Laminate and vinyl floors are two of the most popular flooring options. These materials make up roughly 42% of new flooring installations, showing just how beloved they are. But why are these floors so popular, and what is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring? Below, we will examine what each flooring option is, what sets them apart, and which is best for your home.
What Are Vinyl Floorings?
Traditional vinyl floors are sturdy, four-layer flooring solutions that offer a range of aesthetic and functional benefits. There are several different kinds of vinyl flooring, each with a unique appearance, advantages, and drawbacks.
Types of Vinyl Flooring
You’ll have many different options to select from if you choose vinyl floor installation over laminate, but these three choices are the most common for homeowners:
Vinyl planks
WPC vinyl
Rigid core vinyl
Pro and Cons of Vinyl Flooring
All vinyl floors are highly moisture-resistant. These plastic-based floors will withstand water puddles for hours without any signs of deterioration and are durable against other stains and damage as well. Additionally, many vinyl floors are easy for DIY technicians to install without help. But while vinyl is one of the most durable flooring options, it’s extremely heavy as a result. And while some vinyl floors are easy to install, others aren’t as friendly to flooring amateurs.
What Are Laminate Floorings?
Laminate floors are made from fiberboard that comes from wood, giving them a realistic wood-floor appearance without the exorbitant costs of genuine wood planks. Given its material and construction, laminate flooring comes with a long list of unique pros and cons.
Pro and Cons of Laminate Flooring
Fiberboard is a cost-friendly material, making laminate floors some of the most affordable flooring options available. On average, laminate floors cost $3 per square foot, but you can find cheaper alternatives that mimic the exact appearance of natural wood for as low as $1 per square foot. Additionally, laminate wood flooring is comfortable on bare feet, despite its rigid build. However, floors made from cheap materials also have their drawbacks. Laminate floors wear down quickly and will need replacing at least once a decade. Additionally, laminate is not a highly water-resistant substance, so you won’t have the luxury of a waterproof laminate floor in high-moisture areas.
Comparison Between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring
The few critical differences between vinyl and laminate floorings make each a better fit for specific rooms and homeowners.
What Are Their Similarities?
Installation method: Most laminate and vinyl flooring is easy for DIYers to install without special tools or techniques.
Cost: While vinyl costs more on average than a laminate flooring service, you can find comparably priced versions of both floors.
Maintenance: Laminate and vinyl are easy to keep clean with standard household tools and cleaning supplies.
Conduction: Both floors are strong heat conductors.
Home resale value: Investing in either vinyl or laminate floors significantly boosts your home’s resale value.
What Are Their Differences?
Waterproof: The most significant difference between laminate and vinyl flooring is durability. While vinyl is highly water-resistant, laminate will stain with enough exposure to moisture.
Surface: Laminate floors have a perfectly smooth surface that’s comfortable to walk on, while vinyl has a subtle texture.
Design: Laminate flooring looks nearly identical to natural wood. However, vinyl is more diverse and comes in several different quality designs.
What Kind of Flooring Should You Get?
Now that you know the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring, we can look closer at which materials best match your needs.
When Laminate Flooring Is the Best Option
Laminate is best when you need floors for spaces with minimal moisture. Since laminate is less water-resistant than vinyl, putting it in a room like a bathroom or a kitchen where it will be near constantly running water is just asking for detrimental floor staining.Due to this, and because laminate is more comfortable than vinyl, it commonly goes in bedrooms. Laminate flooring is an especially strong solution for large bedrooms since it’s typically more cost-effective than vinyl.
When Vinyl Flooring Is the Best Option
Vinyl flooring is the best choice if you need a highly durable, element-resistant floor with a design more unique than traditional wood. Because it’s so strong against water, vinyl is perfect for bathrooms, basements, kitchens, or any space near water-based appliances.
Recommended and Recognized Flooring Contractors – Contact Carpet To Go
Once you know the difference between laminate and vinyl floors and decide on your ideal solution, you need a team you can trust to provide you with the best-quality floors at a manageable price. So, if you’re ready for new flooring, look no further than Carpet To Go.Carpet To Go is Seattle’s leading flooring expert. Our vinyl and laminate flooring contractors are dedicated to bringing the best to your home and will set you up with a product that will transform your house from top to bottom.Contact Carpet To Go today at (425) 689-7559 to learn more.
