question always comes up: Vinyl, timber, or laminate?

Let’s break it down like a seasoned renovator with a strong coffee and a Pinterest board full of good intentions.

What Actually Is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is made from synthetic materials like PVC, and it comes in several forms — most popularly as luxury vinyl planks or sheets. It’s waterproof, budget-friendly, and available in a ridiculous number of styles, from marble-look to timber textures so real you'll do a double take.

You can explore the full range of Vinyl Flooring → here.

Vinyl vs Timber vs Laminate chart

Vinyl vs Timber Flooring: Nature vs Nurture?

Let’s say timber is the charming but high-maintenance partner. Beautiful? Always. But it’ll stress if you spill red wine, wear stilettos inside, or forget to re-seal it every few years.

Vinyl, on the other hand, is the laid-back friend that shrugs off water damage, scratches, and last-minute DIY installs. It gives you the timber look without the timber anxiety — like the Timber Look Vinyl range →.

Feature	Vinyl	Timber
Water Resistant	✅ Yes	❌ No
Maintenance	✅ Low	❌ High
Cost	✅ Affordable	❌ Pricey
DIY-Friendly	✅ Very	❌ Not so much
Warmth & Texture	✅ Surprisingly realistic	✅ Naturally warm

Vinyl vs Laminate Flooring: What’s the Deal?

Both are great budget-friendly options — but vinyl takes the gold medal for wet areas. Laminate is made from compressed wood and has a reputation for swelling if exposed to moisture. Vinyl? Bring on the bathroom floods and kitchen chaos.

Browse our Laminate Flooring → collection for that wood-core feel — but if you’re floor-prone to spills (pun intended), vinyl’s your bestie.

Feature	Vinyl	Laminate
Waterproof	✅ Yes	❌ No
Pet-Friendly	✅ Yes	⚠️ Depends
Realism	✅ High	✅ High
Bathroom Suitability	✅ Yes	❌ Risky
Cost	✅ Comparable	✅ Comparable

The Verdict: Should You Go Vinyl?

If you:

Live with pets, kids, or chaotic adults
Want the timber look without the timber price tag
Are a DIY warrior on a budget
Need something waterproof, durable, and easy to clean

...then yes, vinyl might just be your flooring soulmate.

Of course, laminate and timber both have their place — laminate offers great value and durability for dry zones, and timber is a natural beauty that can last decades with care.

But for flexibility, cost-efficiency, and a stress-free install? Vinyl's hard to beat.