Are you looking for the perfect flooring option for your home or office? And are you confused between using laminate and vinyl flooring? There is no need to worry anymore. In this article, I am going to discuss extensively the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring. This will allow you to easily make your choices in the future and have the perfect one in your hand as per your needs and preferences. Further, on a broader note, both laminate and vinyl flooring can be said to be ‘a good alternative to hardwood’, which is quite expensive and not feasible for middle-class households to use.
How to tell the difference between laminate and Vinyl flooring
Believe it or not, if you are looking from a distance, it can be truly hard for you to tell the difference between the two, but in reality, the composition of these two is poles apart. Hence, several factors can tell the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring. It is due to this that I have jotted these points down for you to ultimately decide which one serves your purpose the best.
The following points can be taken as the basis for tracing the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring.
1. Composition:
- The biggest difference between the two is the way they are both manufactured.
- Laminate is constructed from a fiberboard core that is topped with resin.
- Vinyl, on the other hand, is a synthetic plastic. The plasticity and flexibility of the topmost layer are top-notch.
2. Cost:
- Though both are cheaper than hardwood.
- There is a slight difference when you consider their costs against each other.
- Laminate is the cheapest option, whereas vinyl does have certain varieties that can be a bit expensive.
3. Installation methods:
- They both are applied to the floor, but the method of application does vary in the case of both of these flooring options.
- In the case of laminate, you can simply use the click-and-lock method.
- When it comes to installing vinyl flooring, you’ll have to resort to professional help as it entails several methods and steps.
4. Lifespan:
- Now, talking about the durability difference between the two, not much can be said.
- Though the damages these incur will hugely depend upon the conditions that you are using them in, you can give an upper hand to vinyl.
- Due to the water-resistant feature of vinyl, it works well in bathrooms and kitchens.
- Moisture and water can be tricky for laminate to work with.
5. Appearance:
- When it comes to the appearance of both of these two, you can hardly make any difference.
- Laminate looks very realistic and serves as a good alternative to hardwood.
- Now talking about vinyl, it has a lot more variety and styles that can be used to achieve the look desired.
6. React with water:
- The biggest difference can be seen here in the reaction of these two flooring types to water.
- Laminate, though water-resistant, is not as durable as vinyl.
- Thus, laminate tends to spoil, and you should avoid using it in areas that continue to have water.
7. Maintenance:
- The maintenance of both of these is quite simple and relaxing. You won’t have to put in much effort to get them clean.
- But when it comes to laminate, you can consider a bit of extra care because it requires more attention with water.
- Rest. Any method can be used to clean both.
- Pretty simple to maintain after installation.
8. Environmental impact:
- It is always best that you give an upper hand to the items that are more sustainable and environment-friendly.
- This ensures that you are not harming the environment around you just to get the appearance of your home correct.
- When it comes to both of these, there isn’t much you can consider.
- Laminate has a bit more non-toxic options as compared to those of vinyl.
9. Depreciated value:
- It is also important that you think of the future.
- Due to the development of certain events, if you have to resell them, their value should be of some worth.
- Talking about laminate, you should not expect a lot from its future resale, but when it comes to vinyl, you can expect certain increments in certain varieties of vinyl.
10. Other differences:
- Laminate proves to be better in terms of heating the floor as the foam underneath allows it to do so, is soundproof too, and looks more convincing too.
- Also, due to the resin present in laminate, you have to be cautious about the type of cleaning method you are using, as it can be easily stained and scratched.
- Vinyl on the other side is more resistant and fades less in comparison, hence being more durable. But at the same time, it becomes difficult to repair vinyl in patched areas.
- If you want to install any one of them on top of your existing floors, vinyl is a better option.
Conclusion:
After talking about these many factors, it would be much easier for you to decide which one of these two serves your purpose the best. Moreover, it always should be your preference and need according to which you should make choices. Keep in mind what kind of use you want your flooring to be put to. Whichever one you choose, both of these look stunning and were installed with precision. You will also agree with the fact now (after reading these points of difference) that there is hardly much of a difference between them. The only thing you are doing is trading off one ability of laminate with the disadvantage of vinyl. There is much of a difference; both are equally deserving. The only difference will come if you start comparing the two according to your personal needs, such as where you are applying them, what kind of look you envision, and whether you want them to be durable or sustainable.
Hence, it is now up to you to decide which one you prefer after comparing the differences between laminate and vinyl flooring. I hope this was helpful.