When installing a new floor, you will have to choose what kind of planks you want. Two options for homeowners are vinyl plank flooring and laminate flooring, but what’s the difference, and which is better?
In this article, the team at Authentic Hardwood Flooring explains the pros and cons of these two types of flooring and identifies which option is the best.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is an increasingly popular floor option with a durable vinyl core and a water-resistant top vinyl layer. Homeowners can choose between several types of vinyl flooring, including WPC (wood polymer composite) vinyl and rigid core vinyl.
One of the best features of vinyl floors is their durability and water-resistant construction. Vinyl flooring can mimic the look and texture of wood species of flooring, but you can also buy vinyl flooring that mimics stone and other materials.
Of course, the higher quality also means that vinyl plank flooring is usually more expensive than other types of synthetic flooring, laminate flooring included. Upfront costs and installation costs will run higher, but the investment is usually worth it for the beautiful finish and how long the floor lasts.
Pros
- DIY installation is easy
- Highly durable with long lifespan
- Water resistant
- Easy to clean
- Wide range of colors and styles
Cons
- Heavy objects can create dents
- Non-recyclable
- Can fade from sunlight and heat
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is similar to vinyl plank flooring in that they are both synthetic plastics that can mimic the look and feel of other materials. Of the two options, laminate is more dated — it was first introduced in the 1970s as an alternative to hardwood floors. Laminate quickly gained popularity due to its affordability and flexibility.
It is easy to install, and you can customize it to match your home decor. Laminate flooring is also soft and relatively comfortable on the feet, making it a good choice for rooms that receive a lot of foot traffic, such as living rooms or recreational areas.
Pros
- Highly affordable option
- Soft on foot traffic
- Multiple colors and finishes available
Cons
- Less durable than luxury vinyl plank flooring
- Susceptible to water damage
Which Type of Flooring Is Better?
The best type of flooring depends on your budget and your specific needs. If you are looking for the most affordable option, then laminate flooring provides a decent mixture of comfort and durability for a lower price. However, laminate flooring isn’t as durable as vinyl plank flooring and is not as suitable for rooms with higher moisture content, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
If you want something more hardy, vinyl plank flooring is the way to go. Vinyl is more expensive than laminate but more durable and handles moisture better. Additionally, vinyl plank flooring is also easy to install on a budget. The main downside of vinyl flooring is that it is non-biodegradable, so disposal isn’t as environmentally friendly.
One quick note — neither vinyl plank flooring nor laminate flooring is particularly resistant to heat, so high temperatures and sunlight can cause both materials to fade and change shape. If you go with a vinyl or laminate floor, make sure you minimize the amount of direct sunlight and heat they absorb.
Explore Your Vinyl Plank Flooring Options at Our Atlanta Showroom
Authentic Hardwood Flooring has over 23 years of experience providing the best hardwood floor installation services in Atlanta, GA. We dedicate ourselves to providing top-quality products and services that make us stand out from the competition.
Do you have any more questions about vinyl plank flooring and laminate flooring? Visit our showroom in Atlanta to talk to our flooring experts and see your options in person. Contact us online or call us at Authentic Hardwood Flooring at (678) 985-0110 to get started!
