Flooring materials have evolved and been refined throughout the years to create wonderful options for homes. For instance, laminate and vinyl flooring are excellent choices for long-lasting and low-cost flooring. They are also available in various styles to resemble real wood, tile, and stone. So how can you know which one is ideal for your house? While laminate and vinyl flooring share many similarities, there are a few key differences.
Appearance and Design
Regarding elegance and aesthetics, laminate flooring is slightly higher in quality. It has more realistic embossing that mimics the look of hand-scraped hardwood. Vinyl plank flooring, on the other hand, embossing processes can make it look like wood; however, it looks best and most authentic on thicker core vinyl flooring.
The materials used to make laminate and vinyl flooring differ. Vinyl is made from synthetic materials. The base layer of vinyl sheets is usually constructed of fiberglass and covered with a plasticizer and PVC vinyl. On the other hand, the core of laminate is made of wood byproducts. Then it’s sealed with resin.
Water Resistance
The main distinction between vinyl and laminate flooring is water resistant, with the former coming out on top. Most recent vinyl floors are constructed of 100% polymer materials that can handle significant water levels. It can be submerged in water, dried, and reused normally. Moisture resistance is limited with laminate flooring. Most items contain a fiberboard essential, which can soften or swell if exposed to dampness over an extended period. As a result, laminate may not be the best choice for rooms with a lot of moisture, like laundry rooms.
Installation
Depending on your type of flooring, vinyl and laminate installation might be rather simple. Laminate flooring is often installed using a click-and-lock system. This means that the planks are fitted into the grooves of adjacent boards, and when they’re secured, the seam is closed. Vinyl floor installation in Leander, on the other hand, provides more options for installation procedures. You can also choose between peel-and-stick, click-and-lock planks, glue-down, and other options.
Cleaning and Maintenance
It is simple to clean vinyl flooring and keep it in good condition. It can be cleaned using various methods and requires little maintenance besides cleaning. Because of its limited moisture resistance, cleaning and caring for laminate flooring can be more delicate. Therefore, dry methods, such as a dry mop or a broom, are preferable. Aside from that, laminate is rather low-maintenance.
Cost
The prices of laminate and vinyl flooring are comparable. They are less expensive than other types of flooring, such as hardwood or porcelain tile. However, when you look into premium flooring options, vinyl can be more expensive. Most laminate flooring costs will be determined by the thickness of your flooring materials and the style of design you choose. Simple glue-down sheet vinyl floors are less expensive. But you get more bang for your buck with high-end luxury vinyl, which includes features like a specific waterproof core and a stronger wear layer.
Luxury vinyl tile and plank flooring store
Texas Pride Custom Floors offers various laminate, vinyl, hardwood, and other flooring options. Schedule an online appointment with our hardwood flooring store to learn more about laminate and vinyl flooring Leander TX, and start your flooring project. Shop at our laminate and vinyl flooring Leander store now.
