Vinyl Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring: Major Differences
A floor’s ability to withstand moisture depends on its materials. Vinyl flooring is fully synthetic, so it can handle many places. Laminate flooring has limited moisture resistance so there are certain areas where it should not be installed.
Vinyl’s have a UV acrylic coating that guards the floor against sun damage. It has a wear layer that prevents scratches as well as an image layer that displays the look of the desired floor. In addition to those, it features a PVC layer which enhances support and stability. Its core is made of PVC as well. Lastly, it has a built-in underlayment which is a soft layer that assists with uneven subfloors.
Laminate flooring has a wear layer that is comprised of clear aluminum oxide to guard against scratches. Its core layer consists of highly compressed wood fibers, and it features an image layer as well. It also has a built-in underlayment just as vinyl’s do to aid with uneven subfloors.
The laminate material is similar to luxury vinyl planks as far as its appearance and installation method. Its core is made of wood byproducts bonded by resins which is the critical difference.
Vinyl’s have a UV acrylic coating that guards the floor against sun damage. It has a wear layer that prevents scratches as well as an image layer that displays the look of the desired floor. In addition to those, it features a PVC layer which enhances support and stability. Its core is made of PVC as well. Lastly, it has a built-in underlayment which is a soft layer that assists with uneven subfloors.
Laminate flooring has a wear layer that is comprised of clear aluminum oxide to guard against scratches. Its core layer consists of highly compressed wood fibers, and it features an image layer as well. It also has a built-in underlayment just as vinyl’s do to aid with uneven subfloors.
The laminate material is similar to luxury vinyl planks as far as its appearance and installation method. Its core is made of wood byproducts bonded by resins which is the critical difference.
Appearance and ComfortLaminate flooring has a deep, three-dimensional realistic embossing on its surface, with an image later of the desired flooring you prefer—ceramic, stone, or wood.
Vinyl flooring can also appear realistic, especially if you have luxury vinyl planks. They have a thicker, more solid core which helps them resemble wood even better because it allows for deeper embossing. Laminate is often deemed better for appearance since it more closely duplicates hand-carved hardwood, ceramics, stone, or other materials. Water and Heat ResistanceWhen homeowners are comparing laminate flooring vs vinyl some factors that are often considered are their resistance to water and heat and the care and cleaning.
Laminate Flooring Water and Heat ResistanceSince laminate floors have a fiberboard core (a wood product), it softens and swells when exposed to water. Once it has dried, the core will not have its original dimensions. Moreover, the design and wear layers can peel off if the core becomes waterlogged. Laminate floors with severe water damage need to be replaced not fixed.
If the laminate materials are properly installed with good baseboards, moldings, and tight seams, the floor can handle pooled water, but not for long. Laminate floors in family bathrooms or any areas where gathering water is likely might be a poor choice, unless it’s a new laminate material that holds up better against water. The top layer can burn if something extremely hot were to fall on its surface. Laminate also doesn’t handle constant temperature fluctuations as it will start to expand and contract. Vinyl Flooring Water and Heat ResistanceOlder vinyl materials might have a felt or fiber backing that isn’t waterproof. However, new versions today are comprised of 100 percent polymer materials.
Luxury vinyl can be fully submerged in water for extended periods, reused upon drying, and completely unaffected. Just as with laminate, vinyl can scorch easily if say, a hot pan was to drop on its surface. However, temperature fluctuations don’t affect vinyl, unless it’s extreme heat which can lead to the floor expanding and the adhesive melting. Care and CleaningLaminate floors are cleaned best with dry methods, like a dry mop or broom. If a wet clean is necessary, you can use a damp mop that almost feels dry to the touch.
One of vinyl's strongest features is that it’s super easy to clean and care for. If the vinyl floors are in good condition they can be wet-mopped and scrubbed with safe cleaning products. Durability and MaintenanceWhen it comes to laminate vs vinyl flooring, vinyl wins with durability and maintenance.
Laminate Durability and MaintenanceLaminate is durable and doesn’t require much maintenance, but its layers can delaminate with time or if it’s exposed to water for an extended time.
Once the top layer is chipped or scratched, it can’t be repaired. Once delimitation begins, the top layers start to peel and allow water to reach the lower layers. Vinyl Flooring Durability and MaintenanceSome vinyl can delaminate. Think plank vinyl floors hold up better against water than thicker vinyl floors which have a built-in underlayment.
The thin material can’t delaminate because it doesn't have lawyers; only a single layer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The underlayment of thick vinyl flooring is the weak link in the layering system. Vinyl is tough and can withstand heavy foot traffic. Vinyl floors are highly durable and even bare the industry term— resilient flooring. Vinyl floors can also be found in commercial spaces, as its more durable and easy to maintain. Installation and costsLaminate has a click-and-lock method for installation in which one plank fits into the groove of another adjoining plank. Next, the first plank is folded and leveled with the other plank which pulls the boards together and seals the seam.
Vinyl planks also have this click-and-lock method. Laminate flooring installation and vinyl flooring installation are both easy and have their advantages and disadvantages. Laminate floors range from $1.00 per square foot/7mm-thick planks to around $5.00 per square foot/12mm-thick planks. Vinyl floors range from $1.00 per square foot/thin, glue downs, and about $5.00 per square foot/luxury vinyl planks. It’s a tie! LifespanLaminate warranties usually range between 10 to 25 years, depending on how rigorous its maintenance schedule.
Luxury vinyl warranties usually reach up to about 20 years. They’re both great in the lifespan department. Stain ResistanceBoth of these materials have protective coatings that shield against stains. Laminate has a clear aluminum oxide layer and a good quality vinyl has a transparent urethane layer which works great for resisting stains.
Resale ValueThey’re both tied and bode well with their resale value, so long as the planks are fairly new and in good condition.
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If you have more questions about Laminate or vinyl flooring please call All Floors Center at (404) 610-9344
