Flooring Series: vinyl vs laminate
After the tiles and wood floors, we are looking into what at first sight might look like very similar products: vinyl and laminate floorings.
They are both synthetic floorings but have some key differences that should be taken into consideration when thinking about using them in a project.
Vinyl or LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)
Vinyl flooring is a 100% synthetic material, made of a core and a top layer displaying a certain design. Thanks to its man-made nature, LVT doesn't shrink or expand as wood does when exposed to temperature or humidity changes.
So what are the benefits of installing LVT in your home?
Looks and feels like a real material with with the top layer being embossed to create details and relief
Wide range of designs recreating wood planks and tiles
Available in various dimensions and shapes
Compatible with underfloor heating
Water resistant, making it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms
Insulating properties with the temperature remaining constant throughout the seasons and a warm underfoot feeling
Acoustic properties with a reduced walking sound
Suitable for high traffic areas
Easy to clean and maintain with the top layer protecting from stains and scratches
Durable
Installation: click system or glue down
Cost effective
As you can see, LVT offers undeniable benefits but as much as being a synthetic product is an advantage, it is also a con.
You need to be aware that LVT like any other man made material will emanate VOCs, however, good quality products will meet the current regulations. The other negative aspect of LVT is its non biodegradable nature, raising some sustainability issues. On the bright side, most suppliers offering good quality products are now addressing this problem as much as they can by developing a circular approach, using clean energy (solar panels, wind turbines, recycled water and materials) and eliminating toxic adhesives.
Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is similar to LVT in its look, the top layer is also a synthetic one but the big difference is its core. It is indeed not made of synthetic material but of wood byproducts bonded with resins.
So laminate flooring will have most of the same advantages as LVT but as it contains some wood, some key differences should be noted:
It will contract and expand to some degree
It is not waterproof making it unsuitable for wet and damp areas such as kitchens and bathrooms
It is not as durable as LVT, if some water gets infiltrated underneath the top layer, the latter will peel away
It is also not as efficient in terms of acoustic insulation
Mainly installed using a click system
At the end of the day, depending on where you want to install them and your lifestyle both products are worth considering for your project, and I hope this post will allow you to make an informed decision.