The Difference Between Laminate And Vinyl Flooring?
When you want economical, durable, attractive, customizable, and affordable flooring that you can install by yourself, laminate flooring and vinyl flooring both stand out. Both of them look about the same from a distance. However, they also have few differences. To discover which one is best for your place, you first may need to know what is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?
Comparing Laminate vs. Vinyl Flooring
- Design, Appearance, And Style
Laminate floors tend to be of a bit higher quality when it comes to design and style. It generally will more closely mimic hand-scraped hardwood, ceramics, stone, and other materials.
Both flooring types are made of different materials. The manufacturing of vinyl involves synthetic materials. Made of fibreglass, the base layer of Vinyl sheets is coated with PVC and a plasticizer. Then the design is embossed and finished with different layers of wear protection.
On the other hand, the core of laminate is made of wood byproducts. After that, it is sealed with resin. The top plastic layer helps to protect against wear. Then it is designed according to the pattern and colour of your choice.
If we talk about softness and warmth, laminate tends to be more preferred because it is thicker as compared to vinyl flooring.
- Water Resistance
Water resistance is the major difference between the two flooring types. Vinyl floors can withstand more water because they are made of 100% polymer materials. You can immerse these floors in water and reuse them again after drying out.
Laminate, on the other hand, has limited moisture resistance. A fiberboard core that is made with wood is used in the production of laminate flooring. If it is exposed to water for a prolonged period, it can soften or swell. This core cannot come to its original condition after drying out.
So, in rooms where high moisture is prevalent, laminate flooring may not be a perfect choice.
- Cleaning And Maintenance
Maintenance and cleaning of vinyl flooring are very easy because it allows several cleaning methods. You can scrub these floors with safe cleaning products or use a wet mop to clean them regularly.
Laminate floors, on the other hand, are difficult to maintain because they are not water-resistant. It means you cannot use wet cleaning products. Only use a damp mop for its cleaning that is almost dry when touched.
- Cost
Both flooring types are similar in cost but it depends upon the designs and thickness of the flooring materials. Most laminate floors start at around $1-5 per square foot whereas, on the other hand, vinyl floors can be purchased at around $1 per square foot for simple glue-down sheet vinyl. For luxury vinyl planks, prices can reach up to $5 per square foot.
Which Floor Should You Consider For Your Place?
Both flooring options are great to install for people who are looking for durable and affordable floors. The majority of people prefer buying vinyl flooring as they are less expensive compare to laminate floors and are water-resistant. However, Laminate floors enhance the design aesthetic of your space as they provide a more realistic wood look!
