Vinyl and Laminate Flooring

Vinyl flooring and laminate flooring are both affordable, durable, and customizable. However, they also have many differences. Discover which is best for your next flooring project.

What Is Vinyl Flooring?

Vinyl flooring is made of a number of layers that build a durable and waterproof floor. Its solid vinyl core is topped with a printed vinyl layer and a wear layer. These synthetic materials work to enhance your floor’s moisture resistance, as water can sit for long periods of time without causing damage. Homeowners can choose from many types of vinyl flooring like vinyl planks, WPC vinyl, and Rigid Core vinyl flooring.

Vinyl flooring used to be limited in design choices, but vinyl has been upgraded to a variety of styles and patterns for a more modern and attractive look. Compared to laminate flooring, vinyl offers a little more variety in design, too; vinyl floors can resemble not only wood, but stone and ceramic floors, as well.

What Is Laminate Flooring?

First manufactured in the 1970s, laminate flooring was one of the first man-made alternatives to hardwood floors. It’s a great choice for homeowners who like the appearance of hardwood floors but don’t want to spend a large amount of money on flooring materials. Its thick composition makes it pretty comfortable to walk on, so it can work well in living areas and hallways.

Like vinyl, laminate also made of synthetic materials that resemble the look of authentic hardwood. Laminate layers are similar to vinyl flooring but made of different types of materials. Laminate flooring has an inner core board, which layered with a decorative photo image and topped with the wear layer or “overlay” to protect your floors.

Unfortunately, laminate flooring does not stand up against moisture as well as vinyl. While some laminate flooring options are water-resistant, they can still become damaged over long periods of water exposure.

Is vinyl or laminate better?

Whether vinyl or laminate is better comes down to which room you are installing the materials in, and your personal design preference. Vinyl is better for areas with moisture, and is the easier option if you are installing flooring yourself. If you want a more authentic wood texture in your kitchen, hallway or dining room, and more insulation, we recommend laminate.