It’s no secret that in the last decade, vinyl and laminate floors have come a long way. People used to consider these flooring choices to be cheap wood knockoffs and resisted the idea of using them in their homes. But those days are long gone!
Both vinyl and laminate floorings have flourished with technical advances and can be an elegant addition to any remodel or new home.
We’re here to talk about vinyl vs. laminate floors. So, without further ado, let's compare these two flooring types and break down the factors to consider when deciding between these two great flooring options for your home.
The Basics
Laminate flooring is made from a high-density fiberboard core, a few sturdy layers underneath to add strength to the boards, and a protective coat of resin on top. That coat isn't quite as strong as the polyurethane coats on vinyl flooring, but it does work well to repel stains and stop scratches from occurring.
Conversely, vinyl flooring is more difficult to describe since there are several different types. Sheet vinyl is mainly used in extensive commercial areas, and likely won't be considered for your private residence. However, luxury vinyl is made for homes, and it comes in two types: planks and tiles. Planks are made to look like solid hardwood floors, whereas tiles are made to look like, well, tile.
Hardness
The best feature of vinyl flooring is the many coats of polyurethane that leave your floor feeling clean and fresh. The aluminum oxide-infused sealant layer and the translucent vinyl topcoat are also invisible over the design layer; that's what you're really seeing. But they're not all out there for stunning looks. They shield the floors from the cuts, scraps, and marks of life. Behind this is a bottom layer of hardened PVC core. It's totally waterproof and gives vinyl flooring the hardness that it's so well known for.
Laminate floors are a little bit softer and bouncier than vinyl flooring, which means they aren't quite as hardy. They're still tough stuff, though, so don't underestimate the power of the laminate. However, if you have more than one or two pets that get a little enthusiastic running around as dogs do, you might want to opt for luxury vinyl instead of laminate. If your biggest worry is kids, though, laminate is just fine.
Water Resistance
As opposed to laminate flooring, one aspect where vinyl floors excel is their waterproofing. Laminate flooring can withstand any occasional accidents, but vinyl flooring is safe for use in bathrooms and porches since the extra waterproof coats keep water out so well. Luxury vinyl flooring can also be totally immersed in water and then dried without any damage done.
The explanation why vinyl can withstand the water so very well is that rather than setting planks, you have the option of choosing a roll of vinyl flooring. Even with planks or tiles, they fit together with very tiny seams. With few to no seams to allow the dampness to soak under, you're not going to have to think about it warping or allowing mold to sneak into your house.
With laminate floors, on the other hand, you will have some time to mop up messes, and using liquid to clean the surface is always an option. However, you still have to be very careful about standing water, and professionals discourage people from installing laminate flooring in their bathrooms and mudrooms.
Cost
Both vinyl and laminate flooring will cost roughly the same amount, so if you're looking for inexpensive flooring that will be durable enough to stand up to life's challenges, both are excellent contenders. Neither will usually run you more than $3-$5 per square foot and, as we explain below, they both are easy to install, so paying professional contractors won't add much more than a few hundred to your budget.
You won't have to break the bank on your laminate or vinyl flooring if you need to save finances to spruce additional areas or purchase other beautiful décor to go with your new flooring. After all, you don't need a hefty price tag for anything made for your feet!
Installation
Installing either vinyl plank flooring or laminate flooring is pretty simple. Both floors can be floated, meaning that they lay neatly over a concrete substrate, subfloor, or your existing floor if you really want to simplify things. For enterprising DIY homeowners who want to install their own floors, laminate and vinyl flooring often come in either click and lock or tongue-in-groove types, both of which are simple, even for beginners.
If you're laying your floors over concrete, simply invest in some kind of patching agent, so you’re able to fill in any holes or dents you might see. With them filled in, you ensure that your new floor will lay flat over the concrete, which will look nicer.
Since you're floating the floor, you don't have to worry about keeping track of errant nails or staples, and there's no issue with smelly, sticky glue. If you're planning to install your own laminate flooring, ensure that the planks have an underlayment since that will simplify the process and add some extra stability and moisture protection to your floors.
Aesthetics
For both laminate and vinyl floors, there are plenty of styles to choose from, so you're sure to find the right look for your home. Hardwood Bargains has plenty of choices of both hand-scraped and wire-brushed laminate flooring for you to peruse. Laminate floors are typically made to look like solid wood floors, and vinyl can do the same thing.
Recently, there has been a growing trend to purchase vinyl or laminate flooring that emulates the look of natural stone or ceramic tiles; however, and both types of floors have risen admirably to the challenge. Neither of them will fool you for very long if you're up close and personal with the floor, but they look beautiful enough that it's worth it.
Lifespan
At Hardwood Bargains, we offer a 25-year structural warranty for both luxury vinyl planks and tiles, as well as laminate flooring, so you never have to worry about something happening to your beautiful floors. With a little bit of care, your floors will easily last you for decades.
Care and Cleaning
Laminates require minimal washing, and it's quick, easy, and hassle-free. There are a lot of household cleaners that are uniquely designed for laminate flooring. Make sure to use a limited volume of water whenever you use water and remove it quickly. Vinyl floors can be wet-mopped and then left to air dry, which makes it a breeze to get rid of accumulated dust and debris.
That's why laminate and vinyl are the perfect choices for people with busy agendas who can't spend the entire day buffing their floors. You don't have to reapply floor finishes or wax regularly. With only a minimal amount of effort on your hands, your floors will manage to look their finest day in and out.
In Summary
Both vinyl and laminate floors are cost-effective and incredibly durable. If you live a busy life and need something that can handle all of the people, kids, and animals running around in your home that doesn't take a ton of maintenance, then these are some of your best choices. What really makes vinyl stand out is its versatility, whereas laminate floors are nicer to walk on since they're a bit bouncier. Which one do you like better? Drop us a comment below and let us know.
Sources:
Complete Guide to Laminate vs Vinyl Flooring (Plank, Luxury, etc) | Home Advisor
Vinyl vs. Laminate Flooring Comparison Guide: What's the Difference? | The Spruce
Vinyl Plank vs Laminate Flooring - A Complete Guide | Floor Critics
