As you shop around for flooring options, you will probably run into the terms “laminate” and “luxury vinyl flooring” fairly often. You might be tempted to think that these are the same thing, and twenty years ago you might have been right, but today there are distinct differences between these two types of flooring.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is made of a high-density wooden core that is covered with an embossed image of wood, tile, or essentially any other surface you might want. It is then covered with a protective melamine coating to help prevent scratches, dents, and fading. The texture of laminate varies based on the level of embossing, but high-end laminates can mimic the grain of hardwood. Like vinyl, laminate flooring can be installed on any level of your home, but because of its wooden core, laminate should be kept out of high-moisture areas. Installation uses a “floating” method, meaning that the pieces snap together, but remain independent of the floor below. Laminate flooring also tends to cost less than luxury vinyl, making it a beautiful and budget-friendly option.

Luxury Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is also a photorealistic image of wood or tile. The elastic nature of vinyl means that it is quiet underfoot and water resistant; some varieties of Shaw’s luxury vinyl are even waterproof! Like laminate, vinyl can be installed on any level of your home, but its water-resistant nature means that it is especially suited for basements and bathrooms. Installation can be done in a variety of methods, including floating, loose lay, or glue. Vinyl has great durability and, while some varieties might be more expensive than laminate, it provides the look of hardwood at a much lower price.

This video goes into a little more detail about how laminate and vinyl are made and the differences between them

Want to know more?

If you want to talk to a professional and get more information about the differences between laminate and luxury vinyl or to see samples, give us a call! Our expert staff would be happy to answer any questions you might have over the phone, in our showroom, or we can set up a free in-home consultation.