From muddy shoes and wet paws to kids’ toys and high heels, your floors see a lot of action. When choosing new floors for your home, you’ll want flooring that can withstand whatever your family throws its way. Understanding the pros and cons of laminate vs. vinyl vs. hardwood—as well as the various laminate flooring differences—can help you choose the flooring that best meets your family’s needs.
What Is Laminate Flooring?
In many ways, laminate flooring is still a relatively new option. It was invented in 1977 as a way to use a high-pressure laminate material created by the Swedish chemical company Perstorp. Since then, laminate flooring has been popular around the world. In 2023, around 318 million square meters of European-produced laminate flooring were sold worldwide.
There are different types of Laminate flooring, but they typically consist of several layers of material pressed together. The four layers are meant to improve durability and resist moisture. In a typical piece of laminate flooring, you’ll find:
- The backing layer. The backing layer of laminate flooring is typically made of melamine, a durable material that provides structure and support and helps resist moisture.
- The core. The core layer of laminate flooring usually consists of high-density fiberboard, a composite material made from the waste products of wood. In many cases, high-density fiberboard makes up as much as 70 percent of the total weight of a piece of flooring.
- The decorative surface. On top of the core layer is a decorative layer, which makes the laminate resemble a piece of wood or, in some cases, stone. Typically, the decorative layer is a photo printed on paper.
- The wear layer. The final layer, the wear layer, helps protect the laminate flooring from wear and tear. Without this top layer, the decorative surface would get scuffed and worn out quickly. Usually, the decorative layer is made from melamine and aluminum oxide. It’s clear so that the photo can show through easily.
Styles and Types of Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring differences range from size and shape to texture and finish, making it a versatile choice for many homeowners. For example, laminate flooring may be sold in square tiles or long planks. The planks might be narrow or wide. It’s also possible to find laminate flooring designed to be installed in a chevron pattern.
The decorative layer of laminate flooring might look like wood or imitate stone. Some examples of styles include:
- Oak finish
- Maple finish
- Cherry finish
- Pine finish
- Stone finish
- Marble finish
- Teak finish
- Mahagony finish
- Walnut finish
- Ipe finish
- Tile finish
Laminate flooring can also have different textures to fit the effect you want in your home. Some types of laminate are embossed for a texture that looks and feels more like natural wood. Other types of laminate flooring have a smooth texture for a glossy surface. With so many options available, you’ll want to do a laminate flooring comparison in your home to see how samples look before committing to one.
The Installation of Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a type of “floating floor.” You can install it over a variety of different floor surfaces, from a subfloor to an existing vinyl, tile, or hardwood floor. Typically, the only type of existing floor that you don’t want to install laminate on top of is carpet, as it’s too soft and won’t provide the support laminate needs.
During installation, laminate flooring attaches to itself, not to the floor. Although some types of laminate flooring should be glued together, many types join together through tongue-and-groove joints along the side. One side of a laminate tile or plank has a “tongue,” a protrusion that is usually a bit thinner than the rest of the plank. The other side of the plank has a groove or indentation. The tongue on one plank fits inside the groove of the next, firmly attaching the two.
Tongue and groove joinings mean that the planks or tiles of laminate flooring join together without needing to attach to the floor beneath them. Although the attachment is secure, there is still some flexibility, allowing the floorboards to expand and move as needed.
Often, an underlayment will be installed with the laminate flooring. The underlayment rests on top of the existing floor or subfloor. It’s usually made of foam and helps the laminate feel more comfortable underfoot. The underlayment also helps to eliminate a “hollow” sound that laminate flooring can produce.
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Caring for Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is relatively easy to care for, as long as you keep a few things in mind. First, try to avoid using a lot of water to clean a laminate floor. Although laminate is water resistant, you don’t want to soak your floors with a mop, because moisture can seep into the seams between planks, causing them to swell.
For everyday cleaning of your laminate flooring, it’s preferable to use a broom or vacuum on the bare floor setting. If anything spills on laminate, it’s a good idea to wipe up and dry the spill as soon as possible. For an occasional deeper clean, you can use a damp — not wet — mop or a specialized floor cleaner mop.
