Vinyl Plank/Tile vs. Laminate Flooring: What’s the Difference

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    Durable, budget-friendly, and customizable – all these things describe great flooring. So, too, does easy installation, inexpensive cost, and a great look. But all of these things are true of both vinyl and laminate flooring. So then, what’s the difference between vinyl vs laminate flooring?

    Waterproofing

    The main difference between vinyl vs laminate flooring is the waterproofing and water resistivity. Laminate can lack these features, while vinyl flooring almost always has these features. This makes vinyl flooring great for bathrooms, kitchens, and even outdoor decks in beach areas. But surely that’s not the only difference, right? Newer Laminate floors like Revwood by Mohawk are 100 % waterproof and offer the added durability that Laminates are famous for. Coretec is the most popular brand of waterproof flooring and they started the revolution. Choosing the right brand for your purposes matters most.

    Appearance

    While they look similar from afar, vinyl plank flooring and laminate flooring have different appearances upon closer inspection. Laminate to some might look a little more realistic, mirroring wood and stone. Vinyl, more specifically WPC ( wood polymer core) and SPC ( stone polymer core) are technologically advanced flooring systems that provide a larger array of styles and finishes.

    Cleaning & Maintenance

    Both vinyl and laminate are relatively easy to clean and maintain compared to other types of flooring. The difference between the two, though, is that vinyl can work well with just about any cleaning method, meanwhile laminate requires dry mopping and sweeping. Laminate floors are usually the most scratch resistant of all.

    Cost

    The cost for vinyl and laminate is somewhat similar. The style, thickness, wear layer, and Brand can vary for both. There are budget solutions for every customer in both categories.

    Durability

    Both vinyl and laminate are very durable. Again, The wear layer matters most for both categories. The old adage, you get what you pay for applies.

    Resale Value

    Because of the popularity of hard surface flooring today, both can enhance the value, real or perceived of your home. Again , the initial quality and grade you chose matters most.

    Installation

    Vinyl Plank vs Laminate flooring installation methods can vary depending on the locking mechanism utilized in the design. Early laminates were a little more installation friendly than vinyl flooring. That’s because those laminate floors could be done DIY due to its click-and-lock method of installation. Today’s heavier laminates can be a little more difficult to manage. Meanwhile vinyl planks and tile have more varying options when it comes to installation, all with different degrees of difficulty. If you’re interested in installing laminate or vinyl plank flooring, we can help. Please call us at 1-800-526-7847!

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