Vinyl VS. Laminate flooring: Which one is better?

Most homeowners struggle with choosing the right flooring in Abu Dhabi for their homes or offices these days. There are many options, but the two most popular ones are vinyl and laminate flooring. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses. To help you make the right decision between the two, here is a vinyl vs laminate flooring comparison guide.

Vinyl vs Laminate Flooring: How They Compare

This is a detailed comparison of how vinyl and laminate flooring compare and which is the right choice for flooring.

1. Appearance

Vinyl:

Vinyl flooring can mimic the look of premium materials such as wood and stone with its realistic patterns and textures. Due to recent advancements in printing technology, luxury vinyl tiles can now mimic the exact appearance of the materials.

Laminate:

Laminate flooring is also a great option for providing the high-quality appearance of natural wood and stone materials. It goes a step further by replicating the wood grain, resulting in a thicker and textured finish for an authentic feel.

Best For:

If you want a more realistic wood-like feel, laminate flooring is perfect. It offers more versatility for style, even when the choice is stone or tile.

2. Water and Heat Resistance

Vinyl:

Vinyl flooring is literally waterproof by nature, which makes it perfect for moisture-prone areas like kitchens, basements, and bathrooms. It also works well with extreme weather conditions of heat and humidity. However, if the temperature is too high, it can start to warp.

Laminate:

Laminate flooring provides moderate moisture resistance but is not completely waterproof. If the floors are exposed to moisture for a long time, it results in swelling or complete damage. For humid places, appropriate measures must be taken before installing laminate floors.

Best For:

If you prefer to have flooring that is completely waterproof, vinyl flooring is a far better choice compared to laminate flooring.

3. Care and Cleaning

Vinyl:

This flooring is relatively easier to maintain and clean than most other flooring options. It only requires daily sweeping and mopping with a good-quality cleaner to maintain its pristine condition.

Laminate:

Laminates require extra care to prevent excessive water damage. The best way to clean them is daily vacuuming and damp cleaning in case of stains and spills. Harsh cleaners must be avoided to prevent abrasive damage.

Best For:

Vinyl is a better choice for a home that needs a low-maintenance flooring solution.

4. Durability and Maintenance

Vinyl:

Vinyl is a highly durable option with high resistance to stains, scratches, and dents. All of this makes it a perfect choice for high-traffic areas or homes with kids and pets in it.

Laminate:

Laminate floors are also quite durable, but they are much more prone to chipping and scratching. They can perform quite well in light-traffic areas, but they do require extra maintenance as time passes.

Best For:

There is no better option than vinyl flooring for homes if you are on a budget and need a long-lasting solution.

5. Installation

Vinyl:

Vinyl floors are a bit easier to install as they mostly come in the click-lock or peel-and-stick installation varieties. This makes them a flexible choice for installation over the uneven surface.

Laminate:

Laminate flooring comes with a click-lock installation method to let you install this as a DIY project. Still, unlike vinyl flooring, this one requires the subfloors to be perfectly flat, and that requires an underlayment for stability.

Best For:

Vinyl flooring is quite an easy option when it comes to DIY flooring projects. As for laminate, it requires a bit of a professional touch or a good DIY experience.

6. Lifespan

Vinyl:

Vinyl flooring, with its vibrant appearance and good texture, can last for about 15 to 20 years. It requires proper maintenance and cleaning.

Laminate:

Laminate floors are more decorative flooring for homes that, if not properly maintained, can wear down easily. Still, it offers a lifespan of 10 to 15 years on average.

Best For:

For those property owners who are looking for longevity in flooring, vinyl floors are the best choice.

7. Comfort and Sound

Vinyl:

Vinyl floors feel softer underfoot and offer a quieter walking experience than laminate flooring. This is true if a soft cushioned underlayment is added before laying down vinyl floors.

Laminate:

Laminate floors feel hard underfoot and they also produce some noise of footsteps on them. This is more of a disadvantage if the underlayment is not used.

Best For:

Vinyl flooring is a quieter and more comfortable solution compared to laminate flooring.

8. Cost

Vinyl:

Vinyl floors are usually more affordable than laminates. Their price ranges from AED 20 to AED 150 per square meter, depending on the style and quality of the vinyl flooring.

Laminate:

Laminate floors are a bit more expensive, ranging from AED 30 to AED 200 per square meter. The prices vary depending on the finish and the brand.

Best For:

If you wish for a budget-friendly flooring solution for your home,

Get Your Flooring Quotes From The Best Flooring Supplier

You must be frustrated in making the choice between vinyl vs laminate flooring. Book yourself a free design consultation with a flooring expert on a single call. Free material samples and design options to help make informed flooring choices.