When choosing new flooring for your home, durability and easy maintenance should be top priorities – especially if you have a busy family. Vinyl and laminate floors are two great options to consider that can withstand the heavy footfall of a household with children and pets. But how do you decide which is the better choice for your home? Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of vinyl and laminate flooring to help you pick the right option for your family.
Durability
For busy families, durability is key when selecting any finishes or furnishings in the home. Both vinyl and laminate floors score high marks in this category, with a few differences:
Vinyl – Made of PVC resin, topped with a clear wear layer, vinyl floors are waterproof, scratch resistant, and seamless. The wear layer also protects against dents. Luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) replicates wood or stone looks while retaining these durable properties.
Laminate – Constructed of compressed fibreboard topped by a photographic paper image layer and protective wear layer, laminate floors resist scratches, dents, moisture damage and fading. However, the fibreboard core can swell if flooded.
So, for households prone to spills or messes, waterproof vinyl may have a slight edge. But both vinyl and laminate offer durable surfaces that can withstand kids, pets, and all the activity of a busy home.
Easy Maintenance
No one wants to devote huge chunks of time keeping floors spotless. Vinyl and laminate both offer straightforward cleaning and maintenance:
Vinyl – Requires no waxing or refinishing. Just regularly sweep and mop up spillages when they happen. The tight seams also minimize spots and stains between planks.
Laminate – Also calls for simple sweeping and mopping with a damp cloth. The protective wear layer resists stains, but laminate should not be flooded with water. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
The waterproof advantage makes vinyl slightly faster to clean. But in general, both of these flooring types are simple to maintain – good news for busy parents and children alike!
Kid and Pet-Friendliness
What floor can stand up to boisterous children
and pets? And which won’t show every speck of dirt, fur or crumbs?
Vinyl – Waterproof construction means spills, accidents and mud can be quickly wiped up with no harm done. Vinyl plank flooring also hides pet fur and crumbs well between seams.
Laminate – Durable enough for pets and children and won’t show fur or crumbs readily. But not waterproof, so messes must be cleaned up faster to prevent damage.
Some families may prefer softer vinyl for rooms where children play and sleep. And for households with pets, vinyl’s waterproof perks provide extra insurance. Both floorings work for family homes, but vinyl has practical advantages with kids and animals.
Noise Reduction
Noisy footsteps and toy cars racing across hard floors can be annoying for parents. Materials that absorb sound can make family living areas more peaceful.
Vinyl – Vinyl sheet is softer underfoot and helps reduce noise from upstairs. Rigid core luxury vinyl plank flooring also reduces echoes.
Laminate – Harder surface leads to noisier floors. acoustic underlay are recommended, especially for upper-level installation.
Overall, soft vinyl floors literally take some of the edge off kids’ running feet. Laminate requires extras materials to soak up excess noise.
Style Options
Today’s durable vinyl and laminate floors come in wide ranges of colours, textures, and looks. From natural stone to reclaimed wood, they offer endless options to suit home décor tastes.
Vinyl – Plank vinyl floors realistically mimic wood grain and stone. Available in all types of looks from rustic to modern. Vinyl sheet can mimic stone, wood, or terrazzo patterns.
Laminate – Photographic layer lets laminate perfectly capture the look of any wood species. From light ash to dark walnut, the possibilities are vast. Stone looks have expanded too.
With or without children, style matters – and both vinyl and laminate floors offer beautiful, realistic options for design lovers. In this category, it’s a tie.
Cost Comparison
Affordability is often a concern for young families tackling home upgrades and décor projects. Vinyl and laminate floors are closely matched here:
Vinyl – Less expensive than most other hard surface flooring options. Vinyl sheet starts around £1.47 per square metre installed; luxury vinyl plank flooring ranges £2-£5 per square metre installed.
Laminate – Very budget-friendly floor choice, ranging £1-£3 per square metre for materials and professional installation. DIY-suitable for more savings.
Laminate floors win as the most budget-friendly choice. But vinyl delivers great durability for the money, especially the high-performing plank floors that mimic pricier hardwood.
The Verdict?
For homes with children and pets, scratch and water-resistant vinyl is the best bet for affordability, easy maintenance and durability. Laminate works well too, especially on lower levels and for families on a tight budget. Just be sure to address its weaker moisture resistance.
Whichever floor you select, invest in quality materials and professional installation and care. This is where we can help. Beautiful, lasting floors cushion the chaos of busy family life – and make coming home that much sweeter.