What Is the Difference Between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring? There are many different types of floorings on the market and each one has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. By understanding the benefits and downsides, you can decide on the best option for your home.
You will also be able to make a wise investment in terms of protecting your spare room from moisture and keeping your family safe. Read on!
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Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a multilayer flooring system that combines wood, plastic, and paper. The wood layer is laminated with photographic applique to prevent water from penetrating the micro-void layer. This makes it a versatile flooring choice that can also be used inside the home to cover your walls.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring on the other hand is a synthetic composite material. This type of flooring is made with PVC and plasticizers manufactured using phthalate. Vinyl flooring only looks like real wood but it is not as strong as laminate.
What is the Difference Between The 2 Floorings?
The difference between the 2 floorings is in their quality, design, and appearance. The difference between them comes down to aesthetic appeal. If you prefer a more traditional look, laminate flooring is the best choice for your home.
Laminate flooring is also more resistant to moisture and scratches compared to vinyl flooring. When it comes to design, the floorings come in different designs and colors. There are also laminate products that have a stain-resistant finish which makes your floors look new even after years of usage.
Vinyl flooring on the other hand is much easier to maintain and clean. There is no need for wax or polish in cleaning vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring can be easily cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or hardwood scrubber.
Which Flooring Is More Suitable For Homes in Singapore?
- Laminate flooring is a superior option to vinyl flooring. This is because laminate flooring always looks new even after years of usage. The durability of laminate flooring is second to none.
- Vinyl flooring can look great for some time but it will eventually show signs of wear and tear. Laminate flooring is also very easy to maintain since it does not require constant maintenance.
Maintenance Tips For Vinyl And Laminate Flooring
Maintenance for vinyl and laminate flooring isn’t easy. Here are a few tips on how to keep your flooring in perfect condition.
i. Cleaning Your Vinyl or Laminate Floor
Before you can start cleaning your flooring, you will need to remove all dirt, dust, scratches, and light stains from the vinyl or laminate surface. To remove these stains and scratches, use a cleaner that is suitable for vinyl floors.
For the surface, you can use a light scrubbing pad but the best option is to use either a soft brush or a fine-tooth mop. By keeping your floor clean, you will prevent dirt and dust from piling up which will eventually cause your floor to show signs of wear and tear.
ii. Painting Your Vinyl or Laminate Floor
If you wish to paint your vinyl or laminate floors, it is important to give them a thorough cleaning. After, you can then paint the floor to your liking. The paint should dry within an hour and even a slight drizzle can cause your floor to stain.
iii. Avoid Stains From Staying On Your Floor
Stains from food, drinks, and other materials can cause your floor to look unsightly. To remove these stains, use a stiff scrubber that has not been previously used on your flooring.
Make sure that you get rid of all dirt and grime by washing the sponge or scrubber in soapy water. After washing, disinfect these items with soap and water and set them aside to dry completely before use.
iv. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals on Floors
Harsh chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia, can destroy your floor. If you wish to clean vinyl or laminate floors with a chemical cleaner, take the necessary precautions to ensure that you do not damage the floors.
The best option is to use a floor cleaner that is specially formulated for vinyl or laminate floors. This ensures that your floor does not get damaged and that the chemicals used on it will not cause any adverse effects.
Pros And Cons Of Laminate Flooring
Both types of flooring have their unique advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of Laminate Flooring
- It is Durable
Laminate flooring is one of the strongest types of flooring available. It can withstand extreme weather conditions and it is also very easy to install and maintain.
- It is Cost-Effective
Laminate flooring does not require frequent maintenance and it is easy to install. You can also make use of elaborate patterns without having to worry about the price.
Cons of Laminate Flooring
- Laminate Flooring Can Stain Easily
Just like any other type of flooring, laminate flooring can easily stain. You will need to invest in a good quality cleaner to ensure that your floor is free from stains.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring
Pros of Vinyl Flooring
- More Aesthetic Appealing Than Laminate Flooring
Vinyl flooring has a more aesthetic appeal than laminate flooring due to its visual depth and the beauty of wood grains. You can also choose from various designs and colors to improve the aesthetic appeal of your home.
- It is Easy to Maintain
Vinyl flooring is also very easy to maintain since it requires little or no maintenance. You don’t need to use harsh chemicals or scrub hard to remove the dirt and stains.
Cons of Vinyl Flooring
- Vinyl Flooring Has a Short Lifespan
If you are looking for flooring that can withstand wear and tear, vinyl flooring may not be the best option. Vinyl floors are very easy to damage due to their soft surface.
Can Vinyl or Laminate Flooring Be Bad For Health?
When it comes to health, both vinyl and laminate flooring can pose some health risks. Vinyl flooring can be harmful to your health if it is not cleaned or maintained properly. Vinyl flooring is made up of toxic chemicals which can cause some health problems if they are not removed.
Vinyl flooring should be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or hardwood scrubber and should also be cleaned with soap and water every other day to keep the vinyl surface looking new. Laminate flooring poses less of a health risk since it is made up of natural materials such as laminates and wood.
Is Vinyl Or Laminate Flooring Toxic For Child or Pet?
Both vinyl and laminate flooring can be toxic if they are not properly cleaned. The reason behind this is the chemicals used in their production. Vinyl flooring contains heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury while laminate flooring contains chemicals like formaldehyde and acetone. It is good to use carpets if you have pets and children because they can cause serious injuries, especially to small children.
Conclusion
Both vinyl and laminate flooring are great additions to your home. The choice of which one to buy depends on your taste, the amount of money you can spend, and the amount of time you can invest in keeping your floor clean.
For most people, laminate flooring is a better option since it is also cost-effective and easier to maintain. For others, vinyl flooring is a better choice because it is more aesthetic and can add a unique touch to any room in your home.