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When it comes to durable, economical, aesthetically appealing, and affordable residential flooring, two options typically come to mind: laminate flooring and vinyl flooring. It's very easy to fix, costs about the same, and looks appealing. Even from a distance, they look the same at first glance.

However, the two options are different. Vinyl flooring and laminate flooring have many similarities, but the main differences can affect the type of flooring you choose and how you install it. Let's compare all important flooring aspects in this comparison blog.

Laminate or Vinyl? Floor Decisions!

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring usually consists of four layers of material. The very first or base layer is the underlying surface, often cork or polyurethane. It is designed to be used as an underlayment for vinyl floors. It eliminates the need to install additional materials prior to laying vinyl floors. Also, it acts as a cushion for a very comfortable ride on surfaces and as an acoustic shield to keep out noise.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a man-made substance, unlike traditional flooring materials such as hardwood, marble, and granite. Also, it has the best protective coating that contains wear, design, and base layer. It has four strands, which are joined together in the lamination stage. Surprisingly durable as it is one of the most economical alternatives. 

Thanks to its decorative surface, it can imitate the appearance of other expensive floor coverings such as parquet, tiles, and natural stone. You can determine the water resistance of any form of soil by its composition. Since the vinyl floor is a completely artificial floor, you can install it anywhere. Laminate flooring has limited water resistance, so you can only install it in certain areas.

In appearance and application, laminate flooring is very similar to luxury vinyl panels. The main difference is that it is based on polymer-bound wood waste. The printed pattern layer is protected by a strong layer of clear plastic on top. Laminate flooring thickness varies from 6 mm to 12 mm.

It is also possible to embed an underlay, such as a vinyl plate. However, this is an alternative that is becoming increasingly popular, with laminate surfaces as a DIY option.

Difference Between Vinyl Flooring & Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring and vinyl flooring share some similarities, but they have different characteristics. Below, we detail vinyl and laminate flooring so you can decide which one is best for you.

The Look

For contemporary flooring, both options are breathtakingly beautiful and excellent surface choices.

• Vinyl Flooring

The latest technology has allowed vinyl flooring to mimic a realistic look. Intaglio printing, especially on luxury vinyl planks, is ideal as a replacement for parquet flooring. Underneath a durable, clear wear layer made of high-quality vinyl board or tile is an image layer. This image often represents wood types (oak, maple, hickory, etc.) and rarely represents stone. 

However, user experience has shown that a realistic look does not always match all vinyl flooring options. Older, cheaper vinyl sheets and tile floors are made by gravure printing (similar to a cylinder press) and coated with a clear wear layer.

• Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring leaves an authentic image of materials such as wood, ceramic, and stone in deep, realistic 3D printing on the design layer. To achieve the illusion of natural hardwood and stone, all laminate floors use a high-resolution digital overlay under a translucent wear layer. 

The laminate appearance is its main feature. Laminate flooring comes in almost every shade, hardwood, and stone flooring type and variety. You can choose from Hand-cleaned, grounded, reclaimed wood, organic finishes, whitewash, different lengths, and more. Also, you can learn about how good laminate floors are against water by checking our guide on Water Resistant vs. waterproof Laminate. 

The Maintenance

Both are easy to maintain, yet there are fundamental differences between them.

• Vinyl Flooring

The biggest advantage of vinyl flooring is the ease of maintenance and wiping. You can wet mop Vinyl flooring if it's in good condition and, if necessary, clean aggressively with a suitable cleaning agent.

• Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring should be maintained first using dry products such as dry cloths and brushes. If you need to clean your laminate flooring with water, use a damp mop until it is almost dry to the touch.

The Toughness

All customers want durable options. That's why the strength and stability of your floor are much more important before spending money on flooring. So, be sure to check the toughness of the flooring before making an investment.

• Vinyl Flooring

Some types of vinyl flooring can be divided into separate layers. Thin vinyl floors resist moisture better than thicker, more expensive vinyl floors with built-in underlays. A thin floor has no level, so it is just a single PVC sheet that is undeformed and intact. 

The soft base of large and expensive slabs is the weakest element in its layered structure. Also, sticky vinyl floor panels can peel off over time. Overall, vinyl flooring is a durable surface product that can withstand the stress of heavy traffic.

• Laminate Flooring

Laminate floors are durable and easy to maintain. However, many parts of laminate flooring can gradually delaminate with age or prolonged exposure to moisture. Once the main wear surface of the laminate is damaged or delaminated, it cannot be repaired. As the peeling begins, the topcoat begins to peel away, which allows water to seep into the layers underneath.

The Installation

• Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is easy to install. You can glue it or put it on the ground. Bonded vinyl floors are available as tiles or panels that are adhered with a liquid or sticky adhesive. Floating flooring is another name for loosely laid vinyl flooring. The tiles are joined side by side but not directly joined to the ground.

• Laminate Flooring

Every laminate flooring is a floating layer. Planks, like vinyl flooring, connect side by side. The ground's gravity and abrasion keep it from moving. Laminate flooring, like vinyl flooring, is readily trimmed by cutting it with a knife blade and tearing it off.

The Eco Impact

• Vinyl Flooring

In recent years, vinyl flooring has become more eco-friendly. Several vinyl floor manufacturers already offer materials that meet the LEED EQ4.3 standard for low-emission materials. Vinyl is an artificial substance that emits dangerous compounds when burned. In fact, vinyl is not separated from waste and is not a subject of treatment.

• Laminate Flooring

Many laminate flooring producers offer LEED MR4 (recycled materials) certified products. However, the top surface of the laminate is a polymer, and the melamine polymer used to make the base layer can release gaseous toxins, so it is not environmentally friendly.

Resistance to Stain

• Vinyl Flooring

Translucent urethane coating provides excellent stain protection for high-quality vinyl floors.

• Laminate Flooring

The pressure laminate floor consists of many strands, on top of which is a clear aluminum oxide surface, ideal for stain protection.

Added Property Value

• Vinyl Flooring

The luxury vinyl plank floors from quality manufacturers increase the resale value of your property. Customers often perceive low-quality vinyl flooring as an additional expense when purchasing a home and needing to replace it.

• Laminate Flooring

A good laminate floor can increase the market value of your home if it is new enough and in good condition.

Heat Effect

• Vinyl Flooring

As with similar polymers, temperature can have a negative impact on vinyl flooring. However, the heating standards that most vinyl floors meet are often significantly higher (158 degrees Fahrenheit) than expected in normal use.

• Laminate Flooring

The backing of high-density laminated particleboard is often not damaged by high temperatures. However, additional coatings, such as wear-resistant topcoats, can be destroyed at high temperatures. The highest temperature tolerance points for vinyl floors are well above those typically encountered in most homes.

The Cost

• Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is a very economical option compared to hardwood floors, natural stone, or even ceramic tiles. Depending on the quality and customer needs, luxury vinyl flooring is a little expensive but still very cost-effective.

The expense of vinyl flooring changes with its thickness (1.5mm, 2mm, and so on), and for the most part, 2ft × 6ft/12 ft are accessible in the market. The cost range begins from Rs 20/ - (For conventional) to Rs 300 (for Extravagance sheets). For the most part, you will get a reasonable and great quality sheet For Rs 70/ -

• Laminate Flooring

Laminate is also a very economical alternative to flooring and is slightly easier to use than vinyl floors. Vinyl and laminate flooring are suitable for most home uses. Most of the elements of decision-making are subjective. 

Whether it's beauty choices, materials, or price, the two can outshine each other. Humidity is the only limitation to vinyl and laminate replacement. Vinyl flooring performs better in wet conditions than laminate flooring, making it ideal for bathrooms.

However, laminate flooring is generally much more practical when it comes to installing it throughout your home due to the variety of options available. Floormonk offers a wide selection of SPC floorings as the perfect flooring option. These floors combine the highest quality and craftsmanship with the most compelling aesthetics. Contact us today for more information.

Which is better, laminate or vinyl floors?

If you're looking for affordable and durable flooring, vinyl may be your best option. Vinyl is weather-resistant and will last 10+ years with proper care. It also requires no special care or maintenance, making it an excellent choice for those on a tight budget.

Laminate floors, on the other hand, look more modern than traditional hardwood floors and often come in a variety of colors and designs to match your home's style. Cleanup is easy as it uses water instead of solvents. However, laminate floors tend to wear faster due to foot traffic and moisture build-up over time, so they may not last as long as vinyl.

What lasts longer, vinyl or laminate?

Vinyl is considered more durable than laminate as it is less likely to peel or fade. Also, vinyl tends to be more resistant to moisture and UV rays, which can cause fading and yellowing. 

Laminate flooring, on the other hand, is less water and scraped spot-safe. Thus, it can't keep going as long as vinyl. Lastly, property holders should consistently check vinyl or overlay flooring for indications of blurring or wear so they don't bother with being supplanted rashly.

The latest vinyl flooring has serious areas of strength and is 7-8mm thick, so it can lay over old floors or erratic subfloors without the substrate broadcasting through. Waterproof makes so much sense and is better than overlay. Both are serious areas of strength. 

Life range depends upon contract holder care… Even the most affordable covers can last 10 years or erring if, despite everything that they are especially presented with, and stay dry. Ultimately, it becomes important for homeowners to periodically inspect their vinyl or laminate flooring for signs of fading or wear & tear in order not to prematurely end up needing replacement.

What is the most popular flooring in homes today?

Vinyl flooring is right now the most well-known ground surface material for homes. This is fundamentally because of its adaptability and long-haul benefits. Vinyl floors are climate-safe, simple to clean, and look regular regardless of what style of home you pick.

Moreover, wooden floors contain economically gathered trees, making them an earth-safe choice. Assuming you're searching for a wonderful ground surface that endures perpetually, vinyl flooring might be the best approach.

Is vinyl flooring and laminate flooring the same?

Vinyl ground surface and cover flooring are not exactly the same thing. Vinyl is a slight film that is applied to the outer layer of the floor, while the cover comprises various layers of wood or different materials stuck together. This kind of ground surface is more costly than vinyl. However, it is simpler to keep up with and has a more drawn-out life expectancy than vinyl.