Both promise to be durable, affordable, and easier to maintain than hardwoods, but how do they stack up against each other? We currently have laminate planks in our house. However, some vinyl planks have few variations and the texture seems a bit off, so it’s easier to distinguish that these planks are not real wood. No wax should ever be used on vinyl. While both types of flooring can come very close to the appearance of wood, laminate is the superior option. Just as you would with hardwood, be sure to clean up any accidents or spills immediately (or as quickly as possible). Please respond ASAP. While regular cleaning will help vinyl flooring retain its shine, you can easily restore floors that appear dull using a polish or product designed for no-wax flooring. There are two ways to install vinyl plank flooring, depending on the type that you purchase. You should never use a wet mop on laminate. Vinyl also has a wide range of costs because there are so many different types on the market. Check with the mfg on that specific time frame. This article was written a little over a year ago. While it is quite durable, it’s important for anyone planning to purchase this type of flooring to know it’s not completely immune to damage and is vulnerable to the same flaws as traditional vinyl flooring. It was on the floor for a good 15 seconds and there wasn’t so much as a mark. These are best in bathrooms or other rooms where moisture accumulates. Homeowners looking for an affordable option for hardwood flooring may evaluate the pros and cons of Vinyl Plank vs Laminate flooring. Summer was fine. Both products are stain resistant and require no special cleaning products. For daily cleaning, a broom, dust mop, or vacuum cleaner designed for use on laminate floors can tackle everyday messes. It’s also quieter and can help absorb noise. From whitewashed oak for the shabby chic interior, cherry or mahogany for a classic look, or even black for modern rooms, there is no shortage of styles and colors. 15 years ago i put la.inated in my 3 bedrooms , they were on sale for 1.99 regular price 2.99. Vinyl flooring has a different laminate on topcoat which can get discoloured or show signs of fading from prolonged exposure to sunlight. Hi. However, in some cases, vinyl planks may be the best choice. Featured image: Quarles & Brady LLP, Washington, DC. However, manufacturers have used the latest technology to give a realistic look to vinyl. Can be cleaned using steam mops or wet mops. It also looks like a rich medium stained oak floor. Vinyl flooring has a wider range of lifespan, depending on the type installed. Laminate Flooring Pros. We are asking a few questions so that we can get you better cost estimates. Apparently I cannot hoover, scrub or steam clean it just sweep and a damp mop. Looking into Flooret myself right now. If you go for the cheapest option, then it’s anyone’s guess as to the quality you will receive. I would not use steam on anything except tiles like porcelain or ceramic. The renters moved out about a month ago and my hubby said we have to have it replaced as the renters didn’t take care of it at all (even though I put in the contract that furniture had to have protectors under it and how to properly clean the floor). Do I need something under the lip to insulate it from. From ease of installation to care and maintenance for the long term, this guide is designed to cover it all, helping you to discover whether vinyl plank or laminate flooring is better for your home. The cost of vinyl installation varies depending on the type of vinyl. LVP flooring with a tongue-and-groove design easily clicks together. My tenant is extremely happy with this product. It will retain its beauty for many years when properly maintained. I put laminate in my salon in fall 2011, I really thought wet winter boots/shoes dripping would have damaged it long ago, along with everyday traffic, not the case! The Pros and Cons of Installing Laminate in the Kitchen. This flooring mfg also says rotating brushes, floor scrubbers, buffers or jet mops are not to be used either. Products can be used to repair scratches and chips as needed. It is very hard and has no give when you walk on it. Thank you. Vinyl scratches way too easily. One of the primary benefits touted by both vinyl plank and laminate flooring is durability. You dropped a coal on laminate…… you’d like to see laminate stand up to that. We recently had the Mannington Adura Flex Vinyl tile installed in our newly remodeled kitchen. As far as wiping up spills, the article says to wipe up immediately for laminate. As the name suggests, this floor has a backing that is peeled off to expose adhesive and each plank is then applied to the prepared subfloor underneath. Water-resistant is a product that can resist water up to a point before its damaged. Also had an ice machine malfunction with no permanent damage to the vinyl planks. Real wood isn’t much more expensive, depending on wood, then other flooring types although they require a little more work to install and hence higher installation cost, but so does tiles. But still, check with the mfg on either to be sure. Vinyl is resilient underfoot and more comfortable to walk on. Overall, consumers will find it’s the superior choice for most rooms. I plan on using an underlayment for a more comfortable feel. But the big difference is that in the bathroom, you know you’re going to have water splashing around. We are going with a waterproof higher end vinyl plank, hoping it is as durable as the reviews we have seen. I’m pretty sure my daughter would have massacred laminate floors if we had them. Caught in between laminate flooring and parquet? Vinyl sheet and plank flooring remain a go-to choice where carpeting isn’t practical and expensive flooring isn’t in the budget. It has a printed layer on top covered with a clear, protective layer to help simulate the look of wood. Very heavy wear over the years can result in minor scratches on the flooring. A mild cleanser will sufficiently clean up even the biggest messes. This is a type of padding that is used to not only fix any minor deviations in the subfloor but to also improve acoustics. Wet mops should never be used. Bought mine at Home depot years ago & now there are other choices in design and stores- Overall I’d say I am pleased with the floor except for the shrinkage at seams & with tongue and groove that may no longer be an issue I hope. Sir Vinyl floors also don’t require waxing, as using wax will result in a buildup that requires stripping. Good reviews. I had to put rugs down. There is a difference between water-resistant and waterproof. Most laminate manufacturers utilize modern printing techniques to give their products a more realistic look and texture. There’s a lot to like about vinyl flooring, but it’s got