Vinyl vs Laminate Flooring Part 1

The Real Deal on Wood Flooring Alternatives

Nothing elevates a room’s look like wood flooring. Alone or with an area rug, wood can be as classic, modern, or retro as you please. With so many types and colors to choose from, there’s something rich and multi-dimensional about that grain and variation. But laying real wood floors is an investment—and expensive option that’s cost-prohibitive for many homeowners. The good news: there are several ways to achieve the gorgeous look of wood without breaking the budget or your back on maintenance.

Better Than the Real Thing? Sometimes. Vinyl Plank and Laminate Flooring

Two of today’s popular, versatile, and great-looking flooring options are vinyl plank and laminate. Both come in colors and patterns meant to mimic the look of all types of wood and stains. And believe it or not, each offers some pretty hefty advantages over real wood on top of their more attractive price points. It may seem hard to believe, but quality versions will “pass” for real wood, so it’s up to you if you reveal otherwise to your guests. As an added bonus, both are relatively easy to install without professional assistance if you’ve got some skill and ambition to take on such a home improvement project.

What is the deal with vinyl?

Sheet vinyl first made its debut in the 1950s as an affordable and waterproof flooring option for use in virtually any room. Made from PVC, a type of plastic, older versions of vinyl flooring lasted for years with normal upkeep. The biggest disadvantage of this “vintage” type vinyl, aside from outdated patterns, is the way it would become dull and sometimes sticky over time. Yuck!

Vinyl’s come a long way since the Eisenhower administration—that’s for sure! Today’s products look amazing and wear much better than those of yesteryear. They’re made primarily of vinyl, but that’s where the similarities end. Modern vinyl plank flooring incorporates a core base layer that’s made of vinyl which can provide either a flexible or rigid underfoot feel. A patterned layer, also made of vinyl, mimics the look of wood or tile. And a wear layer made of super-hard transparent plastic offers protection from water damage, scratches, and other damage.

Today’s best vinyl products are usually referred to as Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) or Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT). Both are similarly constructed, but as their names suggest, LVT mimics the look and feel of tile and LVP mimics the look and feel of wood planks. Other acronyms you might encounter when doing your flooring research include SPC and WPC. SPC stands for Stone Plastic Composite—a type of rigid-core vinyl plank flooring that uses some ground-up limestone in its base layer to enhance stability and durability. WPC stands for Wood Plastic Composite and that refers to rigid-core vinyl plank flooring that uses ground-up wood in its base layer.

You’ll find that these types of floors are marketed in a variety of ways—all to make individual products stand out among competitors, but their core ingredients are essentially the same—vinyl. Do pay attention to plank thickness when shopping, though. Vinyl planks can measure between 2mm and 12mm thick, depending on the type and quality. We recommend choosing thicker vinyl for high-traffic areas, for obvious reasons. And don’t forget to ask about the wear layer. A flooring expert, like a representative at Redeemed Flooring & Decking, can help you determine the best vinyl option for your particular room.

Main Advantages of Vinyl over Laminate: Water Resistance and Durability

Because of its entirely synthetic construction, vinyl plank flooring is often completely waterproof. That means you can use it in any room, including bathrooms to create the look of wood without the hassle and concern of maintaining real wood. That being said, we always recommend cleaning up spills as soon as they happen because liquid can still seep into the seams of any type of flooring. But where laminate flooring is susceptible to water damage thanks to internal layers that will expand and warp when exposed to liquid, vinyl is pretty impervious to water. This makes it a great choice for homes/areas where pets roam free. Think accidents, water bowl spills, wet paws, and other furry-friend mishaps. Vinyl is so durable that it can even be used as an outdoor flooring option.

Last Words

We know how a flooring project is a huge undertaking for you. But if you’re not in a rush, I encourage you to shop around. Then check us out. We're a Factory Direct Retailer, so our hardwood prices are guaranteed cheaper than any other retailer. We import the materials ourselves, passing along the savings to you. Should you have any further questions, please email us at hello@redeemedflooring.com.