When it comes to choosing a flooring for your bathroom the top two types are usually vinyl and laminate flooring. The biggest question is which one is best for your bathroom? We’re going to go over all of the key aspects to take into consideration in order to figure out which one is best for your bathroom floor. So if you’re on the fence about which type of flooring to get, stay tuned and this article should help you make that decision.
What Is Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a pretty common type of flooring used in bathrooms or even kitchens. There are many different key aspects to look at when choosing if vinyl flooring is best for you or not.
Vinyl flooring is made from 100% polymers and it can be made to look like other materials such as wood or stone. However, it does not include any organic materials, which makes it very waterproof. The main ingredient used in this floor is plastic, which stands up great in many conditions.
Another thing to keep in mind is that vinyl flooring can last up to 25 years. It’s also important to note that though this floor might be great for water, it isn’t necessarily great for super hot temperatures as the plastic can warp.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring
When it comes to anything there are many pros and cons to consider. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons associated with bathroom vinyl flooring.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Durable
- Many different styles, colors, and textures
- It’s easy to install as it comes in planks, sheets, or tiles
- It is waterproof and withstands humidity very well
Cons:
- It’s quite difficult to replace if damage occurs
- It can feel a bit cheap especially if you’re wanting it to look like a real material such as stone or wood
- Not much of a return on investment after selling
What Is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is yet another popular option for bathrooms and even kitchen floors. Laminate is made by putting a “photo layer” such as stone or wood under a clean protected layer. This gives the look of the specific material while having a protective layer on top of it.
It comes in many different styles and designs to choose from. However, one thing to keep in mind is that it is made from wood particles, so it is not waterproof which can make it difficult to maintain in a bathroom or other wet room.
Laminate flooring can last between 15 and 25 years depending on installation and material.
Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring
Again, we want to look at the pros and cons of this type of material to show a good comparison to help you choose which one is best for you when it comes to bathroom laminate flooring.
Pros:
- Budget friendly
- Resistant to scratches, stains, and fading
- 100% recyclable
- Low maintenance
- Pet friendly
- Good for commercial use
Cons:
- Prone to water damage as it is only water resistant
- Prone to warping
- Can’t be sanded or refinished
- Noisy installation
Which Lasts Longer: Vinyl Flooring or Laminate Flooring?
When it comes to flooring one thing a lot of people want to know is the life on them. For vinyl and laminate flooring, their lifespans are quite similar actually. While vinyl flooring can last up to 25 years, laminate flooring can last between 15 and 25 years. So ultimately you can have these floors last you up to 25 years with proper installation and maintenance.
The only thing to stay aware of is that laminate flooring isn’t waterproof so a lot of the problems can occur when it’s exposed to moisture, making the floor not last the full 25 years.
Which Floor Is Better: Vinyl or Laminate?
Both vinyl flooring and laminate flooring are great for your home, but there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing one for your bathroom or other space. Let’s look at some considerations you should keep in mind when choosing:
- Your budget
- Where the flooring is going
- How large the space is
- What the temperature in the room will be
- If there will be water or moisture present
After taking some of these things into consideration you can choose which one is best. We feel that overall since vinyl flooring is waterproof then this should be the top option for spaces such as your bathroom. Laminate flooring does not do good in areas where water is present or where humidity is high, so being sure to steer clear of this material for your bathrooms can give you a better chance of not dealing with water damage.
Final Thoughts
The final verdict is that vinyl flooring is a more affordable option that has much more of a chance in a bathroom with possible water exposure than laminate flooring. Although you can choose either one, vinyl flooring is waterproof, making it a better option in those circumstances. Regardless, you can’t go wrong with either material as they are both durable and pretty easy to install.