Home renovations can be pretty expensive, which is why most homeowners looking to refurbish their floors tend to lean towards vinyl or laminate flooring. From a distance, both floorings are durable, fashionable and economical; however, they are both used in different areas. Read on to learn more about where to install vinyl and laminate flooring.
What is Laminate?
Laminate flooring is a synthetic material that is made up of wear, décor, core and backer sealed together during a lamination process. The décor of laminate flooring is designed to recreate the look of more luxurious flooring types like tile, wood or stone.
What Is Vinyl?
Vinyl plank or vinyl tile usually consists of four layers of material, with the bottom layer generally made of cork or foam. This layer is designed to act as an underlayment for vinyl so that you won’t have to install another layer of material before laying down the vinyl tiles or planks.
What Is The Difference?
While both laminate and vinyl floorings are robust, they both have different uses.
1. Moisture
Even though laminate flooring is as durable as vinyl flooring, it is not waterproof. In fact, laminate flooring should not be used in areas which are prone to moisture, like bathrooms or kitchens. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is entirely waterproof and can withstand water splatter or stains. Vinyl flooring in the foyer, for example, would be a much better option than laminate flooring, as vinyl flooring will not be heavily affected by snow, mud or dirt brought into your home.
2. Cleaning
Since laminate flooring is water-resistant and not waterproof, you should use a damp mop, not use a wet mop, to clean it. Laminate flooring would be better to install in areas with low foot traffic and areas that aren’t prone to stains or grime.
3. Scratch Resistance
While both laminate and vinyl flooring have a protective top layer, laminate flooring is more scratch-resistant than vinyl flooring. They are both durable and can withstand normal wear and tear; however, it is recommended to add furniture pads under chairs or tables to avoid scratches on vinyl flooring.
Want to learn more about our variety of laminate flooring? Visit our showroom in Edmonton or contact our team today!
