Are you ready to renovate a room in your home by installing a new floor? You may be torn between using laminate or vinyl flooring material to get the job done. This is what you need to know about how these two flooring materials are different.
The Material
Laminate and vinyl flooring are made from two different types of material. Laminate flooring has a base that's made with a wood composite, and then a picture of natural wood grain is placed on top of that wood composite. The goal is to simulate the look of natural hardwood while not being actual hardwood. Vinyl flooring is made out of a PVC material that is very durable and waterproof. The reason why it looks like wood is because of the pattern and color created on the top of the vinyl.
The Durability
Laminate flooring is a very durable flooring material, but be aware that it can be damaged by water and foot traffic. It is also prone to becoming scratched and dented. On the flip side, vinyl is a very durable material that can withstand high-traffic areas. This makes vinyl a great choice for a bathroom, kitchen, or entryway.
The Appearance
Laminate and vinyl flooring materials are designed to look like natural wood, but still look different from each other. You'll find that laminate flooring tends to look more like natural wood because of the printed pattern that is visible. However, you'll find that there are only so many unique patterns on the flooring material that they can repeat. Vinyl flooring does not look as realistic, but it still has a natural look to it that replicates the look of real hardwood quite well.
The Installation
You'll find that the installation of vinyl flooring material is quite easy, and it's possible to even do it on your own. Cutting a section of vinyl only requires a utility knife, and you don't need any special tools to get the job done. The material floats on the subfloor, so you are not hammering, screwing, or nailing the floorboards to the ground.
Laminate flooring does require a saw to cut through pieces. The material itself often requires some sort of padding or underlayment material for it to be properly installed. This is another style that is not always necessary with vinyl flooring.
Know what kind of flooring material you want to use? Reach out to a vinyl flooring contractor for information on buying and installing the material.
