Planning to switch to laminate or vinyl flooring? You’ve reached the best spot if you want to learn more about vinyl vs. laminate flooring. Both claim to be more durable, less expensive, and easier to maintain than hardwood, but how do they compare? Is either type of flooring comparable to more expensive flooring, or does it fall short? Purchasing flooring is a complicated procedure that can leave buyers feeling overwhelmed and perplexed. So, here are important details when deciding between laminate or vinyl flooring.
If looks is your defining factor, laminate flooring has the upper hand, according to flooring experts. Laminate flooring now comes in a variety of realistic-looking styles and hues thanks to advances in printing technology. While there are many different hues and types of wood available, laminate is more than just wood. This sort of flooring also comes in laminate that mimics the look of travertine, ceramic tile, and stone.
Durability
To acquire the look of hardwoods without the risk of scratches, dents, and other faults that may be time-consuming (and expensive) to fix, consumers generally turn to vinyl-plank or laminate flooring. The durability of both vinyl plank and laminate flooring is a major selling point. When put to the test, how do these two types of flooring fare?
Vinyl flooring is the clear winner here. The two main limitations of laminate flooring (water susceptibility and difficulty to repair the floor if the top layer is damaged) can have a significant impact on its durability.
Vinyl flooring is completely waterproof and less prone to scratching. If a higher wear layer is purchased, the vinyl flooring could last for 20 years or more. Vinyl plank flooring is also a wonderful option for families with children and pets. It is exceptionally resistant to damage and, unlike traditional hardwoods, will not need to be refinished over time.
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Costs
Vinyl and laminate floors are very reasonably priced. You should budget anything from £1 to £6 per square foot or more. This does not include installation charges, which can range from £2 to £5 per square foot, if you use specialists.
Sound and Comfort
When we compare the two types of flooring in terms of comfort, laminate comes out on top.
Anyone who has spent hours standing on bare flooring understands how taxing it can be on the legs, knees, and back. When installing new flooring, it’s crucial to think about how comfortable it will be.
Vinyl flooring isn’t always the most comfortable because it’s installed directly on a concrete subfloor. Because there is no insulation underneath, it might also feel cold. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, has a more pleasant reputation. It’s a lot thicker than vinyl, so it’s much more comfy right away.
Cleaning and upkeep
Vinyl flooring is one of the simplest to maintain. A wet mop can be used, however pouring water or otherwise saturating the floor is not suggested on peel-and-stick planks because water can get underneath seams and edges and break down the glue. Dents created by heavy furniture are the most common issue with vinyl flooring. Floor protectors can be purchased online or at a local large box home improvement store to prevent dents and damage to the floor.
Laminate flooring is also simple to clean and maintain, but there are a few things to keep in mind to keep these floors in good condition. A broom, dust mop, or vacuum cleaner intended for laminate floors can be used to clean up spills on a daily basis. Any water or other spills should be cleaned up immediately.
Installation
When it comes to ease of installation, vinyl flooring and laminate flooring are neck and neck. Vinyl plank, on the other hand, requires fewer tools and processes to install, making it the preferable option in this area. Installing peel-and-stick vinyl plank flooring is less difficult than tongue-and-groove flooring, and even novices can do it.
Laminate, like vinyl plank flooring, has a tongue-and-groove construction that allows it to be installed as a “floating floor” without the use of glue or nails. Although installation can be time-consuming, most homeowners can complete a room in a single day.
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