Laminate or Vinyl in the Kitchen: Which Is Better?
In the kitchen, unless you desire a disaster, you should have hard flooring rather than carpet. Hard flooring is easier to clean and better suited to the kitchen, but which type do you choose? In this guide, I’ll look specifically at two kitchen flooring options: laminate and vinyl. Both are valid options, but there are some major distinctions that may influence your decision.
Laminate flooring for the kitchen
Laminate flooring comes in planks and is composed of multiple layers, including a wear layer, an aesthetic layer, a core layer, and a built-in underlayment. The core is often comprised of fiberboard, while the aesthetic layer features a printed design. Some laminate flooring includes built-in underlayment, which can make installation faster.
Pros
UV resistance: Laminate flooring in kitchens is often UV resistant and will not fade or discolor with time.
Low upkeep: When compared to other types of flooring, laminate planks are low maintenance and easy to clean, while vinyl flooring requires less maintenance.
Comfortable: Overall, laminate flooring is softer than vinyl flooring and more comfortable to walk on.
Cons
Laminate flooring is prone to water damage due to its fibreboard core, which can cause major problems.
Laminate flooring is more harder to cut than vinyl flooring, and longer planks often result in a longer installation time.
Difficult to keep: Because of its wooden core, laminate flooring is more difficult to maintain and takes more care and attention than vinyl.
In the UK, rigid core vinyl flooring comes in flexible tiles rather than planks and is comprised of multiple layers.
The layers consist of a top protection layer, multiple wear layers, an aesthetic layer, a rigid core in the case of rigid core LVT flooring, and a backing layer or underlayment. The fundamental distinction between laminate and vinyl in kitchens is the core. Laminate has a wooden fiber core, whereas rigid core LVT flooring has a core for vinyl products.
Pros
Water resistance: Vinyl flooring is highly water resistant, and a liquid spill should not cause any significant harm.
Ease of installation: Both glue-down LVT flooring and click LVT flooring are straightforward to install.
Various styles and colors: Vinyl flooring comes in a large variety of colors and styles, and when compared to laminate, it may simulate a broader range of materials such as wood, stone, marble, and ceramic.
Easy to clean: Because of its water resistance, vinyl flooring is quite easy to sweep and mop, and you don’t have to be concerned about how much water you use when mopping.
More durable: Vinyl flooring is widely regarded as the more resilient and durable flooring option.
Cons
UV resistance: Vinyl flooring is less UV resistant than laminate flooring, but UV-resistant types are available for a small additional cost.
Harder to walk on: Vinyl flooring is typically less forgiving on your feet and less soft than laminate flooring when walking.
Comparing Laminate and Vinyl for Kitchens
With the benefits and cons listed, you should be able to determine whether laminate or vinyl flooring is better suited for kitchen areas, but let’s look at some specific cases.
Durability and water resistance
Vinyl has higher water resistance because it does not have a wooden core and is less prone to water damage. Both are relatively sturdy and can last up to 25 years with regular maintenance and cleaning.
Appearance & Style Options
Some argue that laminate has a more authentic appearance, however luxury vinyl tiles look wonderful and have the extra bonus of deeper embossing that mimics actual material textures. Furthermore, there is usually a wider selection of vinyl styles and colors to choose from.
Installation and Maintenance
Vinyl flooring is easier to cut than laminate flooring, and the smaller luxury vinyl tiles provide you more positioning options. Both are significantly easier to install than other flooring options, particularly the tongue and groove and click lock procedures.
Cost
Both laminate and vinyl flooring are inexpensive and among the cheapest options available. In general, luxury vinyl tile flooring is slightly more expensive than laminate, but the difference is minimal.
Laminate vs Vinyl in Kitchens: The Final Verdict
Vinyl flooring for kitchens has the edge in my opinion. The improved waterproofing, durability, and ease of maintenance make it suitable for use in a kitchen, where drinks and food are constantly spilled. If you choose laminate, you may find it more difficult to maintain, and with frequent use and potential water dangers, it may become expensive to replace.