Laminate vs Vinyl: 8 Things You Should Know Before Completing Your Bathroom Remodeling

Laminate vs Vinyl: 8 Things You Should Know Before Completing Your Bathroom Remodeling

Compare the actual laminate and vinyl products proposed for your bathroom. Review their permitted installation locations, water-exposure limits and care instructions; a material category or a low-moisture routine does not establish suitability.

For a bathroom remodeling project that includes flooring, compare product quotes and the specified installation work. Confirm bathroom-use restrictions before selecting on appearance or price.

Use the questions below to compare the particular products and proposed floor assembly. Bring their installation and care documents to the supplier or installer rather than treating a general comparison as approval for your bathroom.

Bathroom Remodeling: The Differences Between Vinyl and Laminate

For vinyl flooring, check the specific product’s water-resistance rating, installation instructions and bathroom-use restrictions. Do not assume that the flooring or the assembly beneath it can tolerate standing water.

Compare the vinyl samples and available formats, including the proposed surface texture and joint design. Have the installer review the exact product’s installation method and the room instead of assuming a click joint makes the work quick or easy.

For laminate flooring, review the manufacturer’s bathroom-use guidance and requirements for joints, edges and subfloor preparation. Water resistance varies by product; clean up spills and investigate leaks promptly.

You can find homeowners installing laminate floors into homes with modern kitchen designs. It offers a truer wooden look that a lot of homeowner’s love.

Bathroom Remodeling: Vinyl vs Laminate

Ask whether the exact laminate product is intended for the proposed bathroom location. Follow its water-exposure and cleanup instructions, and investigate leaks; a generic mopping routine does not establish suitability or guarantee the floor’s condition.

Follow the selected vinyl product’s spill-cleanup and water-exposure instructions. Compare appearance and comfort separately; choosing vinyl does not justify delaying cleanup or establish a universally better floor.

If you want rugs near the sink or shower, check their compatibility with the selected floor and location. Follow the care instructions for both items, and do not rely on a rug to absorb all water or make an unsuitable flooring product appropriate for the bathroom.

The Costs of Vinyl and Laminate

The original article listed historical examples of around .50 cents per vinyl square or $3 per plank. These figures do not establish current pricing or equal prices for the laminate and vinyl products you are comparing. Obtain a quote for the selected floor and installation.

The original laminate examples were around .50 cents for 6mm and $3 for a longer 12 mm plank. Treat these as historical article examples, not current product quotes.

Installation of Vinyl and Laminate

Ask the installer to describe the preparation and installation method for the exact floor. Compare the required work and room conditions rather than assuming either laminate or vinyl is easy to install.

Compare the vinyl formats the supplier offers and the installation requirements for each. Have the proposed joints, edges and obstructions reviewed before selecting the product.

Follow the selected laminate product’s requirements for the subfloor and any underlayment or moisture treatment. Ask whether an attached backing changes the specified assembly; do not add a generic foam layer or assume that it provides the required moisture protection.

Have the installer select cutting and fitting methods from the product instructions and the proposed work. A general material description does not specify which tools or installation details your floor requires.

Which Looks Better and Have Higher Resale Value?

Choose flooring for the room’s needs, your comfort and the product’s maintenance requirements. Neither material guarantees a higher resale value.

Compare samples and, where available, the feel of the specified floor assembly underfoot. Thickness, backing and subfloor conditions differ by product and installation; neither material name guarantees warmth or comfort.

Use the selected floor only in locations permitted by its product documentation. Have the installer confirm the proposed bathroom assembly and conditions before ordering.

Finding a Quality Supplier of Laminate Floors

Bring flooring samples and their product documents to the bathroom-planning discussion. Confirm what is available and appropriate for the intended location; a floor choice does not establish a resale increase.

We offer bathroom remodeling services and packages, which means you get a complete service. So, if you’re looking to update your vanity, cabinets, countertops and fixtures, we can help. Browse through our selection of products to see what you find.

Request the selected flooring product’s written manufacturer warranty and care instructions. Review the coverage, exclusions and required installation conditions; a warranty does not guarantee that the floor will retain a particular appearance.

Why Choose GBC Kitchen and Bath?

There are various reasons why it’s a good idea to hire GBC Kitchen and Bath for your remodeling work. We take pride in our craftsmanship and the products we sell. Our contractors fabricate and install the products and materials we offer.

Visit a showroom to compare the available flooring samples. Ask for the exact product’s bathroom-use, installation and care documents before choosing for the planned room.

Contact us today to learn more about our products and to schedule a free estimate!

Further reading

For the material differences behind this comparison, see the references on laminate flooring and vinyl flooring.