From a distance and at first glance, laminate vs. vinyl flooring may appear the same. Vinyl flooring and laminate flooring share many advantages, including durability, good looks, low cost, and ease of installation.
Flooring is a crucial component of any interior design and can make or break a space. The flooring is the first point of contact for visitors to your house.
It is the foundation of your design and can influence its progression.
Continue reading to learn everything necessary to know the differences between laminate and vinyl flooring and how to get started.
Types of Flooring
There are several types of flooring to choose from, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Two popular choices are laminate and vinyl flooring. Both are durable and easy to maintain, but there are some critical differences between the two.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is usually made up of at least four layers. A transparent wear layer sits on top, with a high-definition photographic layer beneath. It is water resistant, comes in various colors and patterns, and is installed over most existing floors.
Vinyl flooring is ideal for high-moisture areas and is simple to clean. It is a permanent layer with a completing material that provides a walking surface over the concrete floor.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is usually made of many layers of compressed wood or other material. The top layer is a printed design that looks like wood, stone, or tile. Laminate is scratch and stain resistant and easy to install. But water can damage it, and it is not as durable as vinyl.
Laminate vs. Vinyl Flooring: The Differences
Maintenance and Care
Vinyl flooring is water-resistant and easy to clean, making it an excellent choice for areas with a lot of traffic or spills. Laminate flooring is also easy to clean but is less resistant to water damage than vinyl. Regarding maintenance, vinyl and laminate floors need sweeping and regular mopping to prevent dirt and debris from buildup.
However, vinyl floors require occasional waxing or polishing to keep them looking their best, while laminate floors are usually dulled by too much waxing.
Installation
Laminate flooring is much easier to install than vinyl flooring. Laminate flooring is usually laid over almost any type of subfloor without the need for nails or screws. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, must be glued or nailed to the subfloor.
Another difference is that laminate flooring is a dry installation, meaning the planks can be laid without needing adhesive, while vinyl must be glued or nailed down. It makes laminate the more accessible option for do-it-yourselfers.
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Cost
At discount stores, vinyl flooring costs between $0.60 and $4.00 per square foot. Do-it-yourselfers can install plank and tile vinyl, but a professional typically install sheet vinyl-laminate flooring costs between $0.50 and $3.00 per square foot.
The Most Effective Flooring for Your Home
There are many differences between laminate and vinyl flooring, from the materials used to the installation process. However, the most crucial difference is the price. Laminate is usually much more expensive than vinyl, so if you’re on a budget, vinyl is the better option.
If you’re still wondering whether laminate vs. vinyl flooring is better, you should know that neither is better or worse. Buyers will find more style options with laminate flooring than with vinyl flooring.
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