Laminate vs Vinyl Flooring

Trying to choose between laminate or vinyl flooring can be difficult with both of these flooring materials having excellent benefits, as well as distinct drawbacks that need considering. Both are affordable, easy to install, and do not take too much time to maintain. However, there are some issues with the quality and appearance you should consider before you decide between the two. When comparing the two materials, this simple guide will help point homeowners in the right direction.

Pros & Cons of Laminate

Laminate is 99% wood; this in and of itself is an indication that the quality is fairly high. You don't have to worry much about warping, water penetration, or other forms of damage, as they are not likely to occur. This is even more so the case when you shop around and buy from a reputable store, as well as opting for a reliable tradesman to do the installation work for you. Struggling to choose the right laminate flooring? Check out our article on the best laminate flooring.

Laminate is more natural in appearance than vinyl as well and it does tend to look better. This is likely to increase the resale value of your home, more so than if you were fitting vinyl. So, if resale value is important, this is obviously a superior choice, over the vinyl material, when choosing a new flooring to install in the home.

The thickness and warmth of the material also makes laminate far more comfortable to walk around on. If you walk around barefoot in your home often, or even if you are walking around with shoes, you will definitely feel the difference between the two materials, and the laminate is going to feel far more comfortable than the vinyl flooring.

Of course, there are some drawbacks to consider, most notably the overall cost. Laminate is a more expensive material than vinyl, and it is slightly more difficult to install so the cost will likely be higher when hiring a flooring specialist. It also requires a little more maintenance in terms of sweeping and mopping, to preserve the natural brilliance and appearance of your new flooring. Although it is a more natural looking flooring material, and is a little more durable than vinyl materials, you should also weigh the additional cost you will pay for the installation, as well as added maintenance you'll have to do, if you choose to install new laminate flooring in your home.

Estimated Material Cost

Pros & Cons of Vinyl

Sure, vinyl from the past is dingy, prone to damage, and simply looks old. However, vinyl which is manufactured today is much sturdier, it looks more elegant, and it can withstand heavy traffic in the home. It is made of 100% plastic material finish, and it comes in dozens of finishes, textures, colours, and grades. So, regardless of your style, or the type of decor you have in your home, you can easily find an option which is going to fit in perfectly.

Vinyl is not prone to water damage, it is superior in terms of resistance to moisture (so it is a great choice in bathrooms), and laying of vinyl is fairly straightforward, which allows a homeowner to DIY the job, making it more cost efficient for those who are on a tight budget.

There are some drawbacks to consider when it comes to choosing vinyl, rather than laminate, however. First off, the resale value is not as high; vinyl is still viewed as sub-par in terms of quality, so it is not going to be as valuable as a laminate material. Additionally, it can shift, and it is not as sturdy as laminate. It is not as easy to walk on and doesn't provide as much comfort on your feet when walking on it.

Ultimately, for an affordable option, vinyl is a great choice. However, the cheaper finishes, the all-plastic design, and the fact that it is not as attractive in appearance as laminate are some things which do detract from the material, for those who are considering it for their home.

Estimated Material Cost

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