Flooring is an important part of any home and Laminate and Vinyl Flooring are the most used ones to choose from. It is the work of putting a permanent floor finish also known as floor tiling or the floor surface that has been installed.
It also relates to the finishing material that is applied to the construction of the flooring to form a strolling surface. It can be considered an essential element of interior design since it is capable of altering the look, design, feel and utility of a particular space.
Probably one of the first aspects that are seen when people are taken inside any particular room, and can also be the starting point for interior designing.
Floors are one of the most functional structures in a home and should, therefore be strong and effective for use in this area.
For example, floors used in healthcare facilities need to be smooth to allow for easy cleaning and also to minimize infections and accidents. In other places, the floor covering may be slip-resistant or even water-resistant.
Therefore, Lamination and Vinyl flooring are maybe your best shot at personalizing your new space. The two have been a long way apart from the aesthetic perspective to environmental standards to general performance.
Nonetheless, one must understand that these types of flooring bear some distinctions in terms of the materials used the manner of installation, as well as the cost, as well as the ways they are maintained.
It is therefore important that one can distinguish between the two to arrive at the best decision that suits any requirement
In this article, we will be discussing what type of flooring should be preferred under what circumstances. I have also added 3 bonus differences for you, so keep reading 🙂
What Is Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a type of flooring that is made from vinyl, a type of plastic. Vinyl flooring is most commonly found in homes with children and pets, as it is durable and easy to clean.
It comes in a variety of colours and styles, and it can be installed over most types of existing flooring. Vinyl flooring is also affordable, making it a popular choice for budget-minded homeowners.
With the vinyl flooring, you will get the major plus point: it is completely water-resistant. It means that any liquid or beverage spills will not cause any harm to the floor and can be easily cleaned.
It usually has two types; the first one is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and the second type is Vinyl Composite Tile (VCT). LVP flooring has a textured surface that resembles hardwood planks, while VCT flooring is designed to look like ceramic or stone tiles.
Both types of vinyl flooring are durable and easy to clean, making them a popular choice for homes with children and pets.
What Is Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring also called floating wood tiles is a synthetic product made to look like hardwood or other natural materials.
It is typically composed of several layers of materials, including a wear layer, a decorative layer, a core layer, and a back.
The wear layer is made of durable material. That protects the floor from scratches and other damage, while the decorative layer can be customized to match the look of any room.
The core is made of rigid plastic or fiberboard that provides stability and ensures the flooring does not warp or buckle over time.
The back layer is important for moisture protection and helps to keep the flooring in place. So, it is important to make sure that it is sealed properly.
On the other hand, the decorative layer is the one that is visible to everyone. It can be made of different materials, including wood, stone, or ceramic.
Laminate flooring is a popular choice for homes because it is affordable, easy to install, and can be used in any room. It is also moisture-resistant, making it a good option for kitchens and bathrooms.
Major Factors to Consider While Buying
Certain factors need to be considered before choosing the correct flooring. Both flooring have their advantages. The factors are:
1. Material Composition
Laminate flooring is a synthetic material that can be made of any number of layers although it is commonly produced from timber offcuts.
The layers commonly incorporate a tough outer layer or top veneer of melamine resin, an inner layer of decorated veneer that reproduces the grain of wood, stone or any other natural material of the customer’s choice.
The fourth layer may be of high-density fiberboard (HDF) or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and finally, the bottom layer counteracts warping.
All these layers of this subflooring make it string, elastic, and able to take moderate traffic well on the floor.
Vinyl flooring on the other hand is produced using synthetic material, particularly polyvinyl chloride-PVC. Usually, it has several layers, where the outer layer is known as the wear layer, then the printed design layer, under that the foam or felt layer and at the top, a layer that offers protection against scratches as well as stains.
The Vinyl flooring can be classified as luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and sheet Vinyl. LVT and LVP are particularly well-loved because they’re designed to look like real hardwoods, stone and other natural elements.
2. Durability and Lifespan
Laminate flooring is mostly hard-wearing and immune to scratches or dents due to its protected overlay, but is a poor performer in moisture and can easily leave water damage if not well treated.
Laminate comes with a base layer of some sort and this can swell and bow in areas of humidity and this means that installing it in the bathroom, the kitchen and similar areas should be avoided. If laminated flooring is well maintained then it can last up to 15 to 25 years.
