Is vinyl flooring better than laminate?
With any flooring you’ll want to consider factors like look and style, durability and stability, as well as applications and costs. Two popular flooring types are vinyl and laminate, and while some might consider them the same, they’re actually different in many regards. Where vinyl flooring and laminate match up the most is in their look and style. Both materials can be designed to imitate natural materials like wood or stone, but will cost much less than either wood or stone.
Similarities begin to diverge from there, with vinyl often edging out laminate, in particular when it comes to durability and stability. One question people often ask when comparing the two: Is vinyl flooring waterproof? Yes, it is. While both are sturdy, vinyl is much more water resistant than laminate, a real advantage in high-moisture areas. Vinyl also tends to win out when it comes to applications. Because of its water-resistant nature, vinyl can be used in residential as well as multiple commercial and industrial applications.
These materials often match in costs, with laminates sometimes being less expensive. However, laminate is harder to repair, and vinyl’s water resistance again proves valuable when it comes to long-term savings. So, overall, vinyl is normally a better choice for flooring, especially in areas where it’s hot and humid. If you are looking for vinyl flooring in Pantego and Arlington, TX, turn to the team at DFW Flooring Warehouse. We can help you decide what’s the best flooring solution for you. Find out more by calling 817.861.3737.
What are the disadvantages of vinyl flooring?
While vinyl flooring has many advantages—being waterproof among them—it does have some disadvantages that you’ll want to consider before choosing it.
Disadvantages
- Might emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), gases that affect indoor air quality and can affect health.
- Has a shorter lifespan compared to natural materials like wood or stone.
- Makes little or no impact when it comes to affecting home resale value.
- If you want new flooring it can be difficult to remove.
- It’s not easily recycled.
Advantages
- It is waterproof. This is valuable in areas in which there is high humidity.
- It is durable. It will stand up well to heavy foot traffic.
- It’s also comfortable underfoot and will reduce noise.
- Less expensive than many other flooring types.
How long does vinyl flooring last?
On average, you can expect vinyl flooring to last anywhere between 10 to 20 years when properly installed. Your vinyl flooring will last even longer with the right care. Using the right cleansers will increase its longevity, and one of the best is totally natural. A mixture of water and apple cider vinegar is one of the best cleansers for this type of flooring, as the acids in the vinegar work great to break down dirt and grime without damaging the flooring itself.
Can vinyl flooring be repaired
Athough vinyl flooring is durable, it’s not invincible. It can be scratched or even torn or gouged by chair legs or dropped items. You might hear proponents of natural flooring say vinyl can’t be repaired. That’s not true. With tears, for instance, you can often fill in the tear with a patch using the same material as the original flooring. In some instances, you may want to replace the damaged material, and if you need replacement flooring, you can easily find it at DFW Flooring Warehouse.
Can mold grow under vinyl plank flooring?
One significant reason people choose vinyl flooring, besides the variety of styles, is its water-resistance. Although it’s waterproof, you can still have problems with mold growth in some instances, if water begins to collect around edges, in grooves, or under your floor. Anytime you see standing water, make sure to find the cause of the standing water—usually a leak—and fix it. Once the repair is made, you can remove the mold. Unless you have black mold, you should be able to get rid of the mold with bleach and water. With black mold, unfortunately, the mold normally will have to be cut away, which means the flooring will have to be replaced.
Can vinyl flooring be painted
A distinct advantage of vinyl flooring is that it can be painted. If you want to change the look to match a new interior design, for instance, or just to make the flooring look new. It’s preferable to use porch and floor paint that will hold up to foot traffic.
Can vinyl flooring go over tile
Vinyl flooring is easy to install and you don’t have to remove old tiles to do so. You can apply the vinyl directly over ceramic or porcelain tile. If there are wide seams between the tile, however, you may want to put in an underlayment before putting in the vinyl. This will prevent depressions forming in the vinyl.
Can vinyl flooring be used outside
For outdoor spaces like sun rooms in which you have temperature control, you can install vinyl flooring. Although waterproof, if subject to extreme temperatures the vinyl can crack or swell.
Call Today
If you would like to learn more about vinyl flooring in Pantego and Arlington, TX, check in with the experts at DFW Flooring Warehouse. You can visit our extensive showroom or give us a call at 817.861.3737. Our experienced team members can help you pick the flooring that’s right for you.