Deciding about the correct flooring in your home is tedious, and with the most popular floorings, including Vinyl and laminate, it is difficult to decide upon. The two options are durable, affordable, and easy to maintain, but have dissimilar purposes.
If you are in the market for new floors and looking for a reliable flooring company Pinellas County, consider Davana Floors, known for their expert installation and top-quality materials. To assist you in making the right decision, we will deliberate on the main distinctive features.
Material Composition
How these two materials are constituted makes the biggest difference.
- Laminate Flooring is a combination of several layers, which are wood fiberboard as the base covered with a photographic reflective layer of wood or stone. It has a scratch protection wear layer.
- Vinyl Flooring is fully synthetic, covered by a PVC core, and designed to be printed over it. Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) tend to have an in-built cushioning material to make them comfortable.
Appearance and Style
They both appear to mimic natural materials, and many times, laminate may appear more realistic.
- Laminate, which resembles tile or hardwood, has additional textures and embossing.
- Vinyl has improved in design but may lack the same depth, though LVP comes close.
Water Resistance
This is where vinyl shines.
- When the laminate gets wet, it may expand or even buckle, and thus, it cannot be used in bathrooms or basements.
- Vinyl is waterproof (100 per cent), which makes it suitable in kitchens, bathrooms, and those areas that are exposed to water.
Durability and Maintenance
They both are easy to maintain, with vinyl representing a slight advantage in toughness.
- Laminate cannot withstand standing water, although it is scratch-resistant. Spills should be wiped as they arise.
- Vinyl is durable against traffic, dampness, and stains, as all that it needs is a swift mop.
Installation Ease
Both are available in DIY form, but vinyl is easier.
- Laminate applies a click-lock mechanism that might require cutting using a saw to allow an exact cut.
- Vinyl plank may regularly be cut by using a common knife, which is convenient to use, and the peel-and-stick option makes it less challenging.
Cost Comparison
Pricing is competitive, yet vinyl provides you with cheaper alternatives.
- Laminate costs between $1 – $5 per square foot, with the cost varying according to the thickness of the laminate.
- Vinyl can cost as little as 1$ per sheet, and LVP can cost an average of between $2 – $5.
Best Uses for Each Flooring
- Laminate: Rooms, bedrooms, and dry spots where the décor is important.
- Vinyl: Basements, kitchens, baths, and high humidity areas.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose laminate in low-moisture areas where a look of wood is desired. When you want easy cleanup or have water-prone zones, choose vinyl.
Davana Floors offers professional advice suitable for any Pinellas County homeowners. Be it the classiness of laminate or the durability of vinyl, they will assist you in getting it just right around the home.
Still unsure? Think about your lifestyle, use of room, and long-term requirements; both offer excellent value, but the choice is based on your space.
Home Living Tips 