a dark side too.. Here’s a comprehensive list of vinyl flooring pros and cons for you to ponder as you make your flooring decision. Laminate flooring, like vinyl plank, is also extremely durable and is a good choice for homes with children and pets. Pro: Vinyl is incredibly affordable. I don’t know what vinyl flooring you sampled from. Vinyl Plank Flooring: Glue Down vs. I want vinyl, but am concerned about the walker and the pool table damaging the vinyl. As for the authors opinion on resale value, I disagree. Waterproof is a product that can resist water completely and not damage the product. Water is not your friend with laminate though… had a sink leak and it did damage the planks. Thank you! Like laminate flooring, vinyl flooring comes in designs that closely imitate the aesthetic of natural timber or stone. Pros. Cost to install vinyl or laminate flooring varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours. But wonder living a few blocks from the beach with constant moisture and humidity, plus having a dog that I never know when it will pee on the floor next, I’m thinking Vinyl wins. Currently the floor has 1″ tile on it. Pros of Luxury Vinyl Flooring There are many “pros” of choosing luxury vinyl flooring, from affordability, multiple design options and so much more. Perhaps I’ll have this type of flooring installed since it’s also super easy to clean. On the other hand, you should not expose laminate to water. While various colors and types of wood are available, laminate goes beyond just wood. It’s now ruined. With both types of flooring, shades or blinds should be used in rooms with a lot of sunlight, and area rugs can also be used in brighter spots that may be more apt to fade. These are generally safe for use on laminate, but consult with the manufacturer if you’re unsure. Vinyl flooring also does not add much to the resale value of your home. Both laminate and vinyl flooring are fairly durable, long-wearing materials. We put it in 12 years ago. I’m torn at the moment between laminate or luxury vinyl on our fixer-upper home but with a budget in mind, two small children, and the amount of floor I have to cover, I really think I’ll be going with vinyl. 5. It is prone to scratching over time. Installation can be time-consuming, but most homeowners can tackle a room in just one day. I wouldn’t get this stuff again as it’s not waterproof or scratch resistant. This tenant has cats and dogs. Many choices on the market now. If you wish to make it cleaned better using wet methods, remember to only use an almost-dry mop for it. Overall, though, laminate is the best option between these two for most homeowners. Before installing laminate, underlayment will need to be applied over the subfloor. Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOC), Reproduces the look of wood, stone and other natural materials. Both laminate and vinyl have a wide range of quality, Anything in the under $2/sqft in either type is less durable and more prone to scratching. What are the pros and cons of vinyl flooring? How do these two types of flooring hold up when put to the test? Very warm and easy on the feet. I had LVP installed on a basement floor with glue down. For over 10 years, she's used her unique talent and love of the written word to uncover the stories that people want to read. I had to buy gel mats just so my back wouldn’t hurt while working in the kitchen. Let’s compare these two options: 1. It’s also called composite, Pergo (which is a specific brand of flooring), or floating wood tile. I want to put vinyl planking in my bathroom. Let’s take a close look at the pros and cons of vinyl flooring, the best brands, where you can buy it, and go over a few tips to help your installation go smoothly. We are about to put vinyl wood like flooring in our kitchen. Many installers will disagree but this voids the warranty. We may have gotten a defective box/boxes? Installed costs range from $1.75 to $7, making both materials fairly comparable in cost, with vinyl being slightly cheaper. It’s definitely not scratch resistant…at least not the one my in-laws purchased over 12 years ago. I was planning on entire first floor installation but fount that at least 14 transitions would be required, some in very visible places esp. FloorCritics.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Laminate flooring is typically thicker than vinyl flooring. Anyway, I’m thinking of going with vinyl planks in a 3rd car garage that we use as an office. Tile vs. laminate in bathrooms. Can you tell me what brand you like to use? I will go laminate again, as we stand all day and it isn’t as hard as tiles. Meanwhile 2 month old wood looking laminate has several chips in it which didn’t require much to damage the surface. Wow. There are few waterproof and quite a few water-resistant laminates available in market. Personally, I’d recommend just about any flooring over laminate. Only use soap-free cleansers. It’s so old that we had to glue it together not tongue & grove. Laminate flooring lasts approximately 30 years when properly installed and maintained. In the past several years, engineered vinyl plank has become a very popular alternative to expensive hardwood flooring and a more upscale, attractive alternative to plain vinyl or laminate floors. While they are somewhat alike in the advantages they bring, they also have a little difference. All bare flooring can get cold depending on the temperature of the room, but laminate – especially flooring installed with a thick underlayment – is warmer than vinyl. Vinyl can easily get scratched by pointed objects and pet claws. Both have withstood cats and lots of guests as well as furniture dragging, and the vinyl in our current house has held up admirably against our extremely messy toddler. It’s very thin and it bends. It is extremely durable. However, there are a few notable differences between the two. However, the installation of this flooring requires more tools, including a hand saw or circular saw to cut each piece. Although I did find some things not quite right w/this article, I did learn a few things and thats why I read it in the first place…to learn. It’s very durable, even with the heaviest traffic. Vinyl plank flooring is one of the easiest floors to clean. Tina, I’m a little confused.. you said “ We currently have laminate planks in our house. Laminate flooring is made up of several layers of wood byproduct, usually melamine resin 2 and fiber board which have been fused or laminated together. Much depends on the thickness of the floor if you leave the tile in place. Laminate floors are also susceptible to static electricity build up. I am putting this down on concrete flooring and I am a little confused as to if I can put a moisture barrier under the one model that has the attached underlayment.