A GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE BEST FLOORING MATERIAL FOR YOUR PROJECT
If you’re searching for a cheap alternative to traditional hardwood flooring for your project, you’ve likely considered vinyl and laminate flooring. Although both are budget-friendly options, vinyl flooring has evolved over the years to provide excellent options that are durable and easy to maintain without sacrificing appearance.
Both options are very similar, but there are some key differences that you must take into account before choosing the best flooring material for your home. Many people don’t know the difference between these flooring options, and this blog post will cover the specifics of each so that you can choose the best option for your project.
Vinyl flooring is composed of various layers that give it durability and a high level of water resistance. The solid vinyl core sits below a layer of printed vinyl and a wear layer. All of the layers of synthetic material enhance the moisture resistance of this flooring, allowing water to sit for a long time without damaging your flooring. Depending on the type of vinyl flooring you choose for your project, you can select from a thickness of 1.5 mm for sheet vinyl to 5mm for luxury plank options. Vinyl flooring has various options, including stone plastic composite (SPC) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), allowing you to choose the best type for your needs.
Traditional LVT and SPC vinyl floors are different because of the variation in their construction. Stone plastic composite is making waves among homeowners because it's seen as the upgraded version of vinyl flooring, and it's composed of higher-quality layers than its traditional counterpart. Traditional luxury vinyl tile, on the other hand, is constructed from a simple PVC core that sacrifices durability and longevity. Meanwhile, SPC vinyl planks have a center that consists of a stone plastic composite, creating a more durable flooring option that’s resistant to dents and wear.
Similar to vinyl flooring options, laminate is also constructed from synthetic materials that give it the look of a genuine hardwood floor. Its layers are similar to those of vinyl floors, except its core layer is constructed from various wood byproducts held together with resins. Laminate floors are topped with a decorative photo image overlay and a transparent wear layer that protects the printed design. Laminate planks range from 6 mm to 12 mm, and because of their thick composition, laminate floors are comfortable to walk on. This makes it a good option for high-traffic areas such as living rooms and hallways.
Both flooring materials have their own pros and cons, often making it difficult for homeowners to decide between the two. However, the pros of luxury vinyl greatly outweigh the pros of laminate for the following reasons presented in the section below.
Vinyl flooring is one of the easiest floors to clean and maintain as it lets you use virtually all cleaning methods to conquer any mess that it may endure. You can use a traditional wet mop to wipe away any dirt and grime that have accumulated, meaning you won’t have to invest in any specialty cleaners.
Since it’s so easy to clean, you won’t need to use harsh cleaners on your vinyl planks. A mild cleaning agent will be more than enough to clean up the biggest spills and messes. Easy cleanup means you can spend less time scrubbing your floors as most things can quickly be wiped away or vacuumed, including pet hair and dust.
Maintaining a beautiful appearance on your vinyl floors is simple because you won’t need to wax them. Using wax on these floors causes buildup that will need to be stripped, so it’s not recommended. Instead, you can maintain it with regular cleaning, and if you notice it looking a little dull, you can apply a polish designed for no-wax floors.
Vinyl floors are extremely durable, and if installed and maintained properly, they can last up to 20 years. This makes it an excellent choice for any room, especially those that get the most foot traffic. Vinyl flooring can even withstand the moisture and messes of kitchens and bathrooms, making it a great option if you want that hardwood look without sacrificing durability.
The various vinyl flooring layers make it resistant to dents, scratches, scuffs, mildew, warping, and other forms of damage. The protective wear layer is especially beneficial for protecting your flooring from any mishaps that occur. All you need to do to keep your floors looking new for years to come is clean them regularly and keep them free from debris and grit.
A key benefit of vinyl flooring is its ability to withstand water, making it the obvious winner in this department. It can put up with almost any form of moisture that’s thrown its way, including spills, pet accidents, and higher levels of humidity.
Today, most vinyl floors are crafted with 100% polymer materials, so they boast high levels of water resistance compared to other flooring options such as laminate. When exposed to moisture, you won’t have to worry about your floors warping, swelling, or softening, allowing it to last for years to come even if it endures high amounts of water. Additionally, the polymer materials are resistant to mold and mildew growth, making them more sanitary overall.
For years, many have considered vinyl to be a less aesthetically appealing option compared to laminate. However, this flooring has made great strides when it comes to style options. You can now purchase vinyl that replicates the look and feel of many flooring types, including stone, tile, and hardwood.
With embossing and printing techniques, vinyl looks nearly identical to the flooring types that it’s intended to replicate, especially if you go with a thicker core option. You can choose from various designs, colors, and patterns to fit your specific style without sacrificing durability or breaking the bank.
Almost anyone can take on the project of installing vinyl floors as they require little experience and tools. This flooring is an excellent option for anyone looking to DIY and save money on installation costs.
