Vinyl vs Laminate Flooring: What's the Difference?

For most people, looking down is seen as negative behavior. We always think we should look up and hold our heads high.

But sometimes, it’s what’s underneath our feet that matters the most. And there’s nothing more miserable than a grubby carpet that’s desperate for replacing.

If you’re considering replacing your old carpet with either vinyl or laminate flooring, it’s important to know the differences between the two options. Vinyl and laminate are both great choices for various homes, but there are some key factors to consider when deciding which option is best for you.

Read on to learn more about what sets vinyl vs laminate flooring apart from each other.

What Is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring contains a mixture of polyvinyl chloride and plasticizer, which casts into a flexible sheet. The sheet is then bonded to a backing material before it’s cut and crafted into the design that you want. The material uses an extruder that melts the chemicals into a semi-liquid form.

It’s cast as molten vinyl onto the backing. The material itself is extremely durable and resistant to stains and scuffs.

Vinyl flooring is a great option for those who want to create a stylish design without breaking the bank. The material is available in a wide variety of textures and colors. So you can find the perfect look for your home.

Vinyl is also considered pet-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about your four-legged friends damaging the floor. It’s available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and designs, so you can truly customize your flooring with ease.

What Are the Benefits of Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is most popular in family homes, as it’s durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. It’s also available for a reasonable price. So let’s take a deeper look into these benefits and how you can apply them to your home.

Durability

If you’re looking for flooring that will last a long time, vinyl is the best option for you. It comprises plasticizers, which will protect it against any stain or scratch.

Waterproof

Vinyl flooring such as the new Pergo Extreme waterproof vinyl is waterproof and mold-resistant. Thus, it’s most popular in kitchens and bathrooms. So if you want your home to be as eco-friendly as possible, then this hard flooring is the way to go.

Easy to Clean

Vinyl is easy to clean in the case of any stains. So if you have children or pets and want to keep your flooring looking fresh, then this is what you need.

Cheap

Vinyl is well-known for being one of the cheaper options when it comes to flooring. But of course, paying more for higher quality is also an option. But you can also save money on labor costs.

Easy to Fit

Vinyl flooring is notoriously easy to fit. It can be done by one person if pre-cut into tiles, but you may need a second person to help you line up and lay a one-piece roll. It’s also easy to cut, so you can trim it yourself when you lay it on your floor.

What Are the Best Rooms for Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms. It’s also good for recreational areas like a games room. Just remember how noisy it can be if you don’t have the correct insulation and underlay to accompany the vinyl flooring.

What Is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is a type of engineered wood product recycled from the flooring industry. It is a composite of chipboard, underlay, and glue or resin. Laminate flooring boards slot together, making installation a breeze.

Laminate flooring can be installed in homes just like any other floor covering, minus the need to nail anything down. It’s also relatively inexpensive and very durable, making it easy on the wallet compared with other types of flooring materials on the market today.

What Are the Benefits of Laminate Flooring?

You can install laminate flooring in a home or office very quickly and easily. It’s also very durable, and it has a wide range of designs from which to choose. Installing new flooring is often more work than it’s worth, but like vinyl, laminate flooring is an exception to this rule.

Value For Money

Even though both vinyl and laminate are easy on the wallet, laminate flooring is shown to be a much better value when compared to vinyl in terms of aesthetics and durability in high-traffic areas. For example, in a hallway, vinyl is more likely to tear up, whereas laminate is harder-wearing.

More Authentic Appearance

Further, the more natural wood effect makes it look more expensive to the untrained eye. So if you’re looking to sell your home with the flooring in good condition, laminate is more likely to create visual appeal.

What Are the Best Rooms for Laminate Flooring?

Due to its hard-wearing but pleasant aesthetics, laminate flooring best suits rooms where appearances matter, such as living spaces and hallways. These will give you both the durability you require while giving your guests the wow factor when they first enter your home!