Laminate and vinyl flooring are considered the same by many people in Australia. And, this may have been fairly true two decades ago, but the distinctions of twenty years have separated these two flooring solutions. Both are popular even nowadays as there is no requirement for hard-core maintenance or floor sanding in Melbourne.
To best illustrate differences between the vinyl and laminate flooring, break their comparable characteristics into look and style, durability and stability, applications and cost. And, then you can conclude which is more suitable for particular house flooring.
Here are some comparable characteristics of vinyl and laminate flooring:
What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a hard surface that typically looks likes hardwood and is made with reused hardwood. It particularly looks like hardwood floors, but the recently upgraded variants, like ceramic and granite, do look more real. On top, it has a melamine wear layer, which gives it solid scratch protection, and under, there is a high thickness centerboard. The best thing is that this flooring does not require floor polishing in Melbourne or anywhere you live, like wood. Let’s check why people prefer laminate flooring:
- Aesthetic appeal
As said earlier, laminate floors look like hardwood, ceramic and granite, which gives your floor a feel of luxurious look. The granite and wooden floors look so amazing and enhance the aesthetic appeal of a house. - Durability and versatility
Laminate flooring solutions are made from high-density fiberboard, which is a form of recycled hardwood. It isn’t waterproof. So, moisture can damage the surface. But if there is no great deal of water or moisture in your house, the material proves a hard surface that lasts long and looks versatile for many years. Moreover, the thickness of the layer of floorboards and quality is what matters. - Protective clear layer on top
This flooring solution has protective clear layers on it. Since it’s made with 3D technology and replicate wood and stone, the upper layer finishing touch make it generally easy to clean and maintain. - Easy to install
This flooring solution is very easy to install. Laminate flooring is usually around 3/8 of an inch and can regularly be put on top of the existing floor whether it's in the form of tile, concrete or even hardwood. One can install the upper layer in no time. - Withstands spills and stains
Laminate floors are very hard and can withstand spills and stains. As said earlier, the protective layer of the uppermost make is suitable to clean and maintain easily, these layers are in general protect it from any spillage and make it stain free. - Cost-effective
Timber floors or granite floors are expensive; conversely, solutions, like laminate tiles, are much cost-effective. Moreover, the maintenance of original wood is expensive than that of laminate floors. So, if you are looking for budget-friendly but versatile floors, laminate tiles are the best solution.
What is vinyl flooring?
Highly contrasting vinyl flooring is a synthetic material that resembles tile or hardwood. Most vinyl tiles or sheets are glued down directly to the underneath floor. Vinyl comes in numerous styles like sheet vinyl, vinyl tile and board, vinyl composite tile (VCT – ordinarily for business applications) and cheap peel and sticks tile. And, here are some characteristics of vinyl flooring:
- Water-resistant flooring
Unlike laminate floors, vinyl floors are water-resistant. That is why these floors are more suitable for higher moisture areas. A sealant is not required for vinyl, but one can use it as the added protection of layer on it. However, it won't hold up to standing water and some are applied simply onto pressed wood. And if the water has drenched through, the subfloor may wrap. - Suitable for bathrooms and kitchens
Vinyl can withstand high foot trafficking, and due to its water safe quality, this flooring is most suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. While the less expensive kinds of vinyl required spills and solid cleaning, they will not endure major floods. There is no extra floor coating required to avoid any slippage. - Low-maintenance and endure heavy foot traffic
As mentioned above, vinyl can endure high foot traffic, which makes it suitable flooring for the kitchen area. The maintenance of vinyl is also very easy. The surface does not hold dirt, and no polish or refinishing is required for a longer period. However, less expensive kinds of vinyl tend to blur whenever exposed to daylight for a long period. - Comfortable to stand on
The vinyl floors are comfortable to stand on. They are made of synthetic materials which are soft and flexible. These materials make the surface smooth to walk on. Unlike wood floors that need timely floor sanding in Melbourne or wherever you live, these are more durable and comfortable to stand on.
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