Laminate vs. Vinyl: Which one is best for you?

When it comes to choosing the flooring, there are many flooring material types to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at two top competitors in the market to decide which one works for you the most: laminate or vinyl.

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate is a multi-layered flooring resembling natural hardwood or stone. Since they are made of thick layers, they are resistant to dents, scratches, and other sorts of damage. They are easy to install and maintain, making laminate flooring a popular choice among homeowners. They also resist heavy wear and tear.

What is vinyl flooring?

Vinyl planks or tiles are synthetic options made of polyvinyl sheets. Like laminate, it consists of many layers including core, backing, and surface which is printed for refinishing. Vinyl is a budget-friendly flooring thanks to its synthetic materials, making it suitable for large areas.

Though they are similar in some qualities, slight differences can have a big impact! So it is crucial to check the pros and cons of each flooring. Check out the comprehensive guide below to find out the differences to help you decide better

Appearance

Laminate and vinyl are visually appealing, but if you want the look of hardwood or stone, laminate is the right choice for you. On the surface of the flooring, you can see images of natural materials being inscribed. Luxury vinyl flooring, on the other hand, has rather a realistic look and the thick layers make it look more like wood. Compared to vinyl, laminate is thicker and made of higher-quality materials.

Cost

Both laminate and vinyl are among the affordable floorings in comparison to hardwood or proclaim. By spending much less money, you can have alternatives to those floorings. Yet, vinyl sheets are well-known for being more budget-friendly than laminate. So, depending on the amount of money you have, you can decide what to buy.

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Durability

If compared, laminate and vinyl have the same durability, but vinyl is slightly more resilient which guarantees a longer lifespan. Printed vinyl is the ultimate durable solution you can look for, making it an ideal choice for floorings under heavy usage. Laminate is also resistant to stains and dents, but it is more likely to be damaged because it is not waterproof, and if exposed to direct sunlight, it fades over time. Therefore, vinyl is used more in residential and industrial areas.

Maintenance

These two floorings are easy to clean and maintain. They just need vacuuming and sweeping on a daily basis. They can be a great investment in your property since they do not require regular sealing and refinishing in the long term. If you want a thorough cleaning, opt for a dry mop and floor-specific cleaners to remove all the dirt and debris. Keep in mind not to use abrasive cleaners since they make the surface wrap up.

Resistance

One advantage of vinyl over laminate is that vinyl is completely waterproof. It does not stain over time, making it a good option for humid areas. In terms of heat, vinyl is not very vulnerable.
On the other hand, laminate is not resistant to water; even a few drops on the surface put you in trouble. However, it can resist heat in high-temperature areas due to its dense fireboard.
Keep in mind that neither laminate nor vinyl is environmentally friendly like floorings such as wood or linoleum. Still, laminate can have a smaller footprint on Earth than vinyl.

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What is our recommendation?

Your choice depends on a number of factors including your personal preference, budget, and the environment you live in. Our design experts have recommended vinyl for wet places such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. Whereas, laminate is suitable for dry areas with high foot traffic. If you have small children or pets at home, go for vinyl for its synthetic texture.