When using cleaners, it’s important to note that some aren’t meant for use on laminate flooring. For example, oil soap can leave streaks on the surface of laminate flooring, and pine-scented cleaners often leave a residue behind. Vinegar-based products can damage the protective coating on the top of laminate flooring.
There are a few simple things you can do to keep laminate flooring looking great for years to come. To prevent ice, water, snow, and mud from getting tracked onto your floor, place doormats at the doors of your house. It’s also a good idea to put absorbent mats around areas where spills are likely, such as under a pet’s water bowl or a baby’s highchair.
To protect the surface of the floor, be mindful of things that can scratch it. Put protective pads on the legs of chairs and tables. Keep your pets’ claws and nails trimmed. If you wear shoes with heels, it can be a good idea to put them on only when you’re leaving home.
Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring
Is laminate flooring the right choice for your home? Take a look at some of the pros and cons of laminate flooring to see if it will work for you.
There are many advantages to laminate flooring:
- Relatively easy to care for
- Lots of choices available
- Installs over most existing floors
- Tough and durable
- Can look like “the real thing” when imitating wood or stone
However, laminate flooring does have a few disadvantages:
- Not fully moisture or waterproof and shouldn’t be used in areas of the house prone to moisture, such as high-use bathrooms, kitchens, or laundry rooms
- Planks and tiles can’t be refinished and need to be replaced if damaged
- Sometimes has a reputation for being “cheap” or “unattractive,” although recent developments are improving its reputation
- The surface of the floor can feel hard when sitting or walking on it
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Laminate vs. Vinyl Flooring
When you’re deciding on new flooring for your home, it can help to fully understand all of your options and how they compare to each other. Laminate flooring is occasionally confused with vinyl flooring, although the two materials are considerably different. If you are weighing the pros and cons of laminate vs vinyl flooring, here’s what you need to know.
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What Is Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring is made from synthetic materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Like laminate flooring, it consists of multiple layers of material. The core layer provides structure and stability and is often made of fiberglass.
On top of the core layer is the print layer, which has a design or pattern printed on it. Like laminate flooring, vinyl flooring can be printed to resemble stone or wood. Its print layer can also be a pattern, such as an intricate floral design or a checkerboard pattern.
The top layer is the wear layer, which is usually made of polyurethane. The wear layer protects the flooring from scratches, dirt, and other damage.
In some cases, vinyl flooring also has a cushioned underlayer made of foam. The underlayer helps to make the vinyl floor more comfortable and quieter to walk on. Vinyl flooring comes in a variety of formats:
- Vinyl Tiles: Vinyl tiles are typically either 9 inches square or 12 inches square. Vinyl tiles are water resistant and tend to be easier to care for and clean than real tile.
- Luxury vinyl plank (LVP): Vinyl planks might have the most in common with laminate flooring, at least as far as appearance goes. Luxury vinyl planks often imitate the look of natural materials, such as wood or stone. The plank shape of the flooring also helps it to effectively mimic the look of natural materials while still being made from a fully synthetic material.
So what are the benefits of laminate flooring vs. LVP? We break down the key vinyl and laminate flooring differences here:
Vinyl Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring at a Glance
Vinyl flooring:
- Is 100 percent synthetic
- Is best for areas where there’s a lot of water such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens
- Is easy to clean and care for
- Comes in sheet, tile, or plank form
Laminate flooring:
- Contains a mixture of natural and synthetic materials
- Is water resistant but can be damaged when there’s a lot of moisture. Not ideal for high-use bathrooms or laundry rooms
- Is easy to clean
- Can be scratched by high heels, pet’s claws, or furniture if pads or protection aren’t used
- Comes in tile or plank form
Laminate vs. Hardwood
For plenty of homeowners, hardwood floors are the dream. Hardwood is known for its natural look and for creating a warm, inviting home. But if many types of laminate flooring effectively imitate the look and feel of hardwood, is there any reason to go for the real deal? To weigh the pros and cons of laminate vs. real wood, it helps to understand the differences in materials.
