Do your floors need a face-lift but aren’t sure which material to choose between vinyl vs laminate flooring? Rest easy—we’re here to help. As far as flooring products go, vinyl and laminate flooring are both cost-effective, durable, and attractive options. Homeowners often choose these types of flooring when they are trying to capture the beauty of hardwood without the price tag. But which is right for you? Here is a full comparison guide of vinyl vs laminate flooring that will hopefully help to make your flooring renovation decision easier.
Which is better, vinyl or laminate flooring?
The answer to this question is really based on preference and the qualities and characteristics you’re looking for in your new hard surface flooring options. Both vinyl and laminate are great options for your next flooring renovation. In general, vinyl is a preferred option if you’re looking for floors that are waterproof, have a long lifespan, and are very durable. Whereas, you may prefer laminate if you’re more heavily considering style and appearance and lower cost options.
However, let’s dive further into the main characteristics you may be comparing when considering vinyl vs laminate flooring, including waterproof, durability, installation, maintenance and care, lifespan, appearance and style, stain resistance, and affordability.
Waterproof
In general, vinyl flooring is more water resistant than laminate.
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Vinyl
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Laminate
Now, RevWood Plus products are fully waterproof, allowing for a care-free lifestyle and easy cleaning. First, the edges of each RevWood Plus plank are coated with a hydrophobic coating called HydrosealTM. This coating repels water from entering the wood core. Second, The Uniclic technology developed by Mohawk is a revolutionary glue less locking system. The boards snap together creating tight seams that keep water on the surface. Finally, RevWood Plus planks have GenuEdge where the laminate’s surface and protective coating can wrap over the laminate’s edge. With this technology, you now can enjoy the beauty of wood in any room of your home.
Durability
When comparing vinyl vs laminate flooring, the great news is that both can withstand pets, kids, and heavy traffic.
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Vinyl
A big difference between vinyl vs laminate flooring is that vinyl is softer and thus more susceptible to damage, like scratches and dents. The biggest concern with vinyl flooring is heavy furniture that can cause dents in the planks. Planks can be torn if heavy furniture or appliances are dragged across vinyl flooring. To mitigate this risk, vinyl protectors can be purchased.
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Laminate
Although more resistant to wear and generally more durable than vinyl flooring, it is still possible to damage laminate flooring. Laminate will look better longer, as it more resistant to fading. The great thing about these two materials is that if either type of floor is damaged, vinyl and laminate repair kits are available.
Maintenance, Care and Cleaning
While both vinyl and laminate flooring are easy to maintain, vinyl flooring has a bit of an edge since it is waterproof. Refinishing won’t be needed for either type of flooring. Generally, no special care is needed as compared to hardwood floors.
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Vinyl
The best maintenance and cleaning routine for vinyl flooring is a wet mop with mild cleanser, dust mop, or steam mop. A regular cleaning schedule will keep your floors looking shiny. No harsh cleaners are needed. Wax should not be used on vinyl flooring, but no-wax polish can be used to easily restore vinyl flooring.
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Laminate
There are a few precautions to take when cleaning and caring for laminate flooring. A broom, dust mop, or vacuum cleaner that is laminate friendly can be used daily. Any spills should be wiped up immediately to prevent damage. Wet mops should not be used on laminate. Instead, only use soap-free cleansers or products designed specifically for laminate flooring. Steam mops can be used. Like vinyl, laminate floors do not need to be waxed. Laminate floors will retain their luster longer than vinyl, but laminate-specific products can be used to restore flooring if necessary.
Installation
Installation is similar for both vinyl plank and laminate flooring.
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Vinyl
For vinyl, tongue-and-groove flooring easily clicks together. Since vinyl is soft, a utility knife can be used to easily cut any edge pieces to size.
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Laminate
Laminate flooring installation is also easy but involves more tools and extra steps during installation. A hand or circular saw is needed to cut each piece of laminate. Before installing laminate, underlayment needs to be applied to the sub-floor to fix deviations and improve acoustics. Some types of laminate come with underlayment attached. Laminate is only available in a tongue-and-groove design.
Appearance and Style
While both types of flooring mimic the beauty of hardwood, which looks better when comparing vinyl vs laminate flooring?
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Vinyl
As stated above, vinyl is made from plastic. Manufacturers use the latest technology to mimic hardwood. Color variations, texture, and different patterns are all used to give vinyl flooring a realistic look.
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Laminate
Laminate is made from wood, but a photographic layer is applied on top of the wood with a wood design. Like vinyl flooring, laminate manufacturers use modern printing techniques to capture wood’s natural beauty. However, laminate is going to feel closer to wood since it is not made from softer plastic. So, if you’re looking for a closer style and appearance to hardwood floors, laminate may be the better option.
Lifespan
The lifespan of vinyl vs laminate flooring are pretty similar with proper care and maintenance over time. As long as laminate flooring is usually kept dry and is regularly cleaned, you can expect the two lifespans to be very close. What about their warranties?
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Vinyl
Most warranties for vinyl flooring can range up to 20 years. You should speak with a flooring expert when discussing warranties and lifespan to see if it meets your needs.
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Laminate
Warranties for laminate flooring generally range from 10 to 25 years, but this can be dependent on a rigorous maintenance schedule. Again, we recommend speaking with an expert when discussing your warranty and lifespan options.
Stain Resistance
With both vinyl and laminate flooring, you generally don’t have to worry about stains as both are stain-resistant. High quality, modern vinyl and laminate flooring both receive wear layers that are treated with properties that resist stains.
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Vinyl
High quality vinyl flooring is typically coated with a transparent urethane layer that will provide excellent stain resistance.
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Laminate
Laminate flooring has a top layer made of clear aluminum oxide that is top notch for stain resistance.
What is cheaper, laminate or vinyl flooring?
As with any home renovation, flooring should be seen as an investment that will be well worth it for the lifespan and value of your home. In general, vinyl and laminate flooring are usually similarly priced. However, you may be able to find sheet vinyl at a lower cost, and luxury vinyl options can be more expensive than laminate.
With Floor Concepts, you can get a free in-home quote and measurement by our flooring professionals.
When choosing between vinyl vs laminate flooring, let the flooring experts help. With comprehensive flooring services, Floor Concepts can help you decide what type of flooring is best for your home, needs and budget. After all, we’ve been proudly serving the greater Pittsburgh area for over 50 years! Contact us today at 724-935-4600 or book your free in-home measurement to get started.
