Now offered in almost every style and colour imaginable, laminate and vinyl flooring options can help you get the floors of your dreams; but which is better? In the war for the floor, both options are durable, economical, and easy to install yourself - the choice really comes down to your lifestyle and the look you want to achieve. Let’s take a quick look at the contenders and what each one brings to the table:

Laminate: Sealed to perfection

Laminate flooring is made up of 4 layers: wear, decor, core and backer. These 4 layers are sealed together using a process known as lamination. Due to the decor layer being created with a printed image, laminate allows for the recreation of more expensive flooring types like wood, tile, and stone.

Pros:

• Available in a wide of style and colour options including wood, tile, and stone
• Can be cleaned with a dry mop, vacuum or broom
• Lasts between 15-25 years when properly maintained
• Can be found for between $.50 and $3.00 at discount flooring stores
• Does not require adhesive to install

Cons:

• CANNOT be wet mopped
• Easily damaged by liquids
• Requires installation of underlayment prior to installation of flooring
• Does not reduce sound

Vinyl: Comfort and style

Vinyl flooring is designed with comfort in mind; made up of 4 layers, with the first or bottom layer being composed of cork or foam. This bottom layer serves as your underlayment, allowing for quick and easy installation and providing a layer of cushioning, making vinyl flooring more comfortable to walk on as well as providing a sound barrier to keep noise at a minimum. Much like laminate, vinyl flooring is created with a printed image. Although the images used for vinyl are mostly of wood species, it can sometimes be found in stone options.

Pros:

• 100% waterproof
• Thick vinyl flooring can last up to 25 years with proper care
• Can be found for between $.60 and $2.00 at discount flooring stores
• Single step installation
• Minimizes noise

Cons:

• Requires adhesive to install
• Mostly available in wood finishes
• Can appear unrealistic depending on quality
• Sheet vinyl requires professional installation

So, which is better? The answer depends on your budget, lifestyle, and the look you’re trying to achieve. For someone with children or pets, where there may be a need to thoroughly clean your floors, or there's a high chance of liquids being spilled, vinyl is likely the better choice due to it being waterproof and having no limitations for cleaning.

If you’re looking for a less expensive way to achieve that rustic reclaimed hardwood look or that expensive marble floor appearance in your bachelor(ette) pad, laminate is definitely the way to go. Regardless of which option you choose, the flooring experts at Floor Trendz in Calgary, Alberta, are ready to answer all your questions and get you booked for your free estimate. Call us today at 403-474-4401!