Busy, moisture-prone spaces benefit from vinyl flooring because of a surface that is resistant to water and stains, and it is easy to maintain. This makes it great for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Laminate flooring provides durable, affordable flooring in dry spaces and typically provides a realistic wood look.
Understanding Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors are composed of a core of high-density fiberboard (HDF) topped with a picture of wood, stone or tile, covered by a layer of wear-and-tear resistant material.
Benefits of Laminate Flooring:
- Affordability – Generally laminate flooring costs less than genuine hardwood and many types of vinyl.
- Durability – Highly durable; scratch resistant surface ideal for moderate foot traffic.
- Realistic Appearance – High-quality laminates can provide a very realistic appearance of hardwood without the cost or upkeep.
- DIY Installation – Easy to install due to “click-lock” style of installation on laminate flooring planks, this makes laminates a great option for do-it-yourselfers.
Cons of Laminate Flooring:
- Moisture Sensitivity: Laminate is vulnerable to warping or swelling when wet, making it unsuitable for bathrooms or basements.
- Harder to Stand On: The rigidity of laminate means it offers less comfort when standing for long periods than vinyl.
- Limited Refinishment: Damaged laminate almost always requires replacement, whereas hardwood may be refinished.
- Laminate is suitable for use in living rooms, bedrooms and hallways where there is minimal moisture exposure and a desire for an attractive wood-like floor at a lower price tag than hardwood.
Understanding Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring consists of two types: the wood-like Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), and the tile-like Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). You can buy vinyl flooring in click-lock floating, glue down, or peel-and-stick formats, which also gives you greater flexibility based on your project’s scope.
The benefits of using vinyl flooring:
- Water resistant options: Vinyl is very water resistant, making it a good choice for wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- Comfortable to walk on: Vinyl has a softer texture than laminate, with a slight cushion created by the material to help relieve pressure on your feet and joints.
- Durable and easy to maintain: Durable vinyl materials are resistant to scratches and stains, and should last for years with minimal maintenance.
- DIY friendly: You can install vinyl flooring yourself very quickly and easily with no special tools, thanks to its click-lock installation method.
Cons of Vinyl Flooring:
- Vinyl tends to have a realistic appearance, but low-cost products may look less appealing when compared to more costly types of laminate and more expensive products.
- If you install vinyl over an uneven subfloor without proper preparation, the surface of the vinyl will show any imperfections in the subfloor.
- In terms of cost, high-quality LVP or LVT may actually be priced similarly to mid-range laminates.
- Due to vinyl’s water-resistance and comfort, it is best used in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and busy areas.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Laminate if:
- You’re looking to get an inexpensive option for flooring that looks like wood.
- The area that will have the laminate flooring will be a dry area such as a bedroom, living room, or hallway.
- You want an option that allows you to do it yourself without having to have any special tools.
Choose Vinyl if:
- A waterproof floor is needed for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
- Comfort while standing and walking for extended periods is also necessary.
- Durability and low maintenance are both important; as well as having multiple styles.
Conclusion
In selecting flooring for your home, you should consider each room’s size, your lifestyle, and which areas are most important to you. Vinyl floors are very water resistant and durable and are therefore a great option for rooms like kitchens, bathrooms, and heavy-traffic areas. Laminate has a realistic wood appearance, and is affordably priced, making it an excellent choice for any dry area like a bedroom or living room. At Brite Floor, we carry high-quality laminate and vinyl products, which will help you find the perfect floor solution for your home. By choosing the correct product for your needs, you’ll create a fabulously stylish and comfortable living space that will continue to give you great service for many years.