What Is Hardwood Flooring?
Hardwood flooring is made from natural wood, specifically wood species classified as “hard.” Hardwood species grow more slowly and produce a denser material compared to softwood species. The density of hardwoods makes for more durable flooring than other options. A few examples of hardwood floor species:
- Birch
- Brazilian Cherry
- Cherry
- Maple
- Oak
- Walnut
Hardwood flooring comes in a variety of shapes, such as planks, thinner strips, and parquet. The wood can be stained and finished to suit a homeowner’s tastes.
While hardwood flooring might not be as damage- or water-resistant as laminate or vinyl flooring, it can still be relatively easy to clean. You can sweep or vacuum hardwood floors to remove dust and debris. If you want to clean the floors more deeply, your best bet is to use a floor cleaner specifically designed for hardwood.
If part of a hardwood floor becomes damaged, it’s possible to sand that portion down and refinish it to make it look as good as new. In the case of laminate flooring, you typically need to replace the entire plank or tile if part of it is damaged.
Take a look below for the main hardwood and laminate flooring differences.
Laminate Flooring vs. Hardwood at a Glance
Hardwood flooring:
- Is made of solid wood
- Is prone to water damage and shouldn’t be used in areas where exposure to moisture or water is likely, such as bathrooms
- Can be refinished to reduce the appearance of scratches and dents or to make the floor look like new again
- Is usually glued or nailed down to the subfloor
- Comes in multiple forms, such as plank or parquet
Laminate flooring:
- Is made of a combination of natural and synthetic materials
- Is water resistant
- Can’t be refinished and needs to be replaced if significantly damaged
- “Floats” above the subfloor
- Comes in multiple forms, such as tile or planks
Find Flooring Solutions at 50Floor
Is laminate flooring the right choice for you, or would you rather have vinyl or hardwood? 50Floor can help you decide. As part of our shop-at-home experience, an expert from our team will bring floor samples right to your house so you can do a hardwood, vinyl, and laminate flooring comparison with your house’s natural lighting and design. To learn more, schedule an appointment with 50Floor today.
FAQs
1. What factors should I consider when choosing between laminate and vinyl flooring?
When choosing between laminate flooring vs. LVP, consider factors such as the level of moisture in the installation area, durability needs, ease of maintenance, aesthetic preferences, and budget constraints to determine the best fit for your environment.
2. Where can I see and evaluate the options in person?
It’s beneficial to visit showrooms where various collections of laminate and vinyl flooring are displayed. This allows for a direct vinyl and laminate flooring comparison so you can better understand the look and feel of each option. Find a 50Floor location near you to browse our many types of laminate, vinyl, and hardwood flooring.
3. How should I decide between laminate and vinyl flooring?
The decision-making process should be personal and based on individual preferences and needs. Consider the unique pros and cons of each flooring type and align them with your specific requirements.
4. Are there any specific installation considerations for laminate vs. vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring’s installation is generally more forgiving, requires fewer specialized tools, and is less labor-intensive. On the other hand, laminate floors operate on a floating floor system, which means they are not directly attached to the subfloor but instead rest on top of it. This requires careful handling to ensure stability and performance.
5. What are the vinyl and laminate flooring differences for maintenance?
Both flooring types are easy to maintain; however, vinyl flooring requires careful handling to prevent water damage. Laminate flooring, while easy to clean, must be carefully maintained to avoid harming the adhesive layer that holds the planks together.
6. What are the comfort differences in laminate vs. vinyl flooring?
Laminate flooring is generally more comfortable to walk on because it includes a thicker composition with wood content, which gives it a softer feel underfoot. In contrast, vinyl flooring tends to feel harder and colder, which might be less comfortable in residential settings.
7. How has the appearance of vinyl and laminate flooring evolved with modern technology?
Both vinyl and laminate flooring have greatly benefited from advances in 3D printing technology, allowing each to closely mimic the look of natural materials such as wood, stone, and ceramic at a lower cost. This technological improvement has enhanced their aesthetic appeal, making them suitable for various interior design projects.