Flooring is an important part of any home’s design, and it can be a major investment so you want to make the right choice. If you’re in the market for new flooring, you might be considering vinyl tiles vs laminate. Both have unique benefits and drawbacks, so let’s find out which one is right for you.
What are vinyl tiles?
Vinyl tiles are a type of flooring that has the appearance of other flooring types, typically hardwood or stone, but the choices are quite limitless. They’re made of PVC, but they come in a wide range of colours and patterns to suit any home. Vinyl tiles are easy to install, relatively inexpensive and waterproof.
It’s important to note that not all vinyl tiles or vinyl flooring are created the same. Some are easier to install than others, so many people find it easier to pay for high-quality vinyl tiles suitable for DIY install rather than paying a flooring installer.
The benefits of vinyl tiles
Vinyl tiles are a great choice for anyone who wants to keep their floors looking beautiful for years to come. They’re easy to clean and durable, so you can use them in high-traffic areas without worrying about them getting damaged easily. They also don’t need any refinishing or sealing like laminate floors do, which means there’s no extra cost involved if you want your flooring professionally cleaned or repaired at some point down the line.
The main benefit, when compared to laminate flooring, is the fact that vinyl tiles are waterproof. This makes it much better for cleaning up spills, especially if you have children or pets.
Disadvantages of vinyl tiles
There are a couple of potential disadvantages to vinyl tiles. Firstly, if you choose cheap vinyl tiles, they won’t be as durable as high-quality options. This comes down to the components used to construct each tile and the type of protective coating used. Second, it’s more difficult to install than either of those options because it requires adhesives that must be applied with great care and precision. In this sense, you’ll likely need a professional to help with installation, and this adds to the overall cost.
What is laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a type of wood-based flooring that’s made from layers of wood and other materials. It’s durable, easy to install, and can be installed on any subfloor. Laminate flooring, just like vinyl, is available in planks or tiles, but planks are the most common.
Laminate is now a real alternative to hardwood floors or other types of solid-surface materials because it can be designed to look like most other types of floors. Laminate floors are made up of several layers. The top layer is usually a veneer over core material such as particleboard or MDF (medium-density fibreboard). Laminate can look just like real hardwood but costs much less than installing actual timber planks in your home.
The benefits of laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is a great choice for busy homes. It’s easy to install and maintain, affordable, durable and stylish in a variety of finishes. Another big selling point is that most laminate flooring works on an interlocking system that makes it easy to install without adhesives. This means you can DIY the floor, rather than paying for installation.
In addition, laminate is quite affordable, however, the cost of vinyl tiles vs laminate still puts vinyl tiles slightly ahead.
The disadvantages of laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is not as durable as vinyl tiles, which means it can scratch, dent and warp, particularly if liquid spills aren’t wiped up quickly. Laminate floors are also more expensive than vinyl tiles. But perhaps the biggest downside is the lack of waterproofing. Because most laminate flooring is made of composite materials including wood, it doesn’t perform as well in a wet environment where spills are common.
Struggling to choose between vinyl tiles vs laminate?
We are a vinyl flooring and vinyl tiles specialist. If you’re looking for the perfect, stylish vinyl flooring for your home, you’ll find what you need at Find A Floor. We provide all products, information and advice to help you choose. Whether you are remodelling your kitchen or simply adding some decorative touch of colour to your home, our vinyl flooring can offer the perfect solution. Contact us today to find out more!
