Vinyl and laminate flooring are similar in cost. They're both less expensive than other flooring materials like hardwood or porcelain tile. However, vinyl can get more expensive as you explore the luxury flooring options. Most laminate flooring can be purchased for about $1-5 per square foot.
Vinyl has a longer lifespan and better overall durability than laminate. Don't forget to factor in your budget, however. Vinyl flooring may be more expensive than laminate flooring, especially if you choose luxury vinyl flooring.
Laminate flooring is slightly more expensive than vinyl. It sells for anywhere from $1 to $6 per square foot, although most varieties fall closer to the $2 to $4 price range. Occasionally, you'll see high-quality laminates priced up to $7 per square foot. Installation costs an extra $1 to $5 per square foot.
Durability. Both vinyl and laminate flooring are extremely durable. Laminate usually lasts for up to 20 years, while vinyl flooring typically comes with a 15+ year warranty. However, you can't refinish or reseal laminate, while you can add extra layers of urethane to vinyl flooring to extend its life.
The disadvantages of vinyl floors
Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Shorter lifespan than wood floors. No impact, or negative impact, on home resale value. Difficult to remove, especially if adhesive is used during installation.
Laminate flooring also wins out over vinyl when it comes to environmental sustainability. Vinyl is produced using petroleum, which isn't a renewable resource. Its production generates toxic chemicals.
Generally speaking, vinyl can cost as low as $1.00 or even $. 50 per square foot for glue-down vinyl flooring and $3.00 to $5.00 per square foot for LVT planks. Similarly, laminate ranges from $1.00 per square foot for thin planks and around $3.00 to $5.00 per square foot for lower-end 12 mm-thick planks.
To keep your laminate floors fresh, mop them every two months. Damp mops (a.k.a. microfiber mops) are gentle enough to use on laminate floors. If you're going to use a regular mop, just wring it out until it's almost completely dry.
Vinyl is one of the most affordable types of flooring, at a cost of just $1 to $2 per square foot for vinyl sheet flooring and $2 to $3 per square foot for vinyl planks. Professional installation for vinyl floors costs another $1 to $2 per square foot, which is an exceptionally low price for flooring labor.
Concrete is the most durable floor you can have in your home. Concrete floors are typically stained to order and can look quite lovely.
Yes, you can use a wet Swiffer or Swiffer WetJet on laminate floors. "The wet Swiffer is best for quickly cleaning small spaces," Forte says.
Running a Swiffer Sweeper with a dry, untreated pad along the surface of the floor daily can pick up dust without damaging the laminate. However, dry mop pads that have been treated with detergent can leave behind a thin layer of film.
Murphy Oil Soap is safe to use on all finished hardwood floors, ceramic tile, laminate, and vinyl floors. With It's 98% natural ingredients, it won't harm them but extend their life by using it on regular basis. You just need to rinse your mop thoroughly before cleaning.
While the materials themselves might be close in price, their installation costs are not. We'll explain why a little further down, but suffice to say that laminate generally costs $1–$2 per square foot to install, while tile generally costs between $5–$8 per square foot to install.
The estimated material, installation cost, and labor necessary to install vinyl plank floors for 1,000 sq ft (93 m2) are approximately $9,500. In most cases, the total cost is within a range from $3,000 to $16,000.
The best options are real hardwood, polished concrete, and tile. But specific brands of natural linoleum, carpet, and engineered wood are excellent choices as well. There are many choices for non-toxic flooring suitable for the chemically sensitive or the health-conscious homeowner.
Off gassing is usually extreme in the first 3 to 5 weeks after your vinyl flooring installation. However, factors like ventilation, where the installation is done, and the amount of chemicals emitted can affect how long the smell will last. For indoor floors, the odor may linger longer than on outdoor floors.
To wrap it up, you have to know that vinyl plank floors are not that toxic not unless you get a heavy expose. Also, most companies today choose to make vinyl planks that are not toxic elements or free of phthalates. So, don't worry about buying them because they will be safe to use.
Pine-Sol® Multi-Surface Cleaner is safe for use on laminate floors. Just choose your favorite scent — we like using Original Pine on laminate floors.
Cleaning Laminate Floors:
Do not use steam cleaners or wet mops, which may cause irreparable damage to your floor. Use a damp cloth to blot up spills as soon as they happen.
Avoid oil-based cleaners and products designed for cleaning wood floors, cabinets and furniture. They can leave streaks that are impossible to remove. Don't ever wax or polish your laminate floors.
Yes. You can use the Fabuloso floor cleaner on laminate floors but only in small quantities. Laminate is a wood bi-product and when exposed to too much moisture it starts to warp. It can also be used on hardwood floors provided that they are sealed/finished.