The flooring of your commercial and residential spaces has a major impact on your overall property’s appearance. If you’re looking for the most attractive, durable, and economical floor materials, vinyl and laminate floors are two of the most widely use and popular option. Some people think that the only difference is the names, but the truth is quite different.
These two options are not better in all aspects. You’ve come the right place if you want to renovate the floors of your home and you can’t decide which option is better. This blog is written by Carpenter Dubai and to help you decide.
What is vinyl flooring?
Vinyl planks or tiles are made from synthetic materials and have four layers that serve different functions to ensure the stability of floor. This flooring has four layers: wear, core and backing, as well as a print layer. It is suitable for both commercial and residential applications.
What is laminate flooring?
Also made from synthetic materials, laminate floors have distinct layers, including a core, a backing, a decorative layer, and woven fiberboard. Lamination is used to sandwich these layer together. This flooring treatment is ideal for residential applications.
Discover the Differences between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring
We’ve listed the differences in these floor options based on their functionalities, maintenance, and costs. Let’s get into the details to find the best choice.
1. Appearance & comfort
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring may look like one solid material, but the planks actually are made of tile that have been manufactured using a combination of layer. It creates a cushioned floor with a top layer of clear wear, layered high-definition photographs, paired with a thick core and softer foam at the bottom. The photogenic layer creates realistic images of wood, stone and ceramic materials.
Laminate Floor
Laminate Planks Flooring, on the other hand are made up of five layer, including a top layer for wear and tear, photographic wood, stone or HDF, a thin, impact-resistant board and a heavy-duty HDF board. The final layer is back with soft foam. It has a rustic, hand-scraped look that mimics real wood.
2. Stability against Foot Traffic
Vinyl Flooring
The durability of the floor can be test by examining its resistance to daily wear and tear. Vinyl planks and tiles are durable in areas with high foot traffic or humid conditions. Vinyl is a great choice for any space, residential or commercial.
Laminate Floor
The laminate planks can also be use in residential application. This flooring treatment is only suitable for areas with low moisture and light foot traffic. This floor treatment is more durable than vinyl but only in the short-term. They are best for indoor and outdoor residential applications.
3. Design & Texture Choices
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring comes in a variety of textures and patterns. Their planks are made from solid composite wood material and solid plastic material. They have a photogenic layer that displays unique patterns. You can choose from a variety of textures for this exclusive treatment including wire-brushed species graining, hand scraped, matte finish, gloss finish, and natural stones, both smooth and rough.
Laminate Floor
You can also choose from a variety of contemporary laminate planks. Choose from a variety of layouts to suit your style and the ambience of your room. You can choose from a variety of finishes for your commercial and residential space renovations. These include satin, high-gloss or high-gloss and grainy.
4. Potential & Environmental Factors
Vinyl Flooring
To validate dimensional and structural integrity, it is necessary to consider the functional aspects in detail. Vinyl planks are resistant to all of these factors, including moisture, stains and scratches, as well as wear and tear. They can therefore be use in areas of high traffic and humid temperature.
Laminate Floor
The laminate planks offer a good solution for everything except moisture and staining. The planks aren’t very resistant to stains, moisture, or spills. It is recommend to use them in area with little foot traffic.
5. Installation & Flooring Cost
Vinyl Flooring
The race for the easiest flooring to install is close. After the subfloor is prepared and row are fitted, vinyl flooring can be installed using a click-lock system. It will only require basic tools and skills. This makes it a better choice for this category. Vinyl planks cost more than laminate flooring.
Laminate Floor
Before installing laminate planks, you must install underlayment. Also, tape the seams. Installing their planks is possible by removing and cutting all obstructions. This ensures the connection of the end joints. It is not DIY friendly and requires professional installation. It is a more affordable alternative to vinyl planks.
6. Lifespan & Resale Value
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring comes in sheets, tiles and planks. The durability of vinyl varies. They can last up to 18 years if they are construct well and properly maintained. Vinyl sheets and planks have a lower resale price than laminate.
Laminate Floor
Laminate floors, on the other hand offer a serviceability range of 15 to 20 years depending on daily wear and tears or the utmost in care. These planks or tiles have a higher value for resale than luxury vinyl flooring, but are lower in price than solid hardwood and engineered wood.
7. Maintenance and Care
Vinyl Flooring
This flooring’s best feature is its ease of maintenance. It is waterproof and can be cleaned with a wet mop and vigorously scrubbing. They are also dirt and dust resistant, so you don’t need to clean them often to maintain their appearance.
Laminate Floor
These floors are not resistant to moisture, so it is not recommended that you wet mop them frequently. You can use dry methods to treat this type of floor, such as a broom or dry mop. This will not harm their texture or appearance. It is easy to maintain and clean them.
The Bottom Line!
Vinyl and laminate tiles or planks are two of the most popular choices for interior design enhancements in residential and commercial areas. The laminate flooring is made up of multiple layer sandwich together, providing durability, versatility and a luxurious feel to any space.
Vinyl flooring, on the other hand is a better choice due to its greater durability and sustainability in humid environments. Both residential and commercial flooring options have some features in common and others that are unique. The unique functionalities and features mentioned in this article can be use by consumer to purchase them.
