3mm Stormy Gray Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring - 30 Year Warranty Caring for vinyl flooring is made from natural materials requires special tools and a lot of time. As vinyl floors are made from quite resistant materials, maintaining them requires very little effort.

Hardwood flooring is made from natural, durable woods, such as oak, maple, or hickory, that can last a long time when maintained properly. Laminate flooring, which is made of a synthetic fiberboard material and has a laminate finish, is much cheaper than hardwood but will not last as long.

This does not mean laminate flooring is a particularly inferior choice, however, as, in some cases, it can be more resistant to stains, scratches, moisture, and even general wear and tear. Much comes down to upkeep and quality materials.

Because laminate flooring is made from natural cellulose fibers, the material will expand and contract with changes in humidity. Designed with interlocking tongue-and-groove connections, laminate flooring is not meant to be attached to the subfloor.

Instead, it sits on top of it, enabling it to move with changes in the humidity. For that same reason, laminate flooring is not considered a good choice in areas that are subject to high levels of humidity, such as bathrooms, saunas and laundry rooms.