Wrapping your head around the many flooring materials on the market is no easy task. You want to be confident you make the right selection, and starting with low-maintenance favorites like laminate and vinyl flooring is a great place to begin. Here’s a closer look at each to help with your decision.

Choosing Between Laminate & Vinyl Flooring

Laminate

Laminate flooring has a wood byproduct core that’s held together with resins. It holds a printed design on top that’s sealed below a transparent plastic layer. It’s most commonly used in dining and living areas, bedrooms, and secondary spaces because it’s durable and attractive.

Laminate welcomes endless designs. Anything that can be thought of can be printed and then applied to the material and sealed with a gloss finish. Choose a unique colorful pattern or a textured design that mimics hardwood, stone, and other luxury materials.

Laminate flooring won’t stand up to pooled water, which is why homeowners don’t use it in kitchens and bathrooms often. The wood core will absorb moisture, swell, and warp, so you’ll need to clean it with a dry cloth or mop and keep water away. With proper care, it can last around 10 years.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is a 100% synthetic material usually made from fiberglass and PVC coating. These luxury planks fit together comfortably when installed by a professional and are far more moisture-resistant than laminate.

This is why you’ll find vinyl in all areas of a home. While it doesn’t have the design versatility of laminate, there are still many options, and it’s generally considered to be more attractive than laminate. In some cases, luxury planks can look extremely near to hardwood flooring. Vinyl is also heat-resistant and easy to clean. Whether you clean it with a wet or dry mop, you can count on vinyl lasting up to 20 years.

Whether you’re interested in laminate or vinyl flooring, turn to Gene’s Floor Covering II Inc. Based in Gulf Shores, AL, this company is backed by 30 years of experience and offers a number of solutions, including bathroom tile, hardwood floor, and area rugs. Visit their website to explore all their products or call (251) 968-6456 to speak with a sales associate.