Differences Between Vinyl Plank And Laminate Flooring

When it comes to choosing new flooring for your home, the range of options available can be overwhelming. It can be difficult to know what the best type of flooring is for your home, particularly when different types can seem very similar. If you're looking for an alternative to solid wood flooring, you will have noticed that laminate and vinyl plank flooring appear to be pretty similar and both are significantly less expensive than solid wood. So how do you choose between vinyl plant and laminate flooring? Despite these flooring options looking very similar, there are a number of differences between the two. Read on to learn about the key differences between vinyl plank and laminate flooring.

Design

Vinyl plank flooring and laminate flooring are composed of several layers. Vinyl plank flooring has a base layer that's composed of fibreglass and PVC, which gives the flooring a little bounce for added comfort when walking on it. The base layer is topped with a design layer that can be made to look like natural wood, tiles or stone, and this layer is topped with a transparent layer composed of polyurethane that is designed to protect the vinyl plank from damage, such as scratches and stains. Laminate flooring has a base layer that's composed of fibreboard and resin. The design layer is similar to that of vinyl planks and the top layer is composed of transparent plastic.

Moisture Resistance

One of the most significant differences between vinyl plank and laminate flooring is the degree of moisture resistance offered. The top layer on laminate planks offers some protection against spills as long as they are cleaned up promptly, but the fibreboard in the base layer can swell and cause laminate planks to buckle over time. This means that laminate is not a great choice for rooms that can experience high humidity or frequent exposure to moisture, such as bathrooms and utility rooms. Vinyl plank flooring is not composed of materials that swell when damp, and the polyurethane layer prevents water from seeping through to the layers underneath. This type of flooring can get wet regularly without causing any damage to any of its layers.  

Installation Method

Both vinyl plank and laminate flooring are easier to install than solid wood planks. Laminate planks tend to have grooves that allow the planks to click together, and planks can be cut with a table saw to allow them to fit well at any corners or grooves in your room. Vinyl plank flooring can also be purchased with grooves to allow the planks to be clicked together, but that's not your only option. This type of flooring also comes with glue-down or peel and stick installation options, which can make installation quick and easy.

If you're trying to decide between vinyl plank and laminate flooring, get some samples of each to allow you to see and feel the differences between the two before making your decision.