Vinyl vs Laminate

Which is the best choice for me: vinyl or laminate flooring?

As you may already have seen on our website, we stock a wide range of both vinyl and laminate flooring. They are a cost-effective way to create a stylish and durable room.  The main difference between vinyl and laminate is that laminate is mostly made up of high-density fibreboard (HDF), with a synthetic top layer to allow any design to be made. On the other hand, vinyl is completely synthetic, made up of 4 layers of PVC. Choosing between the two can seem like a difficult choice as they are so similar. However, our experts are available to discuss what is the right choice for your home.  A Wood Idea has put together a few helpful points to guide you in the right direction:

What’s the difference in cost of a laminate floor compared to a vinyl floor?

Both choices are cost-effective options, which can give you the appearance of a hardwood floor but at a much more affordable price. Laminate prices don’t usually go past £25 per square metre. Luxury vinyl can cost slightly more with prices going up to £40 per square metre however this is still cheaper in comparison to most engineered hardwood flooring.

How is a laminate/vinyl floor installed?

Although vinyl flooring can be installed by laying large sheets of made-to-measure PVC, luxury vinyl flooring, popularised in the 1980s, is now laid in a very similar way to laminate. Large planks of vinyl flooring are placed together either in a “locking system”, or glued down individually. This means both choices can be installed very easily and even done without a fitter. However, we will always recommend a fitter to ensure you have the best possible installation.  

How do I clean a laminate/vinyl floor?

Both can be easily maintained and cleaned. Some may argue laminate isn’t the best option for areas like the kitchen where spillages are likely to occur and this is a controversial topic among the industry. However, we recommend laminate for any room in the house (except the bathroom as this is more suited to vinyl). Laminate is renowned for being a tough floor and is said to be scratch-resistant, although, we would recommend using protective measures such as felt pads or rugs to ensure that furniture etc does not damage the floor. On top of this, they’re also one of the most hygienic and easy to clean floors available on the market. No need to worry about deep cleaning and lots of chemicals, a daily sweep and a weekly mop with warm, soapy water should do the trick just fine!

Does laminate look better than vinyl flooring?

Both laminate and vinyl do a brilliant job at imitating solid hardwood flooring. Thick planks of laminate allow for deep embossing, creating a more realistic texture visually and to the touch. Luxury Vinyl Flooring has developed over the years to allow for added details such as knots and divots in the wood.  

How environmentally-friendly is laminate vs vinyl flooring?

This is one of the very few categories where there is a clear comparison between the two types of flooring as vinyl flooring is made completely of plastic, therefore they are not as eco-friendly as laminate. Laminate tends to be made of HDF (high-density fibreboard) and therefore is more sustainably resourced. However, luxury vinyl flooring is generally longer-lasting than laminate.

Comparison:

As a final note, lets take a look at the qualities in which both floors may/may not possess and hopefully help you make your mind up in choosing the best floor for you!