Few things are more exciting than starting a home renovation project. But before you see your dream kitchen come to life before your eyes, there are many design decisions to make.
If you’re looking for affordable, durable and aesthetically pleasing flooring, look no further than laminate and vinyl flooring. Both of these options tick all the essentials. That said, it’s important to understand the difference between laminate and vinyl to determine which is the right choice for you.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl and Laminate Flooring
If you are in the market for new kitchen flooring, you may be trying to find the flooring option that best suits your needs. Laminate flooring and vinyl flooring each have different benefits that can help you narrow down which one can bring your vision to life, both in terms of appearance and function. Both vinyl flooring and laminate flooring are known for being affordable and good for DIY. There are some important differences between the two options that you should be aware of before making a decision.
install
Depending on your kitchen remodel budget, you might choose to install the flooring yourself and save a few bucks. Luckily, vinyl flooring and laminate flooring are both relatively easy to install as do-it-yourself projects, so you can’t go wrong.
Vinyl floor tiles come in many different shapes and patterns. As a result, vinyl flooring offers several different installation methods depending on the specific product chosen. The most common installation method for vinyl flooring is click and clock plank, but there are also peel and stick and adhesive types.
Laminate flooring can be laid over existing floors and uses a click-and-lock installation method, making installation very easy for DIY enthusiasts. Each laminate plank has grooves that allow each plank to adhere easily to adjacent planks. Click to lock it in place and the seam between the planks will close.
exterior
Appearance is a big factor in determining kitchen flooring. You may love the look of hardwood, but you don’t need the maintenance that comes with it. Both vinyl and laminate offer it. When deciding between laminate and vinyl, we recommend looking at both products to see which look matches your desired aesthetic.
Vinyl flooring is manufactured from synthetic materials such as fiberglass and PVC vinyl. Using an embossing technique, the vinyl can give the look of wood and give it the look you crave without the hassle of maintenance. It also offers a huge selection of styles, textures, colors, and sizes that allow you to customize it.
Laminate flooring is made from wood by-products and the top layer is sealed with resin to protect the flooring from wear and tear. Like vinyl, laminate flooring comes in a variety of colors, patterns and textures to give it a wood look. However, laminate flooring tends to be thicker than vinyl flooring, thus providing a softer tread for those who walk or stand on it.
water resistant
One of the biggest differences between vinyl and laminate flooring is water resistance. If this is an important factor for you, listen up!
Vinyl floors are manufactured from a polymer material, so you can rest easy knowing that your kitchen floor is set to withstand large amounts of water. Vinyl floors can be exposed to water and are usually dry due to their composition. An added benefit of vinyl is that you can have a large sheet of vinyl for an entire room instead of small individual pieces. That means fewer seams where water can seep through and cause damage.
This is one of the few cases where laminate flooring doesn’t match vinyl. Being made of fiberboard, laminate flooring cannot withstand water and will be damaged if exposed to water. Kitchen floors aren’t exposed to as much moisture as laundry rooms, bathrooms, or mudrooms, but leaking appliances can still cause problems.
price
Cost is an important factor when choosing kitchen flooring, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Both laminate and vinyl flooring are cost-effective options, especially compared to hardwood and tile, which often require professional installation and additional materials such as grout.
Laminate flooring is often $1 to $5 per square foot. Prices vary depending on design preference and material thickness. Similarly, vinyl flooring costs between $1 and $5 per square foot, and quality varies greatly depending on price. Adhesive sheets cost much less than premium vinyl flooring options.
durability
A big factor in your decision is probably the durability of your flooring.
The biggest risk to laminate flooring is its susceptibility to water damage. With proper care and ongoing maintenance over the years, you can expect your laminate flooring to look its best for 15 to 25 years.
Vinyl floors are resistant to daily wear and tear and are scratch, dent and water resistant. So whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or have kids running around the space all the time, you’ll have peace of mind. Even with the affordable price, you don’t have to worry about its ability to withstand pets, children, etc. With proper vinyl flooring care and maintenance, your new vinyl flooring will look as good as it did the day it was installed for years (up to 20 years!).
Frequently Asked Questions for Laminate Flooring and Vinyl Flooring
Will Laminate or Vinyl Flooring Affect a Home’s Resale Value?
In most cases, vinyl flooring has a lower resale value than laminate flooring. While some premium vinyl flooring options can have a positive impact on a home’s resale value, laminate flooring typically has a higher resale value.
Will my laminate flooring get ruined if it gets wet?
Laminate flooring is not water resistant. This means that exposure to water will damage the board. Depending on the degree of water damage, discoloration, warping, buckling, and damp loosening of the board may occur. Damaged areas often need to be replaced.
What is the most durable vinyl flooring?
If you’ve been considering vinyl flooring for your home renovation, you’ve probably browsed through the many different styles and types. Depending on your home needs, you may be looking for durable vinyl flooring options that can withstand the wear and tear of high traffic areas of your home. If this sounds like you, consider installing one of his most durable vinyl flooring options, hard core vinyl plank flooring.
What about other kitchen flooring materials?
If you’re not sure vinyl or laminate floors are right for your home, consider hardwood, porcelain tile, ceramic tile, or concrete. Each of these flooring types has different pros and cons to suit your needs.
