Vinyl flooring clearly is a better choice in high-moisture environments than laminate flooring, making it an excellent choice in bathrooms. But for whole-house installations, laminate flooring often makes sense because it offers a wide range of choices.
Vinyl also has a longer lifespan and better overall durability than laminate. Although it can last twice as long as laminate, vinyl (especially luxury vinyl) may involve a larger investment upfront.
Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile. It is also prone to scratching and denting from heavy furniture or objects being dragged across the surface.
Durability. Laminate and LVT/LVP flooring are both extremely durable, but they have their weaknesses. Laminate is prone to scratches and chipped corners over time, so vinyl is probably a better choice for your home if you have pets. LVT/LVP is scratch-resistant, but it's more vulnerable to denting and tearing.
Cannot be refinished: Due to its composite construction and wear layer, a laminate floor can never be refinished. Once it has been damaged or worn out, laminate flooring must be replaced.
Floating laminate flooring can be installed in nearly any room, with a few exceptions. Because the inner core of the material is made with wood or fiberboard that is susceptible to moisture damage, installations in any room with a floor drain or sump pump should be avoided.
So, now for the big question: which is more expensive —vinyl or laminate? Truthfully, both products are pretty comparable in cost as both are less expensive options than other flooring materials like hardwood or porcelain tile. Vinyl can be pricier, though, especially if you're exploring luxury vinyl options.
Vinyl is the safer option when it comes to choosing between vinyl or laminate flooring for basements or other damp and spill-prone areas like bathrooms. Because laminate flooring uses a wood product as its core, it can swell and soften if exposed to extreme humidity, water or liquid spills.
This durable flooring will easily last up to 20 years or more if cared for properly. It also can withstand heavy foot traffic and won't chip, crack, or shatter. Antimicrobial. Some companies will apply an antimicrobial coating on their vinyl planks, which only further aides in its practically bullet-proof appeal.
For a short time after installation, vinyl flooring emits what is known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These are gasses that can have a long-term impact on your health and are also dangerous for the environment. They can be especially hazardous to those with respiratory problems.
While luxury vinyl flooring has come a long way from its creation and has increased in durability and visual appeal, unfortunately vinyl may decrease your resale value in the long run. It's important to recognize that while you may spend less on vinyl vs.
Generally speaking, vinyl sheet flooring will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, while vinyl plank and tile flooring will last 15 to 20 years. The thickness of its wear layer vastly impacts vinyl flooring's lifespan, so pay attention to this detail when purchasing your flooring.
From a distance, both types of flooring even look similar. Neither type of flooring is better than the other across all categories. Vinyl flooring is best in high-moisture areas and it's easy to keep clean. Yet laminate flooring offers a wider variety of style choices and has a higher resale value.
Vinyl stands up the best against excess moisture and spills, and it can be less expensive than laminate. However, laminate gives a more realistic wood look to enhance the design aesthetic in your home.
Luxury vinyl has become our most popular choice for home flooring, and for many good reasons.As mentioned previously its waterproof, low maintenance, resilient, and is one of the most budget-friendly options, too!
Healthier flooring options include solid wood, natural linoleum, cork, bamboo, tile and stone. A key feature of all of these is that they are easily cleaned of dust and dirt.
If you are considering installing new floors in a kitchen or bathroom, which are susceptible to daily water spills, vinyl flooring is better as it is 100% waterproof.
Although they have a lot in common, including very similar looks, they share some major differences. Vinyl is 100% water resistant and made of virgin vinyl, while laminate has a HDF wooden core.
Vinyl flooring, especially when installed with an underlayment, can minimize impact noise and provide a softer and more muted sound when walking or dropping items. Laminate flooring, without an underlayment, may produce a louder and hollower sound due to the nature of its construction.
Ease of Installation
When comparing vinyl plank to laminate, it's a close race as to which is easier to install. However, the installation of vinyl plank requires fewer tools and steps, so it's the superior choice in this category.
You should sweep and mop them regularly. Use a specialty mop to clean them without excess liquid. Though laminate floors are water resistant, if they are soaked in water, they can be damaged. The best way to clean laminate floors is to use products especially made for them.
If your old floors are in bad shape, any new flooring will help. While solid hardwood flooring would add more value, laminate will give your home the look of hardwood at a much lower cost, will look good for years, and your return on investment should be solid.
Durability: Most current laminate flooring is scratch resistant, making it a great solution for households with pets or children, or even those who spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Heat resistance: Compared to other flooring types such as wood, laminate has far better heat resistance.
Light Wood Laminate
For years, lighter floors were viewed as outdated or inexpensive. That is no longer the case, not by a long shot! As more homeowners embrace the light, airy feel in their homes, you will see a huge resurgence in light laminate wood floors.