If you're planning to build or renovate, finding budget-friendly flooring that matches your style can be a challenge. I've been through that too, and as an experienced designer, I've seen it all—the good, the bad, and the ugly. As someone who’s in this field for 20 years now, I’ll be giving you a guide on what’s the perfect flooring for you specifically between the 3 most common flooring used in construction which is laminate, vinyl, and hardwood flooring.

What are the pros and cons?

Laminate Flooring

First we have laminate flooring. This material is primarily made of melamine resin and fiberboard, giving it a unique composition. In the past, it often looked plasticky and shiny. However, modern laminate can now closely resemble hardwood at a much more affordable price! What to expect:

Pros

Cost-Effective
UV Resistant
Durable
Low Maintenance
DIY Friendly

Cons

Non-Refinable
Some laminates aren't waterproof, so they're sensitive to moisture.

Vinyl Flooring

Next up is vinyl flooring, a versatile choice made entirely from PVC. It's super resistant to moisture and water, making it perfect for areas prone to spills or high humidity. Vinyl also comes in two types: rigid and flexible planks.

Pros

Waterproof or Water-Resistant
Realistic Appearance
Easy Installation
Low Maintenance

Cons

Non-Refinable
Can be unattractive in the long run
Some vinyl lacks UV protection and is prone to fading in direct sunlight. It's best to verify this information before purchasing your flooring.

Hardwood Flooring

Lastly, we have hardwood flooring. Just from the name alone, you can probably guess that hardwood is the priciest of all the flooring options, and you're right! Since it's made from real wood, it's naturally more expensive. There are two types available: solid hardwood, which is all hardwood, and engineered hardwood, which has a hardwood top layer over high-quality plywood.

Pros

Elegant
Long Lifespan
Refinable - you can refinish it 10-15 times, so damaged planks aren't much trouble to fix.

Cons

Scratches and Gouges
Poor installation can cause creaks
Slippery When Wet
Not DIY-Friendly
Since it's a natural material, some planks may have imperfections

What are the average prices of these materials?

We’ll start with the most affordable option and move to the most expensive. Among all the materials presented, laminate flooring is the most affordable, with an average cost of $2 to $4 per square foot. Next, vinyl flooring follows closely, with an average cost of $6 per square foot.

Lastly, we have hardwood flooring. On average, solid hardwood ranges from $4 to $12 per square foot, while engineered hardwood ranges from $6 to $30 per square foot. While the cheapest solid hardwood option is somewhat close in price to vinyl flooring, the higher costs for hardwood flooring come from both the materials and the installation and maintenance.

How long do these materials last?

On average, laminate flooring typically lasts between 15 to 25 years, while vinyl flooring can last from 5 to 25 years. Hardwood flooring, as mentioned before, boasts an impressive lifespan of 30 to 100 years.

Where can I buy these items?

Typically, designers like myself work with direct suppliers who offer much cheaper prices compared to large stores such as Home Depot, Home Hardware, Costco, and Rona. However, for those who are doing DIY flooring projects, I suggest checking out local flooring stores near your home. They may offer more competitive prices or discounts.

In conclusion, the best flooring option for you will depend on both your budget and your personal taste. Based on the information we've summarized about laminate, vinyl, and hardwood flooring, you can easily identify which one will suit your needs best for your home.

Reference

How to install hardwood flooring: https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/flooring/how-to-install-hardwood-floors/

How to install laminate flooring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJvcMp_21VE

How to install vinyl flooring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DxVKBh38Dg

If you found this blog helpful, we’ve also created a YouTube video on this topic. Additionally, we cover many other architectural topics that you might find interesting. Tune in to our social media for more updates. Thank you, and see you next one!