There are a variety of installation methods for vinyl flooring, depending on what type you choose. Methods of installation include click-and-lock planks, glue down, peel-and-stick, and more. Many of these methods don’t require special tools such as a saw to cut and install the flooring, and they can be sized using a regular Exacto knife.
Although installation can be a breeze, especially compared to installing real wood flooring, hiring a professional floor installer could save you time and they often get materials at a discounted rate. We would recommend doing your research and compare quotes on professionals in your area and ask them about installing Southern Luxe Flooring for your next project!
Laminate flooring is seen as a cheap option that replicates the appearance of authentic hardwood floorings, making it a go-to choice among homeowners looking to redo their floors. However, many are not aware that it falls short in many categories compared to vinyl flooring options.
Here are the major drawbacks of laminate flooring that may make you want to reconsider choosing it for your project:
Laminate flooring should not be exposed to water, as moisture can easily warp its fiberboard core. Standing water or high humidity levels can cause gapping, buckling, and separating among your floorboards, which means it’s not a great choice for those who have kids, pets, or live in areas with high levels of humidity.
Although not extremely common, some laminate owners have reported mold and mildew growth on their floors. Moisture and standing water are almost always the culprits of mold and mildew concerns, but this is not a concern with vinyl flooring due to its stone plastic composition.
Many homeowners opt for vinyl and laminate flooring because of their easy care and maintenance. However, you must take extra caution when cleaning laminate flooring to avoid damaging it. You can use a broom, dust mop, or vacuum for everyday messes to get the job done. Also, keep in mind that you should wipe up water and other spilled liquids immediately.
Never use a wet mop on laminate flooring, and only use soap-free cleaning products. In addition, you should only clean with products that are specifically designed for use on laminate. With a laminate floor, you are significantly limited in your cleaning options, whereas vinyl flooring is far less finicky.
One of the selling points of both laminate and vinyl is their durability. However, laminate flooring is far less durable as it is susceptible to water damage and cannot be refinished if the top layer is damaged. This means that laminate flooring often doesn’t last as long as vinyl. In fact, it often needs to be replaced after 10 years of use. Although the initial cost is lower, you can plan to save up to replace the flooring after a while.
Both are seen as easy flooring options for do-it-yourselfers to tackle, but installing laminate flooring takes more tools and steps, making it less superior in this category. When installing laminate flooring, you will need a circular saw or hand saw to cut each piece to the appropriate length. Additionally, before placing the floorboards, you will need to apply an underlayment over the subfloor. This is a padding that fixes deviations and improves acoustics.
It’s clear to see that vinyl flooring is the overall better option for your project due to its numerous advantages over laminate. Although laminate flooring is often a cheaper option for homeowners and is chosen because it can have an authentic hardwood appearance, it falls short in its durability and overall lifespan. This means that if you go with laminate for your project, it’ll likely need to be replaced much sooner than vinyl flooring because it’s more susceptible to damage, especially from water.
Although both are considered budget-friendly alternatives to hardwood flooring, there are significant cost differences you must consider.
Costs for both flooring types typically go from $1 to $6 per square foot, depending on the level of quality. Bargain options such as peel-and-stick products are usually less than $1 per square foot. Mid-level flooring goes for $1 to $3 per square foot, and luxury options are often more than $3 per square foot.
Although the costs are around the same, laminate flooring often ends up being the cheaper option upfront, making it attractive to many homeowners. However, vinyl flooring holds a higher resale value that’s almost six times more than laminate. Plus, the superior durability of vinyl means you won’t have to spend a pretty penny replacing it like you would with laminate flooring.
Dogs and cats pose a significant risk to your home’s floors. They can scratch your floors, spill water bowls, and have bathroom accidents before they’re completely trained. So, if you’re a pet owner or plan on getting a furry friend, you should factor this into what flooring material you choose for your project.
Vinyl floors are often the go-to among pet owners as spills and accidents are easy to clean without leaving damage or lasting odors. Additionally, it’s resistant to scratches caused by your pets’ nails as they walk or run across the flooring and offers more “give” when walked on. This means that it’ll not only be more comfortable for your four-legged friend but also will reduce the noise of their claws against the floorboards.
Although laminate flooring isn’t the worst option for pet owners, it’s still inferior to vinyl. Laminate has reduced water resistance and even tends to hold on to smells and odors due to its wood byproduct composition. It’s also more prone to show signs of scratches and wear from your pets over time compared to vinyl.
When choosing between vinyl and laminate flooring, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option to ensure that you’re selecting the best fit for your home. Vinyl is the best flooring material for most projects as it offers many benefits over laminate.
If you’re re-flooring your home but are not sure what style to go with, you can request a sample of our luxury vinyl plank flooring to see how it’ll look in your home. Our team at Southern Luxe is knowledgeable about all types of flooring and can answer any questions you may have to help you start your project today!