Vinyl Flooring Vs. Laminate Flooring: A Full Comparison

Many people don’t actually realize that vinyl flooring and laminate flooring aren’t the same. Before you jump into a flooring project, it’s probably a good idea to get an understanding of the basics to help with your decision. To start, it’s important to understand that there are definitely similarities between vinyl flooring and laminate flooring, but it’s the differences that will help make one option the right one for your home or flooring project. Let’s break the decision down into 4 components.

Aesthetics of Vinyl Flooring Vs Laminate Flooring

Let’s face it, when it comes to flooring a huge part of the decision-making factor relates to how it looks in the room. You may have an image of an old fashioned laminate flooring in your mind and shudder at the thought of putting it in your home; but toss that image aside. Over the last few years laminate and vinyl flooring have made a huge comeback with homeowners and designers. If you love the look of natural hardwood or stone flooring but are seeking a less expensive choice, laminate is an excellent option. Laminate flooring is often embossed for an even more realistic look and feel, plus there are endless patterns and colours to choose from. Vinyl flooring, although similar, may be slightly less realistic looking. There are an equally large number of style options, so there is bound to be something that suits every project.

Installation Method

Nobody wants to struggle with a do-it-yourself project, so installation is another big factor in the decision-making process when starting a flooring project. Both laminate and luxury vinyl flooring can be comparable when it comes to the ease of installation, and both are suitable for do-it-yourself projects…if the proper preparation is done!

Durability of Luxury Vinyl Flooring Vs Laminate

Generally, vinyl flooring has been the choice for high activity areas or rooms that are high in moisture, like basements or bathrooms. Typically vinyl comes as a seamless sheet, preventing any moisture from penetrating the flooring and keeping microorganisms and mold at bay. Laminate, although not quite the same, is water resistant and suitable for installation in moist areas if it is installed correctly. You may want to consider a different base or interlocking system for the installation of laminate in areas that are going to see high levels of moisture, like around washing machines, dishwashers or sinks.

Maintenance

Nobody has the time to spend cleaning floors in their home daily, so the ease of maintenance is another important component when considering vinyl or laminate flooring. The good news is that both options are easy to keep clean and you can mop, vacuum, or sweep until your heart’s content (even if that’s only once a week). One point to note is that often vinyl flooring is softer than laminate, so may be less resistant to wear and scratches. All things considered, laminate and vinyl flooring are relatively similar in all aspects. You are going to see an aesthetically pleasing room with durable and affordable flooring in either case. The decision essentially comes down to what appeals to you. If you are having trouble deciding between laminate or vinyl flooring for your project, the flooring specialists at The Floor Shop would be more than happy to help, so don’t hesitate to call us today.