Home remodeling remains incomplete without renovating the floor. And when it’s about the floor, people often get stuck deciding between Laminate and Vinyl. Both are popular choices, coming up with specific pros and cons. Hence, it’s quite confusing to choose the right one.

But there’s nothing to worry about since the Oak Custom Remodeling is here. In this blog, we’ve made a comparison of Laminate vs. Vinyl considering their benefits, and cons. If you’re really interested in remodeling your floor, follow us on this journey to find your answer.

What are Laminate and Vinyl Flooring?

Laminate flooring is made of multiple layers. It has a core of wood fibers and a top layer that can be in colors like wood or stone. Unlike the vinyl flooring, laminate offers a more cushioned feel. It is the best flooring option for living rooms and hallways. The laminate planks mostly come in 6 to 12 mm thickness. The thicker the more comfortable.

Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is 100% synthetic. It's made of polyvinyl chloride plastic and comes in sheets, planks, or tiles. It is mostly used in bathrooms and kitchens and also comes in different layers. Vinyl flooring is normally of 5 types; luxury vinyl plank flooring, luxury vinyl tile, wood plastic composite, stone plastic composite, and sheet vinyl.

Laminate vs. Vinyl Flooring: Comparison

Looks and Feel

Both laminate and vinyl can look like wood or stone. However, the laminate flooring often looks more realistic, perhaps due to its material. It's also thicker, which makes it feel more like real wood when you walk on it.

Durability

Laminate is great for places where there’s always a crowd, like a hall room or living room. It resists scratches and stains well.

On the other hand, vinyl is tough too, but it can dent under heavy furniture. Hence, it’s a good choice for the bathroom and kitchen. Considering the quality and features, both floorings can last 15-25 years with good care.

Water Resistance

In this sense, vinyl flooring always shines. It's completely waterproof. You can use it in bathrooms and kitchens without worry. Laminate isn't a good choice with water. It can warp if water gets into the seams.

Cleaning and Care

Both laminate and vinyl flooring are easy to clean. You can easily sweep, vacuum, or use a damp mop on both. However, make sure to avoid using water while cleaning your laminate floor. Too much water can damage it.

Cost

Price is always a crucial matter for many people. Vinyl is usually cheaper than laminate, but it doesn’t provide you with the cushioning feeling of laminate. Prices can vary a lot depending on quality with some pros and cons. Both are more affordable than real wood or stone.

Installation

Both vinyl and laminate flooring are pretty easy to install. In fact, you can do it all by yourself by watching some tutorials on YouTube. People often use a "floating floor" method for the installation. This means the pieces click together and don't need glue.

But if you don’t want to take risks and get the job done at the best, we are always here to help you at Oak Custom Remodeling. Just give us a call.

Resale Value

Well, frankly speaking neither adds much value to your home. But the aesthetic and the new look you’ll get from a floor remodeling can increase the overall property resale value. Remember, people love to buy a house that looks nice and also has the necessary equipment.

Hence, if you want to sell your house in future, both laminate and vinyl flooring will add value to your property.

Environmental Impact

Laminate has some wood content, which is renewable. Whereas, Vinyl is all plastic material. If being eco-friendly is important to you, laminate might be the better choice. But you must consider that laminate can get damaged with water.

At Oak Custom Remodeling, we've installed both laminate and vinyl in many homes. We've seen how each performs in different spaces. Our team can help you choose the best option for your needs and budget.

Laminate vs. Vinyl: Which Should You Choose?

To conclude the final decision, you should understand that it totally depends on your needs. But still, to help you make the right decision, we’ve added some quick tips to choose between laminate and vinyl flooring.

Choose Laminate if:

• You want a more realistic wood look
• You need flooring for high-traffic areas
• Water resistance isn't a top concern

Choose Vinyl if:

• You're on a tight budget
• You need waterproof flooring
• You're installing in a bathroom or kitchen

Remember, every home is unique. What works for someone might not work for you. That's why at Oak Custom Remodeling, we always look at your specific situation, the space, house structure, surroundings and requirements, before making recommendations.

FAQs

Can I install laminate or vinyl myself?

Yes, both flooring are DIY-friendly. But for the best results, you should hire professionals like us at Oak Custom Remodelling. They can do it far better than house owners taking all the installation risks.

Which is better for pets: laminate or vinyl?

It depends on the type of pet you have. Both can work well. If you want a scratch-resistant floor for cats or dogs, laminate will be the best choice. Whereas, vinyl is more water-resistant if you're worried about accidents.

How long do laminate and vinyl floors last?

With proper care, both a laminate floor can last 15-25 years, while the vinyl can go easel up to 25 years. But this can vary based on quality and use.