Many people do not realize that vinyl and laminate flooring are not the same thing. Before you dive into a flooring project, it is a good idea to get an understanding of the basics of these floor types to help you make your decision. To start, it is important to understand that there are similarities between vinyl and laminate floors, but it’s their differences that will help you decide which one is right for your home. We can break the decision down into four parts:
Aesthetics
Let’s face it, when it comes to flooring, a significant portion of the decision-making factor relates to how it looks in the room. You may have an image of an old fashioned laminate flooring in your mind and shudder at the thought of putting it in your home, but toss that image aside. Over the last few years, laminate and vinyl flooring have both made a comeback with designers and homeowners alike. If you love the look of natural hardwood or stone flooring but are seeking a less expensive choice, laminate is an excellent option. Laminate flooring is often embossed for an even more realistic look and feel, plus there are endless patterns and colours to choose from. Vinyl flooring, although similar, maybe slightly less realistic looking. There is an equally large number of style options, so there is bound to be something that suits every project.
Installation Method
Nobody wants to deal with a tricky do-it-yourself project, so installation should be a significant factor when deciding on your flooring project. Both laminate and vinyl floors are comparable when it comes to the ease of their installation processes. Both are suitable for do-it-yourselfers as long as the proper preparation is done first.
Durability
Generally, vinyl floors are a better choice for high activity rooms or areas that have a high moisture content, such as a basement or bathroom. Typically, vinyl comes as a seamless sheet to limit moisture from penetrating the floor and to keep mould and microorganisms away. Laminate is not quite the same, but it is water resistant and fitting for installation in most areas as long as it is installed correctly. You might want to use a different base or interlocking system for areas that see high levels of moisture, like around dishwashers, washing machines or sinks.
Maintenance
Most of us do not have the time or energy to spend cleaning floors in our home every day, which is why ease of maintenance should be another factor you consider. Fortunately, either option is simple to keep clean. You can vacuum, mop or sweep laminate or vinyl. One point to keep in mind is that vinyl floors are often softer than laminate, so they may be less resistant to wear.
All things considered, laminate and vinyl floors are comparable in a lot of ways. You will see an aesthetically pleasing room with affordable and durable flooring by picking either. The decision basically comes down to what appeals to you the most. If you are having trouble deciding on flooring for your project, the professionals at Touchtone Canada can help! We can provide support for your home renovation, interior design and commercial flooring projects. Call us today to see how we can assist you.