Vinyl vs laminate flooring

7/17/2016 at 12:51:23 PM

Vinyl and laminate are both worthy suitors due to their versatility, durability and reasonable price tag

While there are many similarities between the two, they also have their differences.

If you love the look of hardwood or stone flooring but are seeking an easier and less expensive option, laminate is a great choice.

Laminate also has the added bonus of feeling fairly warm underfoot due to its thickness and layered composition.

While vinyl is thinner and may not offer the same degree of warmth, it is a lot more inviting to walk on than harder substances such as ceramic or stone tile, which can become quite cool in chilly temperatures.

Whether you choose vinyl or laminate for your flooring needs, chances are you are going to get a great look and durable product for a reasonable price.

For those unsure which way to lean, the decision may just come down to personal preference and the circumstances of individual renovation projects.

But with so many patterns, colours and forms to pick from, you're sure to find the perfect match for your home.

7/17/2016 at 4:54:12 PM

I have had the luxury of installing both of these products and find that both products have the durability that is required for a decent price. Vinyls typically are slightly more expensive than laminate so if that is your governing factor go with laminate.

With pets and children, the concern is scratching and moisture. An outing without the dog, goes long, and they have an "accident".....The vinyl inherently is waterproof. Laminates can absorb moistures

(and any smells of said liquid) and expand and buckle the seams if not cleaned up in a timely fashion...same goes for children and all the mess and spills that always happen.

I would lean towards the vinyl products for your particular situation and installation.

Vinyls can be loose laid or adhered depending on the tiles that you go with...

Easy to cut, as you can score and snap with a utility knife and fit your pieces in. They can be a little tougher to install if they are a "click" system so make sure you have a good technique and a rubber mallet and tapping block will save some hassle.

Recently I have been using a glue down 12x16 vinyl (1/8" thick) looks like ceramic tiles as a grout line is included and that is filled with an epoxy grout. Fantastic product.

Good luck and you can't go wrong with either of these products.

7/18/2016 at 10:24:50 AM

Hello Roxanne,

My name is Chantal & i'm the administrative assistant here at Dream Touch Renovations. To answer your question, between the options you mentioned, these options won't suit. I would go for engineered hardwood floors or a commercial grade vinyl. Those would be best options but I would like to make a suggestion. There is a new product, there ceramic tiles but they have the look of hardwood floor.

Considering that you have a big dog, which are often hard on floors, my recommendation would be to get these kind of tiles. It has turned into a new trend, you get to enjoy the look of hard wood floors, but I personally find that laminates & vinyl are allot of up keep and sometimes & leaves streaks when washing them. The ceramic tiles on the other hand would be the most durable & washing the tiles is always much easier & does not leave streaks.

Sincerely,

Chantal Regimbald

7/18/2016 at 5:48:07 PM

I would only go Vinyl if choosing between the two. The planks are layed down with an adhesive so if something where to happen to them the removal and reinstall is nothing difficult like it is with laminate. It is unaffected by sitting water and has come leaps and bounds in looks. Worth every penny in my books and there will always be people against it but our opinion is laminate is a waste of money for its durability in comparison.