Laminate vs vinyl flooring: Which is better for your home?

Are you one of those homeowners confused and stressed between laminate and vinyl? It is not surprising because both look and feel the same. Plus, their prices are lower than natural stone. But this laminate vs vinyl flooring guide settles the difference, comparing two popular choices based on their cost, appearance, and more.

This vinyl vs laminate flooring article also shares the best way to hire a contractor or specialist who can work on both. Read on if you can get this task ticked on your to-do list!

What is laminate flooring?

Laminate floors comprise several layers that work together to create a durable and moisture-resistant flooring option:

• The bottom layer provides stability.

• The decorative layer is where the design and pattern of the flooring come in.

• The top layer protects the flooring from scratches, fading, and stains.

These are fused through a process called lamination, hence the name. It works by pressing and heating the layers with a strong adhesive to form one piece. The result is a beautiful, cost-effective flooring option that’s easy to clean and install.

In terms of thickness, laminate flooring can vary from 6 mm to 12 mm. The thicker the flooring, the more durable it is.

What is vinyl flooring?

Vinyl floors are popular for homeowners seeking an affordable and stylish option. Like laminates, these have several layers:

• Backing layer, which gives the flooring stability

• Inner core layer, which provides moisture resistance

• Design layer, which holds the pattern or design of your choice

• Top wear layer, which protects against scratches, fading, and stains

Vinyl flooring also has at least two types:

• Sheet vinyl is sold in large rolls.

• Tile and plank vinyl is available in smaller squares and rectangles.

Vinyl floors are typically made from thin sheets of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl plastisol, and plasticisers. These materials are heated and treated to form a single flexible sheet, which is then cooled in moulds to create the desired shape.

The final product is cut into planks and then installed as is or with additional glue or adhesive, depending on the type of flooring selected. As for thickness, vinyl flooring is usually between 2 mm and 8 mm, making it thinner than laminate.

Laminate vs vinyl: Which is better for your flooring?

Vinyl and laminate have different manufacturing processes and thicknesses. But you might still struggle to determine which is which when walking inside a home improvement store. For example, their decorative layer can mimic natural materials like wood or stone. So how else can you decide? Let’s discuss their major differences further.

In terms of cost

Generally, vinyl is more expensive than laminate flooring. The cost per square metre of vinyl ranges from $25 to $79. Laminates can cost anywhere from $25 to $30 per square metre, depending on the quality. This difference in cost mainly comes down to the material composition between the two types of flooring. So do their installation difficulty, durability, and maintenance (which will be discussed later).

In terms of appearance

Laminate tends to have a more realistic wood or stone look, with textured finishes that mimic natural materials.

Vinyl, on the other hand, can have a more uniform, smooth look. It has come a long way in recent years and now mimics the look of natural flooring materials with stunning accuracy. Most vinyl floors also have embossed textures that make them appear slightly raised.

In terms of installation complexity

In the vinyl vs laminate flooring battle, the race is tight when discussing installation. However, between the two, vinyl seems easier to install for the following reasons:

• Options: You can glue down vinyl planks and sheets, making them more durable and suitable in high-traffic areas such as living rooms. You can also make them float through the click-and-lock system. With laminate, the ideal installation process is floating it because it needs to warp naturally.

• Tools needed: Usually, you can cut vinyl planks and sheets with a utility knife because they are thin. Laminate might require a mitre or a circular saw.

Because of this, the labour cost of vinyl flooring installation is between $20 and $40 per square metre, while it can go up to $80 per square metre for laminate.

In terms of durability/maintenance

Both are low-maintenance, and if you have kids who love to drag along things on the floor, you might find laminate and vinyl flooring a godsend because they are scratch-resistant. They are also easy to vacuum, which is great if you have pets.

However, vinyl is superior to laminate in places with high moisture levels, such as the bathroom or kitchen, where you can spill water. This is because of its extremely high water resistance. If water gets into the laminate, the flooring can warp and buckle.

Vinyl, though, is more sensitive to heat. For example, its colour can fade over time when exposed to sunlight.

In terms of eco-friendliness

The award goes to laminate. Many manufacturers now use sustainable materials for making high-density fibreboards, such as those from renewable wood plantations. Vinyl flooring is more difficult to recycle because you cannot combine it with plastic.

Install or replace your home’s flooring with Airtasker

This guide on vinyl flooring vs laminate flooring helps clear out the confusion. But regardless of which you choose, it is better to skip the DIY process and work with a flooring expert.

Airtasker connects you with nearby pros specialising in flooring installation and repair. After registering for free, you can post a task detailing the following:

• Your room size

• Flooring materials you want to install or replace

• Your budget

Afterwards, Taskers will send their quotes with their credentials. This makes it easier for you to decide which one to hire. Plus, with ratings and comments from previous clients, you can be sure that the Tasker has the skills and experience needed for the job. If you’re still on the fence between laminate and vinyl flooring, feel free to revisit the table below and post a task when you’re ready.