Our latest article examines the similarities and differences between vinyl flooring and laminate flooring.
Your choice of flooring in your home will probably be decided upon after you have considered many types of flooring. However as dog owners, it is important to choose a flooring solution that not only satisfies us but is also kind to our dogs. With this in mind, we are going to compare vinyl flooring to laminate flooring.
What is the difference between laminate and vinyl flooring?
There are similarities and differences between the two in several areas, including how they are made (and what from), what they look like, their durability and their water resistance, amongst other things.
What are vinyl and laminate floors made from?
Laminate floors are made from layers fused together through a lamination process, around a central core of HDF (high density fibreboard made of compressed fibres of recovered wood). There is usually a photographic layer that forms the visual appearance of the laminate and a durable protective top layer. Vinyl floors are constructed from synthetic PVC which is heated and pressed into thin layers.
What vinyl and laminate flooring looks like
Laminate flooring is a wood effect flooring, with the laminate boards recreating the look of solid wood floor boards. Vinyl flooring offers a wider choice of aesthetic, supplied in wood- and stone-effect finishes as well as a herringbone or plank finish, vinyl flooring offers homeowners much more choice and versatility.
Durability of vinyl and laminate flooring
Both laminate and vinyl flooring offer good durability, thanks to their hardwearing and protective surfaces. While laminate is more prone to scratch damage than vinyl, vinyl can become dented unless protected against heavy furniture with specialist coasters or floor protectors.
How waterproof are laminate and vinyl floors?
While laminate is water resistant, its wood content prevents it from being waterproof, while vinyl flooring is completely waterproof thanks to its PVC composition.
From the homeowner’s point of view, laminate and vinyl flooring are pretty much neck and neck. But what about from the pet owner’s point of view – which is better for dogs?
Best dog friendly flooring
Dogs of all ages, but particular young puppies and older, arthritic dogs, need a flooring that will help them to feel safe and secure and reduce their risk of slipping. Comfort is also a big consideration – older joints will feel sore when laying on hard solid wood, laminate or ceramic tiled floors and while carpet is comfortable, it is not the dog pee proof flooring that owners need.
Pet-friendly flooring from Floors For Paws
At Floors For Paws, our vinyl flooring offers pet owners that extra something and has been developed in conjunction with CAM (Canine Arthritis Management) to be kinder to dogs than laminate. Unlike laminate and other types of vinyl flooring, our Pawsafe Domestic range and our luxury vinyl range, (both available in plank or tile options) feature a textured, anti-slip surface layer, and have the highest slip rating of any vinyl plank flooring in today’s market. They also have an extra-soft comfort layer that provides better cushioning.
To see for yourself, why not order up to three free samples today, or get in touch with our friendly sales team to see how our flooring can help your dogs. Call us on 01522 300218 or send us an email to info@floorsforpaws.com
