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What’s the Difference Between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring?

Laminate and luxury vinyl flooring are both incredibly popular flooring options. With each type of flooring comes its own distinct benefits for homeowners. For many searching for flooring, the difference between laminate and luxury vinyl might seem negligible. But when making a purchase as significant as new flooring for your home, it’s essential to know what you’re getting with each type.  

This blog post will outline the key differences between laminate and vinyl flooring.

Care & Maintenance 

Laminate flooring is a notoriously low-maintenance option for homeowners. Because of this overall ease of maintenance, many families with pets or small children opt for laminate flooring. Laminate flooring, a simple daily broom sweep, or every few days, is all that is required to keep it looking its best. The key to laminate upkeep is to remain vigilant. Laminate is susceptible to water and damage from moisture, so when cleaning, avoid using water to mop or maintain your floors. 

Much like laminate, vinyl flooring offers simple and easy upkeep for homeowners. Utilizing a broom and dustpan is also key to keeping your vinyl looking good. The main difference in the overall maintenance of the two floors is that vinyl is less vulnerable to moisture and water than laminate. Vinyl floors can be mopped and cleaned with water in ways that laminate cannot. 

Durability

As previously noted, water can severely damage your laminate flooring, making it less durable than vinyl. That’s not to say that laminate isn’t a durable flooring option, but because of this vulnerability, it may not last as long as vinyl floors. Over time, your laminate flooring may also fall victim to scratches, scuffs, and dents. However, most contemporary laminate flooring is better on such things than the laminate of previous generations. 

Vinyl flooring is durable and less moisture-resistant than laminate, allowing for a longer lifespan. Vinyl, too, could fall victim to scratches and scuffs, but with the proper care and maintenance, your vinyl flooring should last you for quite a well. 

Cost

According to Forbes, laminate and vinyl flooring are available at a similar price. On average, laminate ranges anywhere from $0.50 to $3 per square foot. And vinyl can run you $0.60 to $4 per square foot. Of course, the more high-end the product, the more costly it will be. These figures represent the costs associated with a discount flooring store. 

Lifespan

When it comes to lifespan, laminate and vinyl also offer a similar outlook. According to Forbes, laminate flooring can last 15-25 years if properly cared for. In contrast, vinyl flooring can last up to 25 years, depending on the homeowner’s thickness and overall maintenance. Both figures are dependent on a homeowner actively caring for their floors. 

Installation 

Laminate floors offer a simple installation process, making them a popular choice for those looking to install their flooring. Also noteworthy, laminate floors can be installed over your existing flooring, making it a “floating” flooring material.

Vinyl flooring is slightly more complex to install than laminate. Homeowners do have a few installation options when it comes to vinyl, like click-and-lock or peel-and-stick. Vinyl installation requires more know-how than laminate. 

Of course, the best bet for a smooth and simple installation is to leave it up to the professionals. 

So Which Flooring Is Best For Me?

Ultimately, the decision of laminate or vinyl comes down to you. Both offer beauty, ease of maintenance, durability, and a similar cost/lifespan. Whether considering laminate or vinyl flooring for your home, you can’t go wrong. 

Want to learn more about laminate flooring and vinyl flooring options here at Dolphin? Contact us today!