Flooring

Is laminate or vinyl flooring better? If you need a waterproof floor, there is a clear answer.

Laminate and vinyl flooring have a similar appearance and are both fairly easy to install – good news for DIYers. Both flooring options conduct radiant heat and have similar lifespans. But when it comes to waterproof flooring you need to choose the right material for your home project. If you are asking, “is laminate or vinyl flooring better?” make sure you know – read on!

And when you’re ready to remodel, check out the substantial savings on flooring at Builders Surplus’ five locations in New England.

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Laminate and moisture don’t mix

When you are considering flooring, you may think of laminate first. Laminate flooring has a solid reputation because it mimics a hardwood appearance without the cost. Laminate floors snap into place over an existing floor, so you can glow up a room with very little hassle. But laminate flooring cannot hold up to moisture. 

Why? Because laminate flooring is made up of high-density fiberboard, sourced from recycled hardwoods. In other words, it is constructed of wood byproducts. Laminate flooring cannot be used in any room where it will be exposed to humidity or moisture. Over time, it will peel apart and deteriorate, leaving you with a big mess and a need to re-floor all over again.

If you are re-flooring your bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, or even a finished basement where your new flooring will potentially encounter high humidity, you have an easy answer to the question, “is laminate or vinyl flooring better?”

Luxury vinyl offers true durability

In the past, vinyl was not considered as fashionable as laminate as a flooring option. But that is no longer the case. Luxury vinyl planks have emerged as an excellent budget-friendly choice. 

If you were considering a laminate floor because of easy installation, there’s more good news: vinyl plank flooring can also be easily installed as a floating floor. And it’s truly attractive.

Plus, luxury vinyl plank flooring has a thicker solid core than laminate flooring, which gives vinyl plank an attractive ability to look like natural materials such as stone or wood. And many vinyl plank floors have a pad or backing already attached, so no need to install an underlayment. 

And here’s the clincher: is laminate or vinyl flooring better for a bathroom, kitchen, laundry, or finished basement project? Hands down, vinyl flooring is your clear winner.

Luxury vinyl can totally withstand moisture. In fact, it is 100% waterproof. Its layers won’t peel apart or swell when exposed to moisture or humidity. You can submerge vinyl flooring in water and it will be unharmed. 

Is laminate or vinyl flooring better?

Your best flooring choice depends a lot on where you plan to use it. When you need an attractive waterproof floor that can withstand high foot traffic over time, vinyl flooring is the clear winner. 

If you are remodeling or re-flooring your bathroom, finished basement, laundry room, or kitchen, you need a waterproof floor. Check out the porcelain tile flooring and luxury vinyl flooring options from Builders Surplus. There are beautiful options available to suit any room in your home without the risk of deterioration from exposure to moisture.

When you’re ready to remodel, check out the substantial savings at Builders Surplus and pay a visit to one of our five locations in New England.

Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash