To summarize, vinyl is a better choice when you need water resistance, lifespan, and durability in your flooring. Meanwhile, laminate is preferable if you want a more stylish appearance, lower costs, and a comfortable feel underfoot.
While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.
Vinyl stands up the best against excess moisture and spills, and it can be less expensive than laminate. However, laminate gives a more realistic wood look to enhance the design aesthetic in your home.
Vinyl also has a longer lifespan and better overall durability than laminate. Although it can last twice as long as laminate, vinyl (especially luxury vinyl) may involve a larger investment upfront.
The main difference between laminate and vinyl flooring is the materials they're made of. Vinyl is 100% synthetic, while laminate uses a fiberboard core constructed of wood byproducts. Thus, laminate flooring is not waterproof, while vinyl flooring is 100% waterproof.
The disadvantages of vinyl floors
Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Shorter lifespan than wood floors. No impact, or negative impact, on home resale value. Difficult to remove, especially if adhesive is used during installation.
#5 Laminate is overall more affordable.
The initial costs associated with laminate flooring are typically lower than that of vinyl, with labor and materials starting at around $1 per square foot for laminate (versus $2 per square foot for vinyl).
To summarize, vinyl is a better choice when you need water resistance, lifespan, and durability in your flooring. Meanwhile, laminate is preferable if you want a more stylish appearance, lower costs, and a comfortable feel underfoot.
When comparing vinyl plank to laminate, it's a close race as to which is easier to install. However, the installation of vinyl plank requires fewer tools and steps, so it's the superior choice in this category.
Most vinyl flooring or luxury vinyl tiles do not require underlay. Vinyl floors are designed with a base layer, making the addition of underlay pointless. This baselayer makes the vinyl flooring incredibly durable and comfortable to walk on.
To keep laminate floors fresh, mop them every two months. Damp mops (a.k.a. microfiber mops) are gentle enough to use on laminate floors. If you're going to use a regular mop, just wring it out until it's almost completely dry.
When it's installed with a suitable underlayment, laminate is more comfortable and quieter than vinyl. That's why it's great in bedrooms and living areas.
LVT is made from PVC-based materials, which makes it incredibly tough. Because of this, LVT often has longer warranties and is generally quieter and warmer underfoot when compared to laminate floors.
Vinyl and laminate are priced pretty similarly, but laminate may be a little bit cheaper than vinyl on average. Laminate flooring costs can run anywhere from $1 to $10 per square foot. Luxury vinyl planks often cost between $1 and $14.
Vinyl flooring is known for being resilient. This means that most vinyl flooring is water-resistant and very low maintenance, with long-lasting durability. If it has a wear layer, vinyl flooring will usually not stain and can survive plenty of wear and tear, which makes it a good option for any highly trafficked areas.
Vinyl plank flooring offers excellent durability
The excellent scratch resistance you'll find in LVP flooring comes from a protective wear layer that also protects against stains, scuffs, dents, and other forms of daily wear. It's the perfect option for busy rooms, especially with pets and children in the home.
Vinyl flooring is highly durable. If installed and maintained correctly, it can last upwards of 10-20 years. That said, vinyl is a great choice for the rooms in your house that get the most foot traffic. Additionally, most vinyl flooring has a wear layer on its surface that resists scratches and stains.
Is vinyl waterproof? Yes, all vinyl flooring products are waterproof because they're composed primarily of PVC. However, the quality of installation can affect their level of water-resistance. For instance, LVT comes in planks or tiles that sit side by side, resulting in multiple seams.
Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms due to its high resistance to moisture. However, it has several characteristics, which make it an equally great flooring choice for bedrooms.
Vinyl in the kitchen
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and vinyl roll (also known as sheet vinyl), are both suitable for kitchen floors. They're durable, moisture-resistant, and easy to clean and maintain. Kitchen spills and splashes from cooking and washing up are no problem for vinyl's durable and water-resistant surface.
They're made from different materials. Laminate flooring is made of layers. The primary layer (the core) is made of high-density fiberboard that gives laminate flooring its rigidity and strength. LVT is made in layers as well; its primary component is PVC vinyl, which makes LVT dimensionally stable and flexible.
Mix one cup of cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water. Use a damp mop to apply to the floor, rinsing the mop frequently with clean, hot water from another bucket or your sink. For extra cleaning power, add a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap to the water and vinegar mixture.
Vinyl isn't itself slippery, but like any flooring, it can become slippery under certain conditions. For instance, surface moisture, grease, and polish could all present a slipping hazard.