Vinyl plank flooring and laminate are both excellent options if you’re looking to upgrade your floor using durable and inexpensive materials. Depending on whether you're going for a wooden, tile, or stone look, you might want to research the material that produces the best results. Some factors apart from aesthetics can influence your flooring decision, such as being waterproof and comfortable.
Let’s explore which flooring option is better.
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Differences Between Vinyl and Laminate Flooring
These flooring options are quite similar and can easily be installed by yourself while being highly affordable. You can expect to choose between any number of colors, patterns, and designs, to create a matching effect between your home’s décor and the new floor. However, a few key differences could influence your decision to choose either one.
Aesthetic and Design
The laminate floor is slightly superior due to its greater quality in terms of appearance and design. It gives a more authentic wooden look that is almost identical to hand-scraped hardwood. Vinyl is made of fiberglass and PVC vinyl, while laminate is made of wood byproducts. The outermost layers of vinyl are resin and plastic, which protect it from wear. Manufacturers then emboss Both vinyl and laminate with layers of design that appeal to different tastes./p>
Water Resistance
Vinyl is much superior to laminate when it comes to water resistance and comprises polymer materials that provide it with a waterproof quality. There is no chance for water to soak into the floor if you choose a vinyl flooring option. Laminate is somewhat waterproof but not entirely. Most laminate floors have a fiberboard interior, which can swell upon contact with water. If there is prolonged exposure, you can expect the outer layers to start peeling away. For this reason, you will want to choose laminate for bathrooms and laundry rooms.
Cleaning and Upkeep
Vinyl flooring is easy to clean because it is completely waterproof, which means you can use a mop and chemicals to wipe the surface vigorously and achieve deep cleaning. In terms of upkeep, there’s not much you need to do besides cleaning. On the other hand, you need to clean the laminate floor gently and with care to avoid damaging the surface. You will want to use dry cleaning methods like vacuuming to clean the floor. Apart from that, it is pretty low-maintenance.
Longevity
Vinyl flooring is the superior option for durability and longevity, making it fairly resistant to the effects of high traffic in your home. You can expect this type of flooring to last up to 20 years, as long as you prioritize cleaning and maintenance. Laminate flooring is also a resilient option but does not have the same degree of water resistance as vinyl, so it may not last as long. After doing your own research, you may want to seek a professional for their expert opinion about the best flooring option for your home.
Final Verdict
If you had to choose, vinyl flooring would be a better option because it has numerous designs you could choose from and a degree of water resistance that makes it more durable than laminate. However, you might want to install laminate and vinyl in different rooms, which means each may be worth considering for a particular area of your home.