Laminate vs Vinyl Flooring: How to Navigate the Options

Considering laminate flooring

Laminate flooring has grown in popularity due to its low maintenance and durability. It is an exceptionally hard-wearing man-made floor comprising a realistic wood photo layer under a clear protective coating with an engineered base. Laminates provide the warmth and good looks of real wood without the scratching, ageing, colour variations and maintenance of natural products.

Laminates are laid on underlay which acts as a dense, acoustic layer as well as a natural insulator. The underlay can also absorb small variations in the subfloor if it is not completely level.

The core of laminates usually comprises a high-density fibreboard on a moisture resistant base. Daily spills and liquids are easily maintained but make sure to select a new generation laminate with waterproof features for any installations in wet areas or hospitality and retail environments.

Laminates offer a uniform, cost-effective timber look floor without the cost and maintenance of a real hardwood floor. The installation of click together laminate planks without glues or screws is also faster, saving installation costs.

Considering vinyl flooring

In comparison, luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) or multi-layer vinyl flooring is thinner and lighter and the layers comprise various man-made cores suitable for wet areas. The choices include realistic images and textures of stone, wood and ceramics. The quality of vinyl has improved greatly and it is sold in planks and tiles rather than sheets to imitate other floorings.

LVT flooring is softer underfoot and has some insulation properties depending upon the construction. The surfaces are durable, hygienic and will not splinter or crack ensuring longevity and durability in tough environments. Most varieties can be installed over underfloor heating for further comfort.

Note that heavy sharp objects could scratch or dent either floor type and extreme temperatures may expand or contract the flooring seasonally.

Vitality Style Floating Laminate Flooring

Woodland Lifestyle

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Vitality style is a floating laminate flooring product.

NZ-Owned Business

Suitable for wet areas under NZBC clause E3 (alternative solution must be submitted)
Suitable for light commercial and heavy domestic flooring applications
Ideal for childcare centres, aged care, hotels/motels, restaurants/cafes, retail spaces, everyday homes, renovations
Suitable for wet areas — kitchens, bathrooms, laundries
Floating installation — no adhesive required
Able to be laid over existing floors
Compatible with underfloor heating

NZBC Clause E3 — Internal moisture: Alternative solution must be submitted (see downloads) in areas containing sanitary items and sanitary fixtures

NZBC Clause C3 — Protection from Fire: Cfl-S1

NZBC Clause D1 — Access routes: Class DS: ≥ 0,30 µ

NZBC Clause G6 — Airborne and impact sound: Up to IIC 74dB STC 73dB Delta IIC 25dB (when using floorMuffler underlay)

Balterio Grande Wide Floating Laminate Flooring

Woodland Lifestyle

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Balterio Grande Wide is a floating laminate flooring product consisting of a melamine resin surface over an HDF (high density fibreboard) core.

NZ-Owned Business

Suitable for wet areas under NZBC clause E3 (alternative solution must be submitted)
Suitable for medium commercial and heavy domestic flooring applications
Ideal for childcare centers, aged care, hotels/motels, restaurants/cafes, retail spaces, everyday homes, renovations
Suitable for wet areas — kitchens, bathrooms, laundry’s
Floating installation — no adhesive required
Able to be laid over existing floors
Compatible with underfloor heating

NZBC Clause E3 — Internal moisture: Alternative solution must be submitted (see downloads) in areas containing sanitary items and sanitary fixtures
NZBC Clause C3 — Protection from Fire: Dfl-S1
NZBC Clause D1 — Access routes: Class DS: ≥ 0,30 µ
NZBC Clause G6 — Airborne and impact sound: Up to IIC 74dB STC 73dB Delta IIC 25dB (when using floorMuffler underlay)

Vitality Lungo Floating Laminate Flooring

Woodland Lifestyle

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Vitality Lungo is a floating laminate flooring product.

NZ-Owned Business

Suitable for wet areas under NZBC clause E3 (alternative solution must be submitted)
Suitable for light commercial and heavy domestic flooring applications
Ideal for childcare centers, aged care, hotels/motels, restaurants/cafes, retail spaces, everyday homes, renovations
Floating installation — no adhesive required
Able to be laid over existing floors
Compatible with underfloor heating

NZBC Clause E3 — Internal moisture: Alternative solution must be submitted (see downloads) in areas containing sanitary items and sanitary fixtures
NZBC Clause C3 — Protection from Fire: Cfl-S1
NZBC Clause D1 — Access routes: Class DS: ≥ 0,30 µ
NZBC Clause G6 — Airborne and impact sound: Up to IIC 74dB STC 73dB Delta IIC 25dB (when using floorMuffler underlay)

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