Many homeowners confuse vinyl and laminate flooring due to some similarities in appearance. Even if you aren’t confused about the difference between the two, you might be unsure whether laminate or vinyl is the right choice for your space. Understanding how these two products stack up against one another is crucial to determining which is best for you.
What Are the Big Differences Between Vinyl and Laminate?
Vinyl and laminate flooring are both designed to provide for cost-effective, easy installation in a wide variety of environments. Vinyl first became popular in the 1940s. It boasts total water resistance and has long been considered a bargain choice for homeowners who want to remodel or update their spaces. While it’s declined in popularity since laminate flooring was introduced a few decades ago, vinyl is still widely used.
Laminate flooring, which was introduced to the consumer market in 1989, is constructed from a base layer of plywood and a top layer of wood, printed paper or printed cardboard finished in a special melamine plastic. Laminate flooring planks are generally made to look like real hardwood. They can’t be glued directly to a floor, so installers use a layer of foam or padding between the subfloor and the laminate.
Our next post will talk about factors to consider in flooring designs. Stay tuned!
