Vinyl and laminate flooring have quite a few similarities and
advantages, but before you make a choice on which one is the best for you,
it’s best to know not only how they are similar, but how they are
different.
Let’s start with what each one is made of.
Laminate flooring is a 99% wood product and is a bit thicker than vinyl
flooring. Vinyl is 100% man-made, thinner than laminate, and made of
plastic.
Vinyl flooring is a bit more durable than laminate
flooring. It’s made from a softer plastic, so it holds up better to wear and
tear, including having the advantage of being scratch-resistant and extremely
water-resistant. Laminate won’t hold up to scratches or moisture as well, but
it’s more comfortable to walk on due to its greater thickness. If you are
installing a floor in a bathroom, kitchen, or other high-moisture area, vinyl
flooring is your best option.
If you’re looking for
something that is more natural-looking, laminate takes first prize over
vinyl. Since it’s made of wood, it has more of a natural look to it. Vinyl
plank flooring is very similar to wood, but in the end, it is a plastic
product, and won’t look quite as natural.
When it comes to
resale value, laminate has the win, hands-down. Though the original purchase
cost is comparable, when it comes to adding value to your home, laminate
flooring will add the most value to your home.
When it
comes to installation, both can be DIY projects, but laminate flooring is a
bit more hollow in the center which means that it’s more important that the
subfloor be even to start. Vinyl flooring is a bit more forgiving of
imperfect subfloors, so if your floor isn’t perfectly even, vinyl is the way
to go.
