OK...a little education for you.

1. Laminate sits in a LOWER category BUT it overlaps with vinyl once it gets into the higher value range.

2. Vinyl is technically a higher category but it a cheap vinyl is less durable (more problematic) than a higher end laminate.

This is commonly seen in the flooring industry. A high-end product in a lower category will OUT PERFORM a cheap product in a higher category.

Like purchasing a top of the line HYUNDAI ($80K vehicle) will out perform an entry level Volkswagen ($23K). Technically VW is a better brand but their entry level products have no hope of competing with an $80K Hyundai.

Right. So a $3.50/sf EUROPEAN laminate will OUTPERFORM a $3.50/sf vinyl. I can guarantee it. If you must have vinyl you want:

1. total thickness to be MORE than 7mm - rigid is better

2. Wear layer = 20mil minimum (the 12mil wear layers = not good enough for American households)

3. SPC core or WPC core - in your price range this is going to be STUPID TOUGH...you can try for it but be aware $2.99/sf vinyl isn't going to have this option.

And remember: floors are you most ABUSED finish. Like your roof, it must do WORK. Gravity works which means your floor is working every second of every minute of every day. Like your roof, you should be prepared to spend money on a quality product. If you don't it will show up VERY QUICKLY (would you purchase shingles on clearance for $0.99/sf??? I hope to h3ll not!).

If you cannot afford the good stuff in the category you have chosen, then go down one category and purchase the HIGHEST LEVEL product in that category. Which is why I suggested going with a $3.50/sf laminate instead of a $2.99/sf vinyl.