Appearance

Laminate floors allow a deep and realistic three-dimensional relief on their surfaces, with precise images of the material represented: wood, ceramic or stone.

• • Vinyl floors can look realistic, especially thicker ones, as they can be more deeply embossed and look more like wood.

On the other hand, continuous exposure to direct sunlight discolours vinyl flooring boards. It is a problem that has been reduced thanks to the use of components that offer barriers against UV radiation. However, it has not completely disappeared.

Water and heat resistance

Vinyl flooring may have a fabric or felt backing that is not waterproof. Still, newer vinyl flooring is made from 100% polymer materials, so it can be completely submerged in water for extended periods, dried, and then reused without being affected.

On the other hand, both can be used for floors with underfloor heating, as long as the product is explicitly suitable, although vinyl is slightly more efficient.

If the heat does not come from below, PVC provides a greater sensation of warmth than laminate.

WINNER: Vinyl flooring. They are not only waterproof but also waterproof. They are generally made from materials that are 100% waterproof. Vinyl floors stand out over laminate materials in bathrooms and humid places like kitchens. Sheet vinyl that comes in rolls often does not require joints, making it an excellent option for a waterproof floor.

Care and Cleaning

Laminate floors are cleaned using dry methods, such as a dry cloth or broom. 

The most powerful feature of vinyl floors is that they are easy to care for and clean. In good condition, they can be wiped with a damp cloth and, if necessary, scrubbed with cleaning products. It is also an extraordinarily hygienic material as it prevents the accumulation of mites and the growth of fungi and bacteria.

WINNER: Vinyl flooring. While laminate and vinyl floors are easy to keep clean, only vinyl allows for all cleaning methods, from sweeping with a dry broom to scrubbing.

Durability and Maintenance

Laminate floors are durable and low maintenance. However, its many layers can separate if exposed to water for too long. Once the top layer of laminate is scratched, it cannot be repaired.

The layers of some vinyl flooring can also separate. Also, self-adhesive vinyl flooring planks can loosen over time. In general, vinyl flooring is a sturdy material that will stand up to the demands of high traffic.

WINNER: Vinyl floors, which are extremely durable and low maintenance. They are even used in shops, where durability and maintenance are paramount.

installation

Laminate flooring uses a click installation method. An electric saw with a fine-tooth blade, or even a hand saw, is used to cut the laminate flooring boards. Being made of wood, it is essential to leave an expansion joint, so it is advisable to remove the existing skirting board and use wedges for its installation.  

• Vinyl flooring also uses a click installation method. They are cut with a guillotine, a cutter or a jigsaw for more precise cuts. It is unnecessary to leave an expansion joint, which can be installed without removing the existing skirting board since the boards can be placed flush with it. Silicone of the same colour as the floor will be enough to “finish” the possible joints that remain after its installation between the slat and the skirting board or wall.

There are skirting boards that cover the old ones, as well as the imperfections resulting from a “complicated” assembly. And is that the installation of this type of floor is not easy, especially at the beginning, until the initial slats are well installed.

Click vinyl is usually damaged during transport or assembly, be careful with it! However, it is almost impossible once the risk of breakage is placed. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, can crack more easily when exposed to “rough” conditions due to its lack of elasticity. 

WINNER: Tie, although from experience, we have found it more difficult to install a click vinyl floor than a laminate one. Many vinyl planks arrived with broken corners, and when installing them, some others broke! They are so flexible that you have to handle them carefully! Of course, that never happened to us when installing laminate flooring, which is much more rigid.

stain resistance

Laminate flooring is pressure laminated with multiple layers. The top is a clear layer of aluminium oxide suitable for stain resistance. Quality vinyl flooring is also coated with a clear coat, providing excellent stain resistance.

WINNER: Tie. Both vinyl and laminate flooring of good quality receive coats treated with properties that make them resistant to stains.

Comfort and Sound

Laminate flooring offers a feeling of warmth but tends to be a little noisier due to its surface’s hardness and lightness. They can also give the feeling of being a little hollow underneath.

Vinyl flooring can feel cold or hard, especially when installed over ceramic flooring. Due to its elasticity, it muffles the noise of footsteps and provides a comfortable and quiet experience when walking on them.