What flooring to use? Here will consider vinyl plank versus laminate in your kitchen renovation.
There is no secret that hardwood floors are beautiful. However, their upkeep and maintenance can sometimes be difficult as they’re more prone to scratches and dings. Not to mention they lean a little towards the costly side. Because of this, many of our clients have opted for comparable alternatives like laminate and vinyl for their kitchen renovation. Doing so, they’ve been able to achieve the aesthetic and texture of a hardwood floor without the cost or hassle. We have noticed that vinyl plank flooring manufacturers have upped their anti in the flooring industry, though vinyl still has the negative aspect of not being an ecological product.
Technology in Flooring
Due to modern technology, both laminate and vinyl have come a long way. Both materials look and feel real. They also come in countless colors and finishes. However, the most frequent question we get from our clients upon each consultation is: “will this flooring be waterproof?”. Certainly a very important question for a kitchen renovation! This is where vinyl plank versus laminate flooring has the upper hand. Vinyl is made of 100% waterproof synthetic material. Laminate manufacturers have created a water-resistant layer on the top of the board, but the wood core is not, and will never be, waterproof. If laminate flooring is exposed to water, its wood core could be damaged irreparably.
Vinyl flooring has become an ideal choice when used throughout high-traffic areas of the house, such as the kitchen. At Coordinated Kitchen and Bath, we are noticing more and more of our clients love the idea of being able to use a mop & water to clean the floors. They also like the fact that the material doesn’t fade from light or time, and that it’s quiet and soundproof. A big win is it can be installed directly over a concrete sub floor.
Negatives of Vinyl Versus Laminate and Recycled Wood Floors
The big negative to vinyl versus laminate and recycled wood floors, is that it is not an ecological product. Vinyl is not recyclable, is made from oil and petroleum products, and does not biodegrade. These are important elements to consider if you are planning a home with a smaller ecological footprint – a big benefit of renovating versus building brand new.
Vinyl and laminate are both similar in many ways. Deciding between the two will always be dependent on the client and how they plan to use their space. Let Coordinated Kitchen and Bath help you make a choice that is best suitable for you!