But that doesn’t mean both floorings are the same thing. LVT and Laminate, both are made from different materials, have different functionalities and even perform differently. This blog presents a detailed comparison of both flooring options to help you understand the key differences, so you can make an informed flooring decision.
LVT vs Laminate Flooring: What’s the Main Difference?
Although these flooring options look or sound similar, they have a major difference in their construction, aesthetics and performance. Laminate has wood fiberboard as its core element, whereas LVT has multiple PVC layers, making both of them totally synthetic.
Want to learn more like — what is LVT flooring and how it is different from laminated floor? Following is a comprehensive comparison of vinyl and laminate flooring.
What are LVT Floors?
LVT refers to Luxury Vinyl Tile, which is also called vinyl tile flooring. It is a synthetic flooring made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and some other synthetic materials. Because of its construction, vinyl flooring is generally called a 100% synthetic floor.
This flooring is constructed with four layers for an excellent performance and resilience:
- Backing Layer: The first layer at the very bottom is made from vinyl that offers stability, support and resistance against moisture.
- Vinyl Core: Then comes the main body layer or core which is made from flexible materials like WPC (wood plastic composite) or SPC (stone plastic composite) for enhanced toughness.
- Print Layer: On top of the body layer, a decorative layer with HD print of wood or stone is used that has realistic wood grains or stone slits.
- Wear Layer: Above all the layers comes another thin wear layer that protects the whole LVT flooring planks from moisture, scuffs and scratches.
What Is Laminate Flooring?
A laminated flooring is a synthetic floor treatment that has multiple layers with a high density fiberboard (HDF) at its core. And because of the HDF, the laminate floor can be called a wood based product with almost the same features as a wood floor.
It is also constructed with four layers which are infused together with high heat and pressure:
- Balancing Layer: A back support layer that offers stability while also protecting the laminated plank from moisture that could possibly come from the subfloor.
- HDF Core: The main layer which is created using wood pulp that is combined with resin for a plank shape, providing durability and resilience to the flooring.
- Decorative Layer: In this layer, a high-dimensional photograph of real wood or stone is pasted to give the laminated plank a realistic appearance.
- Wear Layer: A top layer that is generally made from tough plastics with some additives to make the laminate floor highly resistant to moisture and scratches.
LVT Vs Laminate Flooring: Pros And Cons
Now that you’ve understood how vinyl floors are different from laminate wood flooring, it’s time to know which one is best for you.
Here’s a quick comparison between the performance of both flooring options that would help you make an informed decision.
Appearance
Laminate and vinyl floorings have almost the same kind of appearance, remember? That’s exactly where you were confusing them both as one kind. Both of these floors use an HD decorative layer that mimics the texture of stone and grain particles of wood. Although laminate Dubai flooring is known to have a bit more realistic appearance than vinyl, LVT tile flooring cannot be called anything less.
Water Resistance
A top feature that makes any floor a go-to choice is its water resistance. That’s because floors have to go through cleaning and bear lots of spills and splashes too.
If you compare the two, both these flooring feature a top wear layer and a bottom protection layer. However, LVT is known for its higher water resistance than laminated floorings. Laminate planks, due to their wood based core, cannot tolerate moisture like vinyl.
Durability
Durability is yet another crucial factor which must be prioritized while selecting home floors. When you compare lvt vs laminate flooring for durability, both are great, but one is slightly more durable than the other!
Laminate has good resistance to scratches with its tough wear layer but it is more prone to chipping. Vinyl on the other hand, has a super thick wear layer that provides excellent resistance to scratches, scuffs & even moisture, which makes it much more high-performance.
Heat Resistance
Both the flooring options are resistant to heat and can be used in a hot environment of above 80 degrees. However, both of the floorings work differently in those environments where temperature fluctuations are common.
Laminate planks cannot bear temperature fluctuation, and can shrink. At the same time, vinyl tiles can easily bear normal fluctuation without any damage. But both these floorings are prone to burn damage in case an extremely hot object drops on the floor.
Installation
Installation is another most significant factor that often becomes the deciding factor for floorings. Both of these floorings are designed for easy and DIY-friendly installation. But vinyl floorings sometimes require more equipment during installation than laminated ones.
Laminated flooring planks come in peel & stick and click & lock options, allowing you to decide whether to get a fixed floor or a floating floor. LVT floorings also come in click & lock and peel & stick options, along with strong planks that can be either nailed or glued. You can go with either, depending on your expertise and also the availability of equipment.
Cleaning
Next up, come cleaning and installation which must also be considered when choosing floorings. Both these flooring options have different care and maintenance routines. Vinyl is easier to clean compared to laminate home floors. You can use a wet-mop on vinyl tiles and even scrub them (using vinyl safe products). But a laminate floor can only be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner, broom or a dry mop as it cannot tolerate moisture and can warp or swell if it is exposed to water.
Comfort
Laminate and vinyl both kinds of floorings offer different levels of comfort. A laminate floor is hard and cold to walk on, especially if it is installed without any underlayment. And because its HDF core is quite hard, it even makes a sound when you walk on it with pointed footwear like heels.
Compared to laminate planks or tiles, vinyl flooring is flexible and hence softer and warmer underfoot. Plus, you would rarely feel any noise when anyone walks on it.
Lifespan
If you ask about the lifespan of lvt vs laminate flooring, you’ll see both of them have almost the same life range which is up to 10 to 25 years. But do they really last that long? Well, the answer is NO!
It’s because both of these flooring options have different performance and resilience in different environments. So you can’t expect both these floors to survive the same conditions similarly. Laminate flooring can ideally last up to 10 to 15 years in a moisture free environment with proper care & maintenance. But vinyl can easily bear moisture and high impact and can easily last about 3 decades if maintained well.
Cost
Last but not least, both of the flooring options are amazing for those looking for a luxury stone, wood or tiled look in their home with a tight budget.
Vinyl is the most budget friendly option, not just on the upfront but also in terms of durability. However, the exact price range depends on the market rate at the time you’re buying, along with the quality of the vinyl or laminated planks. Because higher quality means more upfront cost, but it is a lasting investment that will boost your home’s value.
Final Thoughts — Which One Is The Best Option For Dubai Homes?
You might have clearly understood all the multiple factors that differentiate vinyl and laminate floors from each other. Clearly, both of them have their own perks and disadvantages. But when it comes to homes in Dubai, you know that you want a floor that matches your luxury lifestyle while also accommodating a busy life.
And that’s where the LVT comes into play. With its excellent water and heat-resistant properties and ease of cleaning, it is the best choice for homeowners in Dubai. It also costs less upfront while offering high value for money!