Vinyl vs Laminate Flooring: Which is Better?
If you’re thinking about updating the flooring in your home, you’ve probably wondered which is better, vinyl or laminate. Both have advantages and drawbacks, and it depends on your budget and the finish you’re going for. In this post, our flooring experts in Telford will compare vinyl and laminate flooring so you can make the best choice for your home.
Composition
Although both flooring options are extremely durable, they differ in their composition. Laminate is made up of multiple layers and an HDF body that has compressed wood fibres.
Vinyl is also multi-layered but doesn’t have any wood. Instead, it is made of PVC and fibreglass, giving a more affordable option.
Appearance
Both vinyl and laminate offer impressive levels of realism. Whether you opt for a stone or wood effect, most people won’t be able to tell it’s not the real thing.
Laminate collections are usually more realistic than vinyl though since they’re thicker planks that incorporate real wood elements. Some laminates are indistinguishable from the real thing.
Comfort and sound
Vinyl feels soft and warm underfoot and walking on it is a pleasant experience. It dampens unwanted sound too so it’s quiet and makes a room feel cosy.
Laminate isn’t as comfortable underfoot since it’s harder. It can also be more echoey since it doesn’t dampen noise as well. However, you can improve the laminate’s feel and sound quality with a quality underlay.
Underfloor heating
Both vinyl and laminate can be installed over underfloor heating, so if you’re planning on installing this or already have it, you can opt for both.
However, it is more efficient to install vinyl over underfloor heating, since it has a very low thermal resistance and is just quicker to install.
Moisture resistance
Water-repellent technology, combined with the patented Uniclic (Multifit) click system prevents water from damaging your laminate and vinyl floors. All vinyl floors are completely waterproof, and most Quick-Step laminate floors have an innovative HydroSeal coating in the grooves, so no water can seep through.
Installation
Both laminate and vinyl are very easy to install and usually come with a click-in system that you can do yourself. Vinyl is usually slightly quicker and easier to install since it’s lighter weight, but you can always book installation with our team so you don’t need to worry about installing either way!
Maintenance
Maintenance of laminate and vinyl flooring is easy. You’ll just need to vacuum regularly and clean with a damp cloth or specialist mop. It’s important not to get either too wet or to use any steam products since these can make both warp over time.
Come see our range of laminate and vinyl flooring
If you’re having trouble deciding between laminate and vinyl flooring, come visit our flooring showroom in Telford. We have a huge selection of laminate flooring and vinyl option for you to look at and our team are on hand to give their expert advice and answer any questions you might have.