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Many customers ask: what are the durability differences between laminate, vinyl and hardwood? With the variety of available solid wood and wood substitute flooring selections, it’s essential to know the pros and cons of each option. All three products offer substantial benefits to the consumer, but each has its strengths and weaknesses regarding durability.
Laminate, vinyl and hardwood flooring are each excellent products, and modern manufacturing has helped to minimize cost and maintenance and enabled them to withstand wear and tear. However, they will each still have vulnerabilities and strengths in certain areas, so it is vital to balance these considerations when selecting a material for your floor.
The pros here at Commercial Floor Services know the ins and outs of all three of these excellent options, so we’re here to give you a breakdown of the crucial differences between laminate, vinyl and hardwood flooring.
1: Installation
When contemplating between laminate, vinyl and hardwood flooring and choosing which option is right for you, one of the first considerations you should make is the practicality and expense of the installation.
Laminate:
- Compatible with most subfloors, the click-and-lock design makes professional installation fast
- Material: $1 to $11 per square foot
- Installation: $1 to $3 per square foot
Vinyl:
- Can be installed over most types of subfloors and is DIY friendly
- Material: $1 to $5 per square foot
- Installation: $1 to $3 per square foot
Hardwood:
- Subfloor limitations restrict installation options and should be done professionally
- Material: $3 to $13 per square foot
- Installation: $4 to $8 per square foot
2: Maintenance
While laminate, vinyl and hardwood are all designed to require a minimum of upkeep, their inherent differences will necessitate different levels of care. Knowing what each material will need beforehand can help you decide what will be best for you.
Laminate: Because laminate has a core made from a natural material, it is susceptible to damage from water. Therefore, sweeping and mildly damp mopping is the preferred cleaning method, and spills should be cleaned immediately.
Vinyl: One of the easiest floors to maintain, vinyl is stain and water-resistant and only requires sweeping and mopping. You can also use a vacuum, but ensure the vacuum does not have a “beater bar,” as that will damage the vinyl’s surface.
Hardwood: Natural wood is the most susceptible to water damage among these three options. Weekly sweeping and damp mopping with a wood-specific cleaner is recommended. These floors also require a refinish every few years.
3: Repairs
When damage occurs, you want to address it as soon as possible to ensure the floor’s longevity. Laminate, vinyl and hardwood are each susceptible to different forms of damage, and each requires specific methods of repair.
Laminate: Although laminate flooring has a durable wear layer for its surface, the board must be replaced if damaged due to the sensitive fiberboard core.
Vinyl: Overall, vinyl has the most durable surface of these three materials, making it highly resistant to scratches and dents. When damage does occur, it is also easy to repair.
Hardwood: Hardwood has the most delicate surface of these three materials, but it is also the only one that can be sanded down and refinished, although this can only be done a few times.
4: Replacement
No floor will last forever, and understanding the longevity expectation for the material you choose is essential to satisfaction and practicality. Looking at the realistic longevity limitations of laminate, vinyl and hardwood is the final consideration on our list.
Laminate: Anywhere from 15-25 years, depending on type, manufacturer, and warranty.
Vinyl: Expected lifetime of 5-25 years, depending on the type, manufacturer, and warranty.
Hardwood: By far the longest lasting, hardwood will last 50-100 years with proper maintenance.
This quick comparison of laminate, vinyl and hardwood will help you select the best floor for your project. The team here at Commercial Floor Services is only a phone call or email away if you have any questions regarding materials or installation. We’ve been a regional leader in flooring solutions for many years and are here for you.
Contact us today!
