Selecting the right flooring for your home is not an easy task. Homeowners obviously want a flooring material that is durable, economical, and attractive. Both laminate flooring and vinyl flooring fulfill these conditions, are equally easy to install, and have a similar cost. From a distance, they look about the same. Therefore, how does one differentiate and choose between the two? Below is a quick guide to help you understand the difference. You can also speak to an experienced flooring contractor to evaluate which of the flooring options best suit your requirements.
What is Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a 100-percent synthetic material. A vinyl sheet floor is completely impermeable to water, unlike vinyl floor tile, which comes in stiff tiles, and vinyl planks, which come in interlocking strips. Vinyl flooring is extensively used because it is water-impervious, reasonably durable, adjustably resilient and insulating, easy to install, available with a variety of appearances, and inexpensive.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a multi-layer synthetic flooring product fused together with a lamination process. Laminate flooring simulates wood (or sometimes stone) with a photographic applique layer under a clear protective layer.
Water and Heat Resistance
Almost all laminate flooring uses a fiberboard core. Because this core is a wood product, it will soften and swell if it is exposed to water. All types of vinyl flooring are not just water-resistant but are waterproof. Sheet vinyl, vinyl tile, and luxury vinyl flooring are usually made with materials that are 100-percent waterproof. In full bathrooms and damp locations such as basements, vinyl flooring materials excel over laminate materials.
Care & Cleaning
Both vinyl and laminate flooring are easy to clean and care for. The advantage of vinyl flooring is that it allows for the use of both dry cleaning (sweeping) and wet cleaning (mopping) methods.
Durability
Laminate flooring consists of many layers ‘joined together’ and hence may de-laminate over a period of time if exposed to water for extended periods. Vinyl flooring is much more durable and can be used used in commercial situations where durability and long lastingness are primary considerations.
Comfort & Sound
Laminate flooring products can feel somewhat hollow underfoot as compared to the wooden floors they are supposed to mimic. But when combined with either foam or felt underlayment, laminate flooring will be quieter, softer, and more comfortable to walk on.
MW Construction is an established contractor with experience in flooring installation for homes in the South Jersey area. We are a licensed and insured contractor providing high-quality and reliable services. We have offices in Northfield and Somers Point. Contact us today at (609) 635-3837 or (609) 241-8231 for further details or estimates. We will also be happy to discuss with you some of our recent flooring projects.