If you are currently in the process of updating your home, you know that you have many choices when it comes to flooring. Laminate and vinyl flooring are two popular choices when it comes to flooring in kitchens. Once flooring is installed in a kitchen, it is going to be in place for many years to come. Therefore, it is important that you do your homework and educate yourself on the differences between the two.
Our kitchens are used for cooking, socializing, and eating. This room is probably the most lived in room in most of our homes, so it is important that you choose flooring that you do like. We all know that a room that looks outdated, dull and just doesn’t have any appeal, will loose it’s “oomph” fast. Vinyl flooring has traditionally been the flooring of choice in kitchens, for years. Laminate flooring has quickly became a favorite of many homeowners, as you can have the look of cherry, maple, oak, and even an exotic look; without the cost and maintenance of hardwood.
Most vinyl comes in a 12′ or 6′ roll. The downfall of this, is the fact that if you happen to drop a knife on the floor and it slices the vinyl- know what happens? Most people will find a handy, dandy rug that will cover that slice and walk over and around it for years. The reason being, in order to repair that slice, the whole roll of vinyl will need to be replaced. The beauty of laminate flooring is the fact that only a portion of flooring would need to be pulled up and replaced. And from a realistic point of view, most laminate flooring would be resistant to a knife being dropped onto the flooring.
Another awesome feature with laminate flooring is the fact that you don’t need any expensive strippers, polishers, shine materials, or floor cleaners to maintain your flooring. With laminate flooring, a daily sweep with a broom and a weekly mop over with a laminate floor cleaner, and you are good to go. With vinyl flooring, a lot of water and chemicals are used in the cleaning process. With laminate flooring, few chemicals, and a minimal amount of water is ever used around laminate flooring. In fact, the less water around laminate flooring, the better off your flooring will be.
Vinyl flooring companies have tried to bring natural looks into their flooring patterns, but they just don’t have the natural look that laminate floorsoffer. Classen Laminate offers many exotic looks when it comes to natural, wood looks. From Maple, Oak, Pine, to the Exotics; laminate flooring will be sure to give your kitchen the “oomph” that you are looking for.
Laminate flooring is also scratch, fade, and burn resistant. Scratch resistant means that you can walk on your laminate flooring without scratching it. Now, if you do walk on your laminate flooring with sand on your shoes, the floor may scratch. Use some common sense, and your laminate floor will not have any worn-through effect. Laminate flooring is also UV resistant, which simply means sunlight will not fade your laminate flooring. Should a burning cigarette accidentally fall onto your laminate flooring for a few seconds, you should not see a burn mark from the burning cigarette. If it is left for a few minutes or more, you may have more than just a burn resistance issue. Again, use some common sense.
Laminate flooring is also an Eco-friendly product, as it can often be reused. Laminate flooring is easy to install, remove, and re-install. Once a vinyl product is used, it is not reusable in the form it was once used in. An adhesive of some form is used when it comes to installing vinyl, whereas; when it comes to laminate, there are no adhesives involved in the installation process.
The choice is ultimately yours when it comes to laminate or vinyl flooring. With many styles, colors, and patterns to choose from; you will find flooring that fits your lifestyle. Select flooring that represents you and feels good to you. Your home should be a warm, inviting place where everyone feels comfortable. So, kick back and enjoy your new flooring!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Simply want to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness in your publish is simply great and that i can assume you are knowledgeable on this subject. Thank you one million and please carry on the gratifying work.
Thank you, we are happy you like it~
Vinyl plays an important role in the house. I really want to choose the best one.
Trishia, take your time and select the floor that will work the best for all your needs. And if you have any additional questions about laminate flooring do not hesitate to ask us:) Cheers:)
Is one flooring (laminate or vinyl) colder than the other? We have a home in cold country and need a flooring for our new kitchen.
Mary, due to laminate and vinyl both being hard surfaces it really does not matter as much as to which floor that you choose as far as temperature is concerned. Laminate may be slightly warmer due to the fact that there is an underlayment between the subfloor and the laminate which can act as insulation. The underlayment is typically only 2 to 3 mm thick so it is not made to be insulation but it will provide a little insulation for you. I would have to give the slight edge to laminate overall for temperature concerns. Thanks for your question. Fred
We are putting new flooring in our house, & we have 2 inside male dogs, & sometimes they miss the pads when we can’t let them out. Which would be a better choice for this condition, Thanks.
Jacob, we suggest you to use click vinyl floor since this is a waterproof solution. Laminate flooring can buckle and can be destroyed by moisture if you have repeatable incidents with your dogs.
Click Vinyl planks have the same locking system as the laminate, installation is glueless and flooring looks like a real wood floor. You will be amazed with the results and functionality.