Modern Flooring: What to Choose Between Laminate and Vinyl
While flooring is usually underrated within the interior design and functionality of a house, it is the foundation of any room. Not only does it set the visual tone, but the material chosen can simply clean and control noise levels. Fortunately, you can select a suitable material and design that suits your budget.
This is the case for products like vinyl and laminate, two cost-effective options on the market. However, both come with various pros and cons, so weighing them through research is best before making a decision. Make sure to consider the room’s busyness, usage, and future needs before making an investment, as either of these materials can tear at some point, depending on how they are cared for. So, let’s learn more about these materials.
Why choose laminate flooring
If you’re looking for a wood flooring alternative, laminate is the best choice, as it mimics the look of wood. Laminate flooring consists of high-density fibreboard topped with melamine resin, which enhances its strength, making it a durable material. It withstands exposure to sunlight and falls under the categories of pet-friendly and family-friendly, making it a suitable choice for rooms like the kitchen or living areas.
Laminate flooring is both aesthetically pleasing and budget-friendly. Additionally, it can be cleaned effortlessly, and no further maintenance is required. Hence, its lifespan can extend up to 25 years, especially when you’re looking for premium quality laminate flooring.
Why consider other materials
There might be several reasons why you might prefer laminate alternatives, including their potential to withstand moisture damage. The composite material is susceptible to water damage when exposed to standing water, which can compromise its integrity and potentially require replacement. And while you may find options that are waterproof, installing them in bathrooms is still avoidable. Additionally, be cautious when mopping, as this can cause the laminate to peel.
Why install vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring shares similarities with laminate in several aspects, including ease of installation, added value to your property, and resistance to heat. However, vinyl is superior in terms of water resistance, allowing for installation in areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. Hence, you can also mop with whatever you like without fearing it will damage the material.
Vinyl flooring consists of several synthetic layers, including a UV acrylic coating, a PVC layer, and a built-in underlayment. These additions make vinyl resistant to sudden temperature changes, as it does not warp. It is also stain-resistant, quiet underfoot, and can last up to 20 years.
Why not install vinyl
Of course, vinyl has various downsides as well. For instance, you may need to install a subfloor on which the vinyl will lie, and it must be completely flat, as any imperfection will be visible within the vinyl floor. In addition, any lumps can cause the material to tear.
The material may be sensitive to sharp objects or heavy loads, so ensure the space it’s installed in is safe and not exposed to direct sunlight. Excessive sunlight can damage the material over time, but there are luxury vinyl products available that are more durable.
How to use laminate flooring in interior design
Regardless of your option, knowing how to pair the laminate flooring with other elements can make your interior look amazing, and on a budget. For example, you can complement the laminate flooring with:
- Modern designs that include light oak or dark wood laminate go well with glass accents and minimal furniture;
- Traditional styles where laminate is in either warm brown or honey oak are best paired with antique furniture;
- Rustic rooms can be achieved with laminate that looks like reclaimed wood, and leather furniture, and earthy tones are perfect for it;
Using rugs for laminate flooring is also a good idea to enrich the room, including bold traditional rugs in the living room and smaller rugs in the kitchen. Since laminate can come in any colour or texture, you only need to find what works best with neutral floors, warm-toned ones, or cool-toned floors.
How to make vinyl flooring look luxurious
When it comes to vinyl, many may think it doesn’t look as luxurious as laminate, but you can make it look amazing nonetheless. For instance, you could choose larger planks to make the room seem more spacious. The fewer seams on the floor, the more expansive the space seems.
Using the same planks throughout the home also provides consistency and helps you avoid the mismatched looks that often make the room seem cluttered. You can find the same vinyl colour or design in the appropriate form for every room to establish an uninterrupted flow within the house.
Luckily, for those who prefer non-minimalist designs, vinyl in bold patterns is available. Herringbone or chevron patterns are common designs that look great on the floor, and they are also available in a wide range of amazing tones.
Can you install these flooring solutions yourself?
Besides being the right choice for different budgets and available in various designs, laminate and vinyl floorings are also relatively easy to install yourself if you have the right tools. Here are the steps for laminating:
- Measuring the floor to avoid wasting material when cutting;
- Buying the laminate planks that suit the room’s needs;
- Gathering equipment like a hammer, a saw, nails, and a tapping block;
- Deciding on a pattern that can add depth to the room;
- Cleaning the floor and inspecting if it has uneven spots;
- Installing underlays to reduce noise and provide an extra layer of insulation;
- Installing the rows and taking the time to handle corners and transitions;
Which is best for you: laminate or vinyl?
When redecorating a room, choosing the best materials for the floor can be challenging. However, if you’re on a budget but still want an aesthetic product, laminate and vinyl flooring are popular and efficient solutions. Research the pros and cons of each product and determine how you will integrate them into the overall design of the room, and you’ll achieve an amazing interior design.