Vinyl flooring is tough and is easy to clean, particularly in areas that may be exposed to water such as the bathroom, kitchen, basements and so on. PVC is waterproof and most of the vinyl products out there are 100 percent waterproof.
Vinyl flooring is not easily scratched, spilt or damaged and this feature is even more enhanced in; more thickly coated vinyl flooring. For its durability and durability depend on the quality and the level of maintenance given, vinyl should last from 10-20 years or even more.
Vinyl flooring hence emerges as the superior choice as it is exceptionally resistant to wear and tear.
3. Appearance and Aesthetics
Laminate flooring has come a long way in terms of design and realism: laminate has a decorative layer that is a photographic image that provides the appearance of wood grain, stones or tiles.
Contemporary production processes enable laminate to have textures, colours and designs on its surface so resembling the real wood or stone that one might never tell the difference at first glance, although, sometimes the edges of the laminate panels and the joints can give it away.
Vinyl flooring has LVT and LVP that have also evolved in terms of appearance. They mimic the beauty of wood, stone and ceramic tile; the product has deep relief, and the tissue faithfully recreates the natural textures and embossing.
Many modern vinyl flooring have edges that are bevelled and surface texture that is designed to provide the feel of real wood or a natural stone among other things.
In terms of style, the general outlook of vinyl floors can be made to reflect the hue, design, and texture range that is of particular to your choice.
Lamination Flooring could be preferred over vinyl as it offers a broad range of designs, often indistinguishable from real hardwood or tile.
4. Comfort and Warmth
Laminate flooring is generally considered to be less comfortable when compared with vinyl flooring. The outer layer of the laminate flooring is constructed with laminate that is quite rigid and can be unforgiving to the feet, especially to those who are on their feet for most of the day.
It is imperative to note that although there is the possibility of installing a laminate floor with the use of an underlayer as a cushion and to enhance soundproofing. Another disadvantage of laminates is that they are generally cold to touch, especially in the winter and cold climates are not very friendly.
Vinyl flooring is better than laminate because of its flexibility and softer feeling underfoot; the bottom layer for some types of vinyl flooring including foam or felt increases the comfort of posture as well as decreases the problem caused by falling.
It is also relatively warmer to the ground or bare feet especially when placed over a heated floor making it suitable for areas with cold weather.
To conclude, Lamination flooring does not expand or contract from high temperatures, keeping it comfortable throughout.
Also Read: Rise of Acoustic Partitions: Stylish Solutions for Open Spaces
5. Installation
Laminate flooring is usually installed as a floating floor and that implies that it does not require fixing to the subfloor by glueing or nailing as other sophisticated floorings do but is clicked into place and rests on the subfloor.
This makes installation relatively quick and easy and will be welcoming news to DIY enthusiasts. However, laminating needs a flat floor, and in most instances, there is a need for a lining to ensure damping and protection from humidity.
It may be necessary to cut the card to the shape of the obstacle and it is important to pay extra attention to respond to changes in temperature and humidity to leave a gap on the extension of parts.
Vinyl flooring gives more installation possibilities based on the type of flooring. This is in touch with the laminated floor kind of floorings, in that LVT and LVP can be installed through the click lock system. Or it can be used for more fixed use since it is adhesive, to the surface on which it is applied.
Sheet vinyl is often installed with the use of adhesive; however, some products may only be installed as loose-laid products whereby the vinyl is placed over the substrate without adhesive being used.
When installing vinyl flooring, the underlay can be laid on concrete, wooden and existing flooring provided the base is free from dust and moisture and of correct surface quality.
Vinyl flooring is versatile and can be easily trimmed and installed with difficulties such as around door frames and it does not need expansion space.
When comparing Vinyl flooring to lamination, vinyl takes the win as it requires less manpower and space to install.
6. Maintenance and Cleaning
Laminate flooring is very easy to maintain and has a very good feature of being resistant to most of the liquid but can easily be damaged by water. It is ideal for cleaning using a vacuum cleaner, broom or damp mop but ensure that you do not wet it too much since this will cause the inner layer to swell.
They have to leak fast and you have to be guarded or not use steam mops. It is not permitted to wax or polish laminate floors, but the periodic use of cleanser which is specific to laminates can be enhanced by the maintenance of its appearance.
