As the flooring industry has developed its materials over time, homeowners today can choose from various flooring options. In terms of performance and durability, vinyl and laminate flooring provide excellent choices. Both are cost-effective alternatives to costly materials, such as hardwood, natural stone, and ceramic tiles, and can be customized into different colors, patterns, and designs to fit any interior design style.
Melamine is an organic-based compound used for covering several household items and materials, such as melamine sheets for cabinets, flooring, and countertops. Melamine laminate is made of a dense resin overlaid on different building materials, including laminated MDF board or plywood, that offers flexible design and functionality
Vinyl and laminate flooring differ widely in their strength and resilience, which may affect homeowners' decision-making when selecting a material. Other aspects of their differences include:
Appearance and Design - In general, laminate and vinyl flooring are both quite alike in appearance, but laminate flooring offers embossed patterns similar to hand-scraped hardwood, ceramic, and stone materials.
Water Resistance - Vinyl flooring is composed of high-quality polymer materials capable of withstanding high moisture levels without damage. Meanwhile, laminate flooring uses a fiberboard core that is susceptible to swelling and softening in the long run.
Cleaning and Maintenance - Due to its water-resistant materials, vinyl flooring can be cleaned using several methods, such as sweeping, vacuuming, and wet mopping, while laminate flooring requires more delicate care due to its low moisture resistance.
Durability and Longevity - Vinyl is a material noted for its robust and resilient flooring that can withstand stress and wear and is particularly suitable for use in commercial environments. Although low-maintenance and durable, laminate flooring may suffer damage if exposed to excessive moisture.
Cost - Compared with other materials such as hardwood, ceramic tiles, and granite, both laminate and vinyl flooring are more affordable. Generally, high-quality vinyl flooring can be significantly more expensive compared to laminate flooring.
Ease of Installation - Both laminate and vinyl flooring provide ease of installation and are also viable options for DIY flooring projects. Even though both materials are installed through a click-and-lock method, vinyl flooring offers more installation options, including peel-and-stick, glue-down, and loose lay.
Environmental Impact - Laminate and vinyl flooring are neither eco-friendly nor sustainable compared to alternatives like hardwood. Regarding its environmental impact, laminated plywood flooring benefits from its fiberboard core, which is composed of natural wood fibers.
Resale Value - The floor is a crucial factor in increasing the resale value of a house, especially if it is constructed from quality materials. Vinyl flooring can mimic the appearance of natural hardwood and stone, which helps increase buyer interest and boost resale value.
When choosing between laminate and vinyl flooring, a homeowner should consider their individual preferences, budget, and the material's durability. Vinyl flooring can be an ideal choice for high-moisture areas such as laundry rooms, bathrooms, or garages. On the other hand, laminate flooring provides a greater variety of styles and is better suited to dry areas.
Since 2005, CPME Industrial Sales Corp. has been a trusted vinyl and laminated board supplier in the Philippines. CPME offers high-quality materials for DIY building projects, large-scale construction, and renovation works, including melamine laminated board, melamine plywood, laminate countertop sheets, and wood laminate sheets, among others. Call (632) 294-14-57 to learn more about our products.