Whether you’ve recently purchased a new dream property or are thinking of giving your existing home a brand new renovation, your choice of flooring will lay the foundation for the overall aesthetic and set the tone for the ambience you’re looking to create. It’s a simple step that is often underestimated, but it really does make all the difference, and the key to getting it right is to choose an option that is as practical as it is pleasing to the eye.
Two of the most popular choices in flooring used in high-end homes are laminate and vinyl, both of which tick many of the relevant boxes and can help to create a sleek and sophisticated look and feel. But deciding between the two can be the tricky bit, especially when you’re not sure how to make the final call.
Each one brings its own strengths to the table; laminate floors are prized for their durability and resemblance to real wood, while vinyl offers unparalleled moisture resistance and a softer underfoot feel – so essentially, it all comes down to what you’re looking for in a flooring material and what’s most important to you, as well as the overall look.
You might find yourself wondering which of these sought-after flooring options can truly stand up to the rigors of your daily life, especially in high-traffic areas – but the answer isn’t entirely straightforward, as it depends heavily on your household’s specific needs and your personal style preferences. Here, we take a look at how each option could uniquely suit your living spaces, and help you to make the final decision.
Vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring is composed entirely of synthetic materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and offers a durable and water-resistant option for your home. If you’re seeking a sense of cohesion in your space, vinyl could be the ideal choice to bring together your overall aesthetic. It comes in various options, including luxury vinyl planks, tiles, and even waterproof options, ensuring that each room of your home can showcase its unique style whilst maintaining a unified look.
Vinyl flooring also comes in varieties made to look realistically like wood or metal, which means you don’t have to compromise on aesthetics for functionality if you have a particular vision in mind, and can create a welcoming space you’ll love spending time in.
Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring, renowned for its durability, can last up to 25 years with proper care, making it an excellent investment that is guaranteed to stand the test of time. You’ll find its resilience particularly appealing if you’re hoping to lay it in high-traffic areas, with its impact-resistant nature meaning that even busy households with kids and pets won’t easily mar its surface. Additionally, the wear layer offers excellent scratch resistance, preserving the beauty of your floors despite daily challenges, offering a long-lasting solution that will ensure both appearance and functionality remain at a high level throughout its life span.
The differences
It’s clear that both flooring options have plenty to offer, but how exactly do they differ, and what does that mean for you? Firstly, you’ll find that the core materials used in each are one of the major distinguishing factors between laminate and vinyl flooring; vinyl is entirely synthetic and made from PVC, while laminate uses a high-density fibreboard core derived from wood by-products.
While vinyl flooring offers superior waterproofing and moisture resistance, laminate flooring is water-resistant but not entirely waterproof. Vinyl has a robust wear layer suitable for heavy traffic and potential spills; while laminate is protected by a resin-coated wear layer. And when it comes to cleaning, vinyl tolerates wet mopping due to its waterproof nature, but excessive moisture should be avoided when mopping laminate to maintain its integrity.
When making the decision between laminate and vinyl flooring, it’s important to take into account these differences in durability and maintenance. But, if you’re looking for a flooring option that thrives in your bustling, spill-prone kitchen or bathroom, vinyl is your go-to. Its water-resistant nature makes it especially suitable for high-moisture areas and you’ll also find it’s quite durable, resisting wear and tear while being easy to clean with just a wet mop.
Durability and maintenance
Vinyl flooring typically offers greater water resistance than laminate, making it a robust choice for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens that stands up well where spills and splashes are common occurrences. Laminate, while scratch-resistant, demands more attention in such spaces due to its vulnerability to moisture. It thrives in areas with lower moisture levels.
Both options are easy to clean, enhancing their lasting durability with proper care, but vinyl allows the use of wet mops and gentle cleaners, assuring you an easier maintenance routine – while laminate requires dry cleaning methods to be used to avoid damage, in alignment with a careful and considerate cleaning practice.
Water and heat resistance
When you consider the challenges of moisture and temperature, it’s clear that vinyl flooring outperforms laminate in water and heat resistance. It’s waterproof, moisture and heat resistant, and a pet friendly material, so it ticks all of the right boxes and more.
Aesthetic and comfort analysis
Of course, when renovating a luxury home, it’s not just about functionality, and the aesthetics will remain a key consideration. Both laminate and vinyl flooring have the power to enhance your home’s overall look, offering styles that closely mimic natural materials like wood and stone – so how do you choose between them when it comes to visual appeal?
Laminate flooring is a great choice because it helps to create a luxurious, high-end look with its deep, realistic embossing, and can be made to resemble hardwood or stone. On the other hand, vinyl flooring provides comfort with its cushioned, resilient nature, and is ideal for your bustling home environment. It boasts a wide range of design options, ensuring that you can find a style that truly feels like it belongs in your home. Using Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), you’ll find that its beauty not only adds character to your space but also a sense of belonging and warmth.
Installation techniques and cost implications
The final things to consider when choosing between laminate and vinyl flooring are installation methods and cost implications. Each offers unique installation methods tailored to varying levels of DIY expertise, so be sure to research these thoroughly before purchasing either type of flooring. Cost-wise, you’ll find that laminate and vinyl flooring not only offer style and durability but are also both very reasonably priced, but be sure to compare them when shopping.
The bottom line
So, which of these to highly sought-after types of flooring are worthy of gracing your home? While vinyl offers unbeatable moisture resistance and is perfect for kitchens and bathrooms, while laminate boasts superior durability, ideal for bustling family rooms – so it really depends which rooms you are looking to make over.
Decide carefully, as the right option has the power to transform your home’s look and feel for years to come, and help to bring your lavish vision to life.
