Vinyl Or Laminate Flooring? 6 Tips For You To Make The Right Choice

by Hardwood Giant Home Depot Laminate Flooring

What do you think of your home being able to gain a beautiful floor in record time, so you can use it as soon as possible? Like the idea? We are talking about a vinyl or laminate flooring. Both are quick to install, but there are some differences between them that you need to know.

Vinyl or laminate flooring ? Check out the 6 tips we have prepared for you.

1. Know what materials they are made of

Vinyl flooring is made of PVC, that is, vinyl chloride. This material is bound together in blankets, rulers or boards.

Laminate flooring is made with materials that are derived from wood, such as chipboard and high-density wood panel. The upper part of the laminate flooring, which is the one we are walking on, gets the decorative print. This material is made available to the consumer public in rulers that can be installed either diagonally or straight. Laminate flooring is installed using two methods: fitting and odorless glue.

2. Identify the advantages of each type of floor

Among the advantages of vinyl flooring, we can mention that it reduces the noise of steps and leaves the environment at a pleasant temperature, as it helps to conserve the climate. The polyurethane resin that protects it prevents stains and does not retain particles, as it is non-allergenic. The vinyl floor has many print options, from the most vibrant to the most discreet colors. Among the prints, there are some that imitate the look of wood quite faithfully.

Laminate flooring, on the other hand, is much easier to install, so much so that the next day your routine at home can be re-established. If you are moving, it is reusable (depending on the size of the environment) and can be disassembled and taken with your move. Laminate flooring is also noise-proof, as it receives a protective blanket that helps to muffle the sound of the feet in contact with its surface. The durability of laminate flooring is another advantage that we can highlight, as it is approximately fifteen years.

3. Pay attention to the disadvantages of each

Although vinyl flooring is very resistant to stains, the same cannot be said in relation to scratches, especially if the abrasion is great. Moving an appliance or furniture on top of it without the aid of casters can leave a pretty ugly mark. Another disadvantage of vinyl flooring is that the finish color of it fades in the sun. In addition, it can even resist splashing water, but it can never be submerged. The recommendation for this type of floor is that it should not be used in the property's damp areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundry.

Now let's talk about the disadvantages of laminate flooring. It is a good propagator of sounds, especially if you do not install the acoustic blanket on the subfloor. This type of floor is not recommended for those with pets, as they often slip off. Laminate flooring cannot be covered with water, so the recommendation is to immediately dry any liquid that is spilled on its surface. To avoid scratching the surface of this type of floor, use and abuse the felts on the feet of furniture and castors.

4. Differentiate the installation between vinyl and laminate

Vinyl flooring can only be installed on a subfloor that is dry, clean and extremely level, otherwise it will not look good. To level your home's subfloor , use a leveling compound that is made up of cement and glue. This mixture can be applied to the floor exactly where the surfaces that are not smooth are, for example, on polished stones. After leveling the floor of your home, the vinyl floor is glued or joined — you have to wait for it to dry. If you are going to install vinyl flooring, always do it on the subfloor, because if you put it on a floor that could rot, such as wood, you will have a big problem in the future. For this, hiring an experienced installer is highly recommended.

Laminate flooring must also be installed on a clean, dry, and level subfloor. This type of floor accepts variations in the leveling of the subfloor, as long as these are up to 3 mm. Before applying the floor, he receives a regularizing blanket, which is made of plastic. Installation is done either by fitting or by glue, leaving a space for expansion between the edges of the floor and the wall of your house. That's because, depending on the temperature, the floor can expand or contract. Installing laminate flooring is faster than installing vinyl flooring.

5. Learn how to clean each type of floor

Cleaning the vinyl floor should be done with a broom with a fur or soft bristles, followed by a squeegee with a damp cloth. A deeper cleaning can take water and mild soap, not forgetting that this type of floor cannot be submerged.

On the other hand, laminate flooring can be cleaned with either a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum cleaner, as long as it has the correct nozzle (the one with wheels). You can finish cleaning with a cloth dampened with mild soap or laminate wax. Stains can be counteracted with alcohol or detergent.

6. Choose which environments to install the floors in

As mentioned in topic three, vinyl flooring cannot be exposed to intense sunlight , much less be installed in wet areas. Ideally, vinyl flooring should be installed in bedrooms, offices and libraries.

Laminate flooring is more versatile, as in addition to being able to be installed in the same areas as vinyl flooring, it adds a touch of sophistication. It is also suitable for installation in the room and, like vinyl, you should avoid placing it in wet areas. Laminate flooring helps make the environment more cozy and at the correct temperature.

Now that you know the tips to make the right choice between vinyl or laminate flooring,we invite you to find out more about other types of flooring for apartments.