The Difference Between Laminate Flooring and Vinyl Flooring

When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your home, you want to make sure you choose materials that will stand the test of time while looking great in your home. Laminate and vinyl flooring are some of the most popular, and this is why.

Laminate and vinyl flooring are some of the most popular choices as flooring solutions. They are much cheaper than other types of flooring such as tile or wood, making them a great option if you are looking for new flooring that is cost effective.

Whether you choose laminate or vinyl flooring is dependent on your home, your style and your room function. Each of these floor types are vulnerable to different factors and require different routines to keep them in good shape. So that is why we have used our expert knowledge to compare the two, and allow you to make the best choice when purchasing your cost effective flooring. 

Uses in the home

Laminate and vinyl flooring can be used throughout your home. But due to their differences, it is important to know which type of flooring is suitable for different rooms in your home.

Table of Differences 

Water Resistance

Laminate

Laminate flooring is extremely vulnerable to water damage. This is because laminate flooring is made from very thin layers of wood board which are pressed together to make laminate floor boards. Although the top layer of laminate flooring is waterproof, if left damp for some time, the water will penetrate this layer and will result in damage to the floor boards. This means laminate flooring would not be suitable for bathrooms or kitchens where there can be a lot of spills and moisture.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is a great option for bathrooms and kitchens. Vinyl flooring is fully waterproof which means you don’t have to worry about water damage running the look of your floor.

Durability

Laminate

Before you decide which flooring to use in your home, it is important to know how to care for your floor and avoid any damage. Laminate flooring is prone to scratches and chips, which means you should take care when moving heavy objects and furniture. This also means that laminate flooring is not the best option for pet owners, as those paws and claws can cause damage to the surface.

Vinyl

Unlike laminate flooring, vinyl flooring is not prone to scratching and chipping. However, vinyl flooring can be prone to denting and tearing. This means you should be careful when moving heavier objects and avoid dropping them on the floor. In most instances, vinyl flooring is laid as a large sheet, which means moving any furniture with sharp corners creates the risk of tearing. But if you have decided to purchase luxury vinyl planks, you will not have to worry about tearing your floor.

Appearance

Laminate

When it comes to appearance, laminate flooring definitely has more style options and a higher quality appearance. This makes it much easier to find a laminate flooring solution that compliments your preferred style.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring typically has a more synthetic appearance when compared to laminate flooring. Which can often affect the overall look in your home. However, you can always opt for luxury vinyl flooring, which gives you the durability of a standard vinyl floor but with a much more impressive appearance. This can be a great option if you want a vinyl flooring that isn’t lacking in style, and if you don’t mind paying the extra cost!

Installation

Laminate 

Laminate flooring is very easy to install but can be a very time consuming process. This is because laminate flooring needs at least 48 hours to acclimate to the room, which means they need to be left unopened and unstacked for this time. You will also need to install and underlay to avoid any moisture damage coming from under the planks.

Vinyl

Vinyl is also very easier to install and does not need an underlay, and slo requires much less tools compared to laminate flooring. The installation for vinyl flooring varies depending on the style of floor. For example, if you opt for a vinyl sheet, you will need an adhesive to ensure your floor stays in place. And plank vinyl flooring can either be installed straight onto the floor or as a floating floor, which means the floor's own weight will keep the planks in place. 

Pricing

Laminate

Compared to vinyl sheet floors, laminate flooring is more expensive. This is down to the fact that laminate flooring is much more attractive than a vinyl sheet. So, depending on your ideal price range, laminate flooring is a great choice if you are looking for an attractive floor solution that doesn't break the bank. 

Vinyl 

Depending on the style of vinyl floor, the price can vary dramatically. Vinyl sheet flooring is very cheap and the best option if you want a costly flooring solution. But if you are putting style and quality first, you may decide on luxury vinyl planks. Luxury vinyl floors are more expensive compared to laminate floors. Option for luxury vinyl flooring means you will get both the durability of a vinyl floor and the style and luxury of a high quality flooring solution.