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What's Better? Vinyl or Laminate Flooring

Vinyl versus laminate, laminate versus vinyl… which flooring is better? When it comes to choosing the right flooring for your home, you might come across questions like this more than once. This is completely normal! Before deciding to lay down flooring in your home, you want to make sure that you have all of the answers to your questions. This includes whether or not there is a better option for your home when you are comparing two different flooring types. If you are deciding between laminate and vinyl flooring but you are unsure of which one is best for your home, then you are in the right place. We are here to answer all of your questions about these different types of flooring, including the pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision.

A selection of vinyl and laminate floors near Princeton and Hillsborough, New Jersey (NJ)

Vinyl Flooring

So, what is vinyl flooring? Vinyl flooring is composed of several layers of different materials sandwiched together to form a highly durable, practical, and affordable floor covering. Different types of vinyl can create different effects, such as a realistic wood finish, stone-like looks, or faux tile and other designs. Vinyl flooring is often made with 100% polymers and no organic content. It is entirely waterproof with a plastic core and can be easily cleaned with a wet mop if major spills occur. Vinyl flooring is budget-friendly, available in a wide array of finishes, and is durable, so you can enjoy it throughout the years.

On the flip side, vinyl cannot be repaired and often has to be completely replaced. Additionally, vinyl can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and does not add value to a home in the same way that a hardwood floor does. This latter piece is something to consider if you are thinking of selling your home in the near future.

When it comes to vinyl versus laminate flooring, these pros and cons are key to consider!

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring, on the other hand, is a multi-layer synthetic flooring that is fused together with a lamination process. It often simulates wood and has an inner core of melamine resin and fiberboard materials. Laminate flooring offers excellent affordability, extreme resilience, a beautiful appearance customizable to your desires, and easy to install and maintain. With this in mind, laminate flooring is excellent for high-traffic homes.

Concerning cons, laminate flooring is susceptible to liquid damage if it is not cleaned up quickly. It also cannot be refinished due to its composite construction. And finally, though it can mimic wood floors well, laminate flooring runs the risk of looking fake if not carefully crafted.

Choosing What’s Best For You

Choosing between vinyl flooring and laminate flooring can be a tough decision, but with the help of the team at Window Accents & Flooring, you can find the perfect fit for your home. When deciding between these two options, it's important to consider factors such as durability, maintenance, and style. Vinyl flooring is a great choice if you need a durable, waterproof option for areas with high traffic or moisture, while laminate flooring is an excellent choice if you want the look of hardwood flooring without the high price tag. The team at Window Accents & Flooring can help you find the right option for your specific needs and preferences, so you can enjoy a beautiful, long-lasting floor for years to come.

Contact Us Today

To learn more about vinyl, laminate, or other types of flooring we have in store, be sure to contact us online or visit us today at Window Accents & Flooring. We are located in Princeton, New Jersey. We also serve all of Central New Jersey including Princeton, Somerset County, Mercer County, Hunterdon County, Morris County, and Middlesex County.