No, Vinyl Plank and Timber Laminate Flooring are not the same thing, although they are both designed to mimic the appearance of real timber floors. The main difference lies in what they are made of and how they handle moisture.
Vinyl Plank Flooring
100% synthetic, typically made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and fiberglass. Vinyl Plank is 100% waterproof, making it the best choice for wet areas like bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens. Vinyl Plank is often thinner and is traditionally glued down to the subfloor, though “floating” vinyl options also exist. Vinyl is more resilient against impacts and won’t dent as easily.
Timber Laminate Flooring
Has a core made of high-density fiberboard (HDF), which consists of compressed wood fibres. Laminate is only water-resistant. Because of its wood core, it can swell or warp if exposed to standing water for too long. Laminate is usually thicker and feels more like real wood underfoot. It is typically installed as a “floating floor” using a click-lock system. Laminate is generally more resistant to scratches and fading from sunlight.
If your looking for a product that incorporates all the best qualities of both Vinyl and Laminate Flooring take a look at our Hybrid Waterproof Flooring.
