Homeowners looking for a comprehensive yet affordable floor change often choose between vinyl and laminate. Both these flooring materials are extremely durable, cost-effective, and provide amazing design variations.
However, making the choice can be quite difficult! To make this process simpler, continue reading this comprehensive guide…
Key Takeaways
- Vinyl and Laminate floors are both cost-effective.
- They are both synthetically made, yet mimic the appearance of natural materials.
- Simple installation allows both for DIY projects and cost-savings!
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring, almost known as luxury laminate flooring, is a popular synthetic option designed to mimic the appearance of natural materials like wood and stone.
The laminated wood floors in our NOVO COLLECTION are designed to look just like real wood – infact, they’re made with the same solid hardwood core as our SOLO COLLECTION.
However, unlike real wood floors, NOVO’s laminated surface and multi-layer construction provide added resistance to wear, stains and heavy traffic.
Laminate Flooring : Pros and Cons
Pros
- Durable: Good luxury laminate flooring is known for its durability, often able to withstand high traffic with minimal damage. It features a wear layer that protects against scratches, dents, and stains, making it suitable for busy households.
- Affordable: The LVP vs laminate debate must acknowledge just how affordable laminate is. It typically costs less than hardwood flooring while still providing a similar aesthetic.
- Easy To Install: With the advent of glue-down laminate flooring, it has become easier to install such floors! It also allows for quick DIY projects without the need for professional help, thus saving on costs.
Cons
- Lacking Waterproof Capacities: Asking “How long does laminate flooring last” is quite the prudent question as prolonged exposure to water can damage the core layer, leading to warping or swelling.
- No Refinishing Scope: Even the best luxury laminate flooring cannot be sanded or refinished to counter signs of wear. That’s an option exclusive to solid hardwood floors.
- Inherently Artificial: Laminate flooring is a synthetic product that mimics the appearance of natural materials.
What is Vinyl Flooring?
LVP, or luxury vinyl plank, flooring also features added benefits like scratch-, dent- and moisture-resistance, but in a fully synthetic, multi-layer construction. The highly realistic styles in our EVO COLLECTION resemble real wood and offer unmatched durability and performance.
Vinyl flooring is a versatile and durable flooring option made primarily from synthetic materials, particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
It is designed to provide an attractive and functional surface for various spaces in the home, including kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas.
Vinyl Flooring: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Resilient: The best way to demystify the vinyl vs laminate flooring debate is to understand just how durable vinyl is. Typically, it can last between 10-12 years when properly maintained!
- Comfortable: This type of flooring is softer underfoot compared to harder surfaces like tile or stone, making it more comfortable for standing for long periods.
- Diverse Styles: Confused between vinyl or laminate? Just check the sheer design options and varieties available for vinyl! It can mimic natural materials like wood and stone, while also offering unique designs.
Cons
- No Addition to Resale Value: Vinyl flooring does not typically increase the resale value of a home as much as other flooring options like hardwood do. Potential buyers may view it as less desirable compared to more traditional materials.
- Not Environmentally Friendly: Vinyl is made from synthetic materials, primarily PVC, which are not biodegradable. This raises concerns about environmental impact, particularly regarding disposal and recycling.
- Potential For Damage: While vinyl is durable, it can still be susceptible to damage from sharp objects or heavy loads. Additionally, if installed improperly over an uneven subfloor, it may develop lumps or tears over time.
Which Flooring is Best: Vinyl or Laminate?
Choosing between vinyl or laminate might feel like a difficult task. However, here are the key factors you need to be aware of…
- Maintenance and Care: Vinyl flooring is generally easier to maintain than laminate. It requires regular sweeping and occasional mopping, and it is resistant to stains and moisture.
Laminate also needs regular cleaning but can be more susceptible to water damage if spills are not addressed promptly.
- Appearance and Comfort: In terms of comfort, vinyl flooring tends to be softer underfoot due to its cushioning layers, making it more comfortable for prolonged standing.
Laminate provides a harder surface that can feel less forgiving.
- Aesthetics and Design Options: Vinyl flooring excels in diversity with numerous styles, colors, and patterns available, including options that closely resemble hardwood or stone.
Laminate also offers a variety of designs but may not achieve the same level of detail as high-quality vinyl.
- Lifespan: Both vinyl and laminate floors are known to last between 10 to 20 years. However, this is contingent on how effectively the floors are maintained. Remember, water damage may harm laminate floors much more than vinyl floors!
- Installation: Both vinyl and laminate are designed for easy installation, often featuring click-lock systems that allow for DIY projects. However, vinyl can sometimes be installed over existing floors without additional underlayment.
- Cost Considerations: Both vinyl and laminate are comparatively affordable materials to choose from. Easy financing can make getting a new floor even quicker! Simple flooring installation requirements mean you save costs in this space too.
The most notable difference is how each product looks in bright light. As you can see in the side-by-side comparison below, laminated wood looks most like real wood in natural light:
Final Thoughts
It is very easy to feel confused when choosing between vinyl vs laminate flooring. The final choice can only be made by one person – You! What is it that you are deeply looking for in your floor?
Both vinyl and laminate offer their nuances – which nuance matters most to you? A deeper decision-making process like this will help you identify a flooring material that satisfies you fully!
We MyNewFloor.com are bringing the best flooring installation in Charlotte, NC has ever seen. If you’re curious about where else we serve, check out our serving areas. Are you ready to experience it? Now that you know both these flooring options intricately, you’re all set to make an informed choice!