Laminate Flooring Versus Vinyl

Why do people choose laminate?

In a word, easy. Laminate underlay and flooring is easy to install, easy to clean, robust and can be used for every room in your house, including kitchens and bathrooms for certain brands.

Laminate flooring also tends to come with a longer warranty period for most brands. Developments in laminate floor production have greatly improved the look just like natural timber, including all the knots and cracks that give timber flooring its character.

Why do people choose vinyl flooring?

Like laminate flooring, vinyl flooring is easy to install, usually coming in simple square shapes that save time and frustration of laying out a large section, sawing and gluing in place.

Vinyl flooring is also great for budget flooring solutions while adding some character that usually comes with expensive hard flooring. With vinyl, some styles include a hand-crafted look that can simulate hand-crafted tiles.

Vinyl is also highly durable and waterproof, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas in your home

Is vinyl flooring safe?

Yes! Although vinyl flooring before the 1980s was made with asbestos, todays manufacturing process for vinyl flooring is worlds away from that. There’s also a growing category of luxury vinyl to choose from that is made for both long life and easy maintenance.

Some vinyl flooring is made with PVC, so check with the manufacturer before committing. Remember that the price point often reflects the manufacturing process, so avoid cheap, nasty vinyl where possible.

Can vinyl flooring mimic the look of wood or stone without looking like a fake?

Yes and no. While looking at vinyl from a distance, it’s hard to tell the difference with some brands of vinyl flooring. When walking on vinyl, it will always have a certain amount of give that hard floors do not have.

Depending on your selection, most brands will provide different thicknesses for you to choose from. At the same time, there will always be a certain amount of give with vinyl flooring, you’re able to improve this by selecting either a thicker cut that provides more cushioning or a thinner cut with very little give to help simulate a hard floor.

Final Thoughts

As with any product, do some research online around which flooring solution best fits your needs. If you’re looking some help, why not reach out to the Deloraine Carpet Centre team on 03 6362 2228, or drop in and see us at 51 Emu Bay Road, Deloraine!