How Do Vinyl and Laminate Flooring Differ?

Modern floors are constructed from a host of durable materials. Intended to stand up to years of abuse while maintaining their aesthetic appeal, many flooring options offer an excellent return on investment. Two of the most common materials are vinyl and laminate.

While they may appear similar in some ways, it is important to recognise that there are a handful of differences to appreciate. Let’s go ahead and contrast each so that you will be able to make an informed decision ahead of any project.

Levels of Moisture Protection

Many experts will argue that the main difference between these two types of materials is their ability to stand up to moisture. Not only will vinyl offer superior levels of water resistance, but it is waterproof. This is often the reason why vinyl floors are installed within areas that might be prone to spills from time to time (such as the common kitchen).

On the contrary, commercial laminate flooring employs a wooden core (known as fibreboard within the industry). If this core is exposed to high levels of moisture, it will begin to swell. This can distort the shape of the flooring and lead to issues such as bowing over time.

Thickness

Thanks to the wooden core mentioned above, the average laminate floor is between six and 12 millimetres thick. Vinyl floors can range in thickness from a mere 1.5 millimetres to five millimetres. This can be an important concern if you are worried about the clearance of a floor around walls and elements such as baseboard heaters.

Cost Differences

The good news is that UK Flooring Supplies Online offers both of these choices. However, it should be noted that sheet vinyl flooring can be slightly more expensive than its laminate counterpart. This will depend upon the thickness of the material as well as the designs that are employed.

If you wish to learn more about which option might represent the best choice, please take a few moments and speak with one of our representatives.