Vinyl flooring’s main strength of the vinyl floor is that its low service can be cleaned. It can include sweeping, dusting, vacuuming, and crushing as well as the use of soft detergent. Vinyl is waterproof and stains can be wiped and it does not get spoiled by spillage of liquids.
While cleaning, you should know that you can use a steam mop on vinyl floors since the surfaces are not affected by moisture as is the case with laminate flooring. The final thing that one has to know about vinyl floors is that it is not meant to be waxed.
Every material already has a layer that protects from scratches and wounds and that makes it relatively easy to shape the appearance over time.
Vinyl flooring allows for a more extensive cleaning method than lamination flooring.
7. Influence on the environment
Some laminated floors have more environmentally friendly options than other types of floors because it is made from wood-by-side products and consumer content. But still, it is made with synthetic resins and adhesives that emit VOCs into the air in the process of floor installation.
There are numerous manufacturers of laminate flooring in the market but Low VOC emitting ones can be identified by FloorScore or GREENGUARD labels. Also, laminate does not decompose, and therefore, is hard to recycle at the end of its useful life.
Vinyl flooring, especially luxury vinyl, is composed of PVC which is harmful when produced, and hence it uses a lot of energy. Some types of these materials leak VOCs thereby making it necessary to get low-VOC products that are recognized to promote indoor air quality (IAQ).
Vinyl may be advantageous because it is durable and long-lasting leading to a reduced frequency of replacement; however, challenges in recycling it exist and it does not decompose. On the other hand, laminate flooring is cheaper and simpler to install but may be susceptible to water damage.
Generally speaking, both alternatives have environmental implications since vinyl’s durability could translate into future advantages despite its negative effects during production.
Despite their affordability, vinyl flooring is not considered an environmentally friendly choice.
8. Resale Value
Laminate flooring can add value to a home, especially if it is well-maintained and features a high-quality design that mimics natural wood or stone. However, because laminate is generally considered less desirable than real hardwood or quality tile, it may not have as great a resale value.
In some cases, potential buyers may view laminate as a temporary solution and consider replacing it with a more durable or premium material.
Vinyl flooring, especially LVT and LVP, has grown in popularity in recent years and can have a positive impact on a home’s resale value. Mimicking the look of natural materials, high-quality vinyl flooring.
Vinyl flooring is a more affordable and cheaper option compared to lamination flooring.
Overall Recommendation: Which Flooring Is Best For You?
As I have explained earlier, both have their pros and cons and are different from each other. But in some conditions, vinyl flooring wins the match.
Because they have great advantages if it is compared to laminate flooring. However, laminate flooring also works well if you want better costing and environment-friendly flooring. But when it comes to efficiency and performance vinyl flooring is the best recommendation for you.
Wrap-Up On the Difference Between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring
If you have laminate or vinyl flooring, the ultimate goal is to provide the highest experience. Most people feel better after using vinyl flooring because it is better for maintenance and cleaning. It is also water and heat-resistant. It can easily be installed in any place you want.
However, some people still use laminate flooring because it looks better than vinyl flooring. Therefore, considering all the factors, choose your flooring as per your requirements..
FAQ: Differences Between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring
1. Is vinyl flooring good for the entire house?
The luxury vinyl flooring can be laid in virtually any part of your house due to its various properties. Comfort in most homes would undoubtedly be found in high-traffic zones such as living rooms, dining rooms and places where there is likely to be much moisture present.
2. Does vinyl flooring rip easily?
Despite being considered a long-lasting and durable option, vinyl flooring is not immune to damage. For instance, it can be snagged by a sliding chair, or sliced by dropped cans or other sharp objects.
Even some high heels can punch through the toughest of floors if there is any imperfection in the subfloor underneath.
3. Do premium brands of laminate or vinyl flooring provide a warranty?
Yes, when you go with the premium laminate or vinyl flooring. You will get some years of warranty that will safeguard you. If they broke then you can claim a refund.
4. Which scratches easier, vinyl or laminate flooring?
Although both laminate and LVP are designed to resist abrasion through multilayer construction, it is essential to know some major differences between these two flooring types.
On one hand, laminate floors resist scratches and dents than LVPs which on the other hand can withstand water damage better.
Thank you for taking the time to read this! Please like, comment, and share this article if you enjoyed it. Also, you can follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to get more interesting articles.