Water Resistant Laminate Versus Vinyl Floor

Unlike vinyl laminate s water resistance works from top to bottom rather than bottom to top.

Water resistant laminate versus vinyl floor.

While laminate flooring has come a long way in its water resistant capabilities it still cannot tolerate standing pools of water. Sheet vinyl vinyl tile and luxury vinyl flooring are usually made with materials that are 100 percent waterproof. Water resistant flooring like laminate or vinyl tile are typically less expensive to purchase than waterproof engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl planks. It s 100 waterproof engineered vinyl and is very tough.

With both types of flooring shades or blinds should be used in rooms with a lot of sunlight and area rugs can also be used in brighter spots that may be more apt to fade. If you have moisture issues with your subfloor you ll still need a vapor barrier. Since these areas are prone to leaks and flooding you ll want a more water resistant floor. While laminate can fade when exposed to sunlight over long periods of time it is more resistant than vinyl flooring.

There s a hybrid type option called wpc which is the closest thing on the market to a waterproof laminate. Not as water resistant as vinyl flooring. To its credit waterproof laminate has a harder surface layer than luxury vinyl and it is more resistant to scratching. Hi linda laminate is not waterproof so if you want a 100 waterproof floor you ll want vinyl.

With flooring like this you can enjoy the look of wood with the performance of a waterproof luxury vinyl. In full bathrooms and damp locations such as basements vinyl flooring materials excel over laminate materials. And traditionally laminate flooring is more realistic at mimicking wood grains. While luxury vinyl is more expensive than standard laminate flooring it is more affordable than most truly waterproof laminates.

Not recommended for full bathrooms or basements.