What’s a better choice for your home? Vinyl planks or laminate?

Selecting the floor to be installed in your house takes quite a lot of time because of the numerous options available in the market. The two common types include vinyl planks and laminate floors. Here are the pure reflections of the two: But which one is superior? 

Well, let us break down the advantages and disadvantages of each to make it easier for you to conclude.

What Are Vinyl Planks?

Vinyl planks are a fake type of floor that imitates the appearance of wood or stone. They are many phases, and among them are a surface, which offers protection to them and a body, which enhances their hardness. Some of them have a rigid center, which makes them even more rigid.

Pros of Vinyl Planks

  1. Strong and Long-lasting: Vinyl planks are also resistant to scratching and pocking and any other raw pressure applied to them, which is perfect for busy areas.
  2. Waterproof: As to waterproof, vinyl planks are more appropriate in this regard as they can easily deal with water. It makes them suitable to be installed in the kitchen, bathroom or basement of a home.
  3. Lots of Choices: Vinyl planks are available in cutting-edge patterns and shades. They can resemble the appearance of wood, stone or tiles such that it becomes hard to differentiate.

Cons of Vinyl Planks

  1. Not Good for the Environment: The material from which vinyl is made is plastic, and we know that it is not environmentally friendly at all. How making it can harm the planet.
  2. Can Be Expensive: Vinyl planks are quite affordable, although high-quality ones may cost a bit much, and this is if one has to hire someone to do the installation.
  3. Hard to Fix: The worst disadvantage of vinyl planks is that if they are damaged, there are a few ways one can use to repair them. They may include repairs that may demand the replacement of an entire wall, not simply a plank or twelfth of it.

What Is Laminate Flooring?

Laminate flooring is also a fake type but made to resemble the look of the wood or the stone. It has chunks of wood as a core and has other layers on top to shield it.

Pros of Laminate Flooring

  1. Cheaper: Pricing-wise, laminate flooring is normally cheaper than vinyl planks.
  2. Easy to Install: A good number of laminate floors are installed through the use of a click-locking system. It, therefore, means that once they are put in, you do not necessarily have to seek the services of a professional to do it.
  3. Lots of Looks: Laminate also comes in different looks; it has many designs. It comes in an option of providing it with a wooden appearance or having a stone type look.

Cons of Laminate Flooring

  1. Not Good with Water: Laminate doesn’t like water. If it gets wet, it skews or warps, so it can not be used in bathrooms or kitchens as most people would love.
  2. Not as Strong: Laminate may scuff and has a shorter wear span as compared to Vinyl planks. The floor can be worn out by having furniture on it or when people walk on it.
  3. Noisy: All laminates are slightly noisy especially when people are walking on it. Perhaps you will require some insulation, especially if you need to reduce the noise level.

Vinyl Planks vs. Laminate: A Comparison

Vinyl planks and laminate flooring are both great options for your home, but which one is best describes here: 

Look and Feel

  1. Laminate usually appears to be real wood since more attention is paid to the design of the element.
  2. Vinyl is plastic and looks a little less like the real thing if that’s important to you.
  3. Winner: Laminate

Water Resistance

  1. Vinyl is completely water resistant meaning that it can easily handle a lot of water.
  2. Laminate actually looks like wood, but it has a wood core that can swell when it is exposed to water, which is bad when used in areas that are exposed to water.
  3. Winner: Vinyl

Installation

  1. Even though they are different, they are both relatively easy to install and that goes particularly for goods that are click-together.
  2. It can also be vinyl, which can either be used with adhesive strips as peel and stick or glued on and laminate that mostly snaps together.
  3. Winner: Tie

Cleaning

  1. Vinyl is another material which considered to be incredibly easy to clean.
  2. Laminate needs gentle cleaning. They lose their color. Too much water can damage them.
  3. Winner: Vinyl

Cost

  1. Both of them are less expensive than real wood or tile. It is especially so since vinyl can become expensive when one opts for fancy designs.
  2. Laminate is usually cheaper in comparison with other types of flooring.
  3. Winner: Tie, but vinyl can cost more for luxury options.

Durability

  1. Laminate is also a heavy option for a floor to be resistant, but it hates water and is a scratch-happy material.
  2. Vinyl is also hard-wearing, is suitable for wet areas, and, if well maintained, has a longer life expectancy.
  3. Winner: Vinyl

Best Flooring for Each Room

Here flooring is describes for each room: 

  1. Bedrooms: Vinyl or laminate
  2. Living room: Vinyl or Laminate
  3. Kitchen: Vinyl or laminate
  4. Bathroom: Vinyl
  5. Laundry or basement: Vinyl

Conclusion

Regarding vinyl planks and laminate flooring, it can be said that they have their advantages. If you want floors that will last long and you are okay with it coming in contact with water, then vinyl planks should do the trick. 

Laminate has several advantages: for example, it is cheaper than the other two types of flooring, and installing them also does not take long. The type of rooms that you consider when planning to install new flooring and the factors of consideration.

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FAQs

Is vinyl good for kitchens and bathrooms?

Yes, vinyl is great because it doesn’t mind water.

Can laminate be used in basements?

Yes, but it needs special care to keep out water.

Which is better for pets?

Vinyl, because it’s tougher and handles water better.

How do you fix laminate?

Sometimes, you can replace damaged pieces, but it can be tricky.

Is vinyl eco-friendly?

Not really, but some makers are trying to make it greener.

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