A large wood company engaged in the production and sales of laminate flooring in China

As a core choice in home decoration, the selection of floor materials directly affects the texture and practicality of the space. As a professional manufacturer of laminated flooring, Lexuan will conduct an in-depth comparison of the characteristics of vinyl flooring and laminate flooring in this article to help consumers make informed decisions according to their needs.

I. Comparison of Material Structure and Environmental Friendliness

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring adopts a multi-layer composite structure, usually using high-density fiberboard (HDF) as the base material, with a decorative layer and a wear-resistant layer on the surface. For example, Lexuan's laminated flooring products use HDF resin lamination technology, with a density of ≥1000kg/m³, and the stability is 25% better than that of traditional panels. The surface layer can highly restore the textures of solid wood, marble, etc. For instance, the GRAND series of Krono in Switzerland can even be confused with the real ones. In terms of environmental protection, some brands such as Quick-Step's laminate flooring have obtained the EU Ecolabel, and at least 70% of the materials are renewable resources.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl takes polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as the core, with a wear-resistant layer and a decorative film covering the surface. Its advantage lies in being completely waterproof, making it suitable for wet environments such as kitchens and bathrooms. However, some low-end products may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so attention should be paid to environmental protection certifications (such as FloorScore or GREENGUARD).

Lexuan's suggestion: If you pursue a natural texture and high environmental protection standards, laminated flooring is a better choice; if you need complete waterproofing, you can consider SPC stone plastic flooring (an upgraded category of vinyl).

II. Durability and Applicable Scenarios

Advantages of Laminate Flooring

Wear Resistance: The surface wear-resistant layer can reach AC3-AC5 grades (commercial grade), suitable for high-traffic areas. For example, Pircher Oberland's laminate flooring provides a 15-year warranty, with a thickness of 7mm and strong impact resistance.

Simulated Solid Wood Effect: Lexuan's laminated flooring replicates the texture and touch of wood through EIR (synchronized embossing) technology, and is suitable for dry areas such as living rooms and bedrooms.

Advantages of Vinyl Flooring

Waterproofness: Vinyl is completely moisture-proof and can be directly laid in basements or bathrooms. For example, Happy Feet International's LVP (luxury vinyl plank) uses the Click Lock installation system, and the joint sealing performance is excellent.

Soft Foot Feeling: Some vinyl products add a cork bottom layer, making walking more comfortable, and are suitable for children's rooms or the residences of the elderly.

III. Installation and Maintenance Costs

Installation Convenience

Laminate Flooring: It mostly adopts floating installation (Clip-On or Click locking system), without the need for glue, and is DIY-friendly. For example, Tarkett's 5G Click system enables quick splicing.

Vinyl Flooring: SPC/Vinyl also supports floating installation, and has lower requirements for the flatness of the base layer, but attention should be paid to leaving expansion joints to account for thermal expansion and contraction.

Maintenance Costs

Laminate Flooring: Daily cleaning only requires vacuuming or using a slightly damp mop, but long-term water accumulation should be avoided. If the surface layer is worn, it usually needs to be replaced as a whole.

Vinyl Flooring: It has strong stain resistance and can be directly washed with water, and single pieces can be replaced in case of local damage, resulting in lower long-term maintenance costs.

IV. How to Choose the Most Suitable Floor?

According to Space Requirements:

Dry Areas (Living Rooms, Bedrooms): Give priority to laminated flooring, which has a texture closer to solid wood.

Wet Areas (Bathrooms, Kitchens): SPC or WPC vinyl flooring is recommended.

According to Design Styles:

Laminate flooring provides a rich variety of wood grain and stone grain options. For example, Lexuan's "Mixed Width" series can simulate the effect of retro solid wood.

In recent years, vinyl has introduced modern styles such as marble patterns and cement patterns, which are suitable for industrial-style designs.

According to Budget Planning:

For short-term living or rental housing: Vinyl is more cost-effective.

For long-term self-occupation: Invest in high-density laminated flooring, which takes both aesthetics and durability into account.

V. The Core Competitiveness of Lexuan's Laminate Flooring

As a professional manufacturer, Lexuan's laminated flooring integrates a number of innovative technologies:

AquaBlock Waterproof Technology: Through the nano-coating treatment of the HDF base material, the moisture-proof performance is improved, making it suitable for slightly wet environments.

EIR Synchronized Embossing: Precisely restores the annual rings of wood and the concave-convex touch, achieving a double upgrade in both visual and foot feel.

Environmental Protection Certification: All products in the line have passed the CARB2 certification, with a formaldehyde emission of less than 0.05ppm, ensuring home health.

Conclusion

Both vinyl and laminate flooring have their own advantages. The choice needs to be combined with the functions of the space, the budget, and aesthetic requirements. Lexuan suggests that if you pursue a natural texture and environmental friendliness, laminate flooring is still an irreplaceable classic choice; while vinyl, with its complete waterproof feature, becomes an ideal solution for wet environments. No matter which material is chosen, Lexuan provides professional-level solutions to help you create an ideal home space.