There is no doubt that if we could, we would all have hardwood floors in your home. It is, however, easier said than done because wood floors are expensive, easy to scratch, and require high maintenance. It is a lot to take on; thus, many homeowners opt for flooring options like laminate and vinyl, which allow them to enjoy the look and feel of wood without the hassle of upkeep and high price.
Laminate and vinyl both bring a lot to the home as a floor replacement option. However, before you jump into the purchase of new floors, you need to compare these floors side by side. Both laminate and vinyl have upped their game, with each giving the other a run for its money. When picking the suitable material for your home, you have to compare the two and choose one.
1. Durability
What features are you looking for in a durable flooring material? Both laminate and vinyl are durable; they can stand in high traffic rooms like the living room and playrooms. Because they are scratch-resistant, they can resist damage from scratches. However, with years laminate begins to chip, and vinyl can rip when too much strain is applied to the flooring. When it comes to visual aesthetics, laminate is more prone to fading with time, unlike vinyl.
2. Cost
When it comes to costs, homeowners are particular about their budget range when purchasing flooring material. Laminate and vinyl do not differ much when it comes to price, as both are relatively affordable. Vinyl could run you about $.50 to $3.00 per sqft, whereas laminate ranges from $1.00 to $3.00 per sqft. For both, you may have to spend more for higher quality and additional features.
3. Water Resistance
The ability of floor material to stand water exposure is crucial when determining where you will install the flooring. When properly installed with the help of an expert, vinyl is waterproof. Because the floor is made of synthetic material, it is not porous, meaning water does not seep through to the subfloor. You can therefore use it in high moisture spaces like the bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen. On the other hand, laminate is made of hard plastic, which softens and swells when exposed to water. You can try to find water-resistant laminate, but since it is made of wood, you have to wipe spills as soon as they occur.
4. Maintenance
In comparison to laminate, vinyl requires less maintenance. Homeowners can keep their vinyl floors clean with a steam or wet mop. On the other hand, because of its ability to stand moisture, you should only use a steam mop on laminate to avoid water damage. For thorough cleaning, it is recommended to use laminate-specific products to prevent damage on the floors.
5. Comfort
People choose to replace their floors for many reasons, and improving comfort is among them. If comfort is a priority, laminate would be a better-suited option for you than vinyl. Because vinyl is installed directly on the concrete subfloor, it’s underfoot tends to be hard and cold. Laminate is placed over a foam underlayment which makes it more comfortable.
6. Aesthetics
Narrowing your two options based on appearance will not cut it in the case of laminate and vinyl because both have come a long way aesthetically. The strides made have made it possible to find vinyl and laminate in various colors and finishes; thus, it comes down to preference.
This blog addresses other factors you can use to compare the two flooring options and settle for one best for your home. Once you have, you can hit up our flooring experts for installation services; you will find us ready to assist.