3 Areas of Difference Between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring

Laminate floors are some of the most budget-friendly flooring options for new floors. Unlike hardwood floors, which are composed entirely of real wood, quality laminate is engineered wood made from wood byproducts, similar to linoleum.

Laminate has a base layer for water resistance, a high-density fiberboard core for stability, and a wear layer that mimics the look and texture of wood flooring. Laminate floorboards are significantly cheaper than hardwood flooring and can therefore be a more cost-effective option for DIY Installation.

Vinyl floors are some of the most versatile types of flooring on the market, as vinyl flooring is affordable and customizable to fit the style or function of most remodels or new construction projects. The most common types of vinyl flooring products are luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP flooring) or luxury vinyl tile, popular with DIY remodelers for their moisture resistance, few maintenance requirements, and ease of installation.

Much like with laminate flooring, you can install luxury vinyl flooring using a floating floor method, in which the planks or tiles snap together on top of the underlayment, covering the subfloor. If you select sheet vinyl, you might require professional installation or help, as that installation method has the potential for errors: The installer must cut the sheet flooring accurately with a utility knife before gluing down the material in the proper location.

Vinyl flooring and laminate flooring are both excellent choices for high-traffic areas in your home. They have similar appearances and costs per square foot, but there are certain differences that might help narrow down your flooring search. Here are a few factors to consider when you are deciding between laminate flooring and vinyl flooring:

• Appearance: Although the appearance of laminate or vinyl flooring material ultimately depends on the quality and finish, high-end laminate flooring typically has a more natural appearance and a texture that feels like wood. Since vinyl is made from synthetic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and sealed with a urethane topcoat, there is a synthetic shine to the material.
• Durability: The flooring options are similar in durability, with water-resistant top layers that prevent dents and scratches. However, vinyl flooring is much less susceptible than laminate flooring to water damage, making it the better option for areas that will see moisture, like laundry rooms or basements.
• Maintenance: Unlike natural wood floors, both laminate and vinyl cannot be sanded or refinished. You can extend the lifetime of your vinyl flooring by adding an additional layer of urethane, but in most cases, you will need to replace damaged laminate. Both materials are easy to clean, but excessive exposure to water and cleaning products can damage laminate. For this reason, use a dry mop or a broom instead of a wet mop to clean laminate.

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