As you prepare to remodel your home, you’ll need to consider the kind of flooring you wish to use. Laminate and vinyl flooring are both popular options in residential settings in Wesley Chapel, FL. But which of these two is the best option for your needs? It’s important that you understand the differences between them before you proceed with your project.
Here’s a quick look at some of the key considerations to keep in mind when making your decision, and how each factor might favor one material over the other:
- Cost: You’ll need to choose a flooring option that will allow you to stay within your budget, even if cost isn’t the most important factor to consider. Generally speaking, laminate flooring will be the most affordable alternative to hardwood, especially if you’re more interested in luxury or waterproof vinyl flooring.
- Installation: Both laminate and vinyl flooring are very DIY friendly. Laminate is generally easier, as it’s installed as a floating floor, but vinyl will have multiple installation types that can range from very simple to moderately difficult.
- Appearance: Both types of flooring come in a wide range of textures, colors and finishes that can help you create the look you’re going for with your remodel.
- Durability: Both laminate and vinyl flooring in Wesley Chapel, FL are exceptionally durable. Laminate has excellent scratch resistance, and vinyl is known for its ability to deal with water and moisture, plus it has a very durable wear layer.
- Sound: Laminate installation, when it goes wrong, can result in a hollow or empty sound, but vinyl will always be quiet underfoot, giving vinyl the edge in this regard.
- Moisture resistance: As we’ve discussed a bit already, vinyl definitely has the edge with regard to moisture resistance. Laminate can be water resistant, but you can find completely waterproof types of vinyl flooring, making it an ideal choice for areas like kitchens, bathrooms or basements that are more likely to be exposed to moisture.
- Eco friendliness: With both laminate and vinyl, you will find options that have various environmental certifications.
- Versatility: Laminate is a highly versatile flooring material, but not necessarily the best option for use in moisture-prone environments. Vinyl, however, can go anywhere in your home regardless of moisture content, making it the more versatile option.
- Pets: If you have pets, you’ll generally get better results out of vinyl flooring. Laminate does have some scratch resistance that holds up well to animal nails, but vinyl has that plus the waterproof surface that allows it to stand up to accidents.
- Heating: Both laminate and vinyl can be used with radiant heating, but you should always check with the flooring manufacturer before you proceed with your project.
These are just a few examples of some of the primary differences (and similarities) between vinyl and laminate flooring in Wesley Chapel, FL. If you’re interested in learning more about the flooring options available to you or need some advice on how to get the best flooring to suit your needs, contact Embassy Construction and Remodeling, LLC. Our remodeling contractors would be glad to answer your questions!