The Complete Guide to Flooring: Carpet, Laminate, or Vinyl?

Thinking about giving your home's flooring a fresh new look? Our flooring experts are here to make it easier for you to pick the perfect option for your needs. We've put together this guide to introduce you to the different flooring choices available and how each one suits various rooms and situations, so read on to discover which is the best fit for your home!

Carpets

Carpets have been used in homes for millennia. Made from wool, nylon, polyester, or polypropylene, they're popular for their soft, comforting feel underfoot, noise-dampening qualities, and ability to inject warmth and cosiness into a room. We've covered the key pros and cons of carpet below!

Pros of Carpets

Carpets are soft and provide a comfortable surface to walk, sit, or play on, especially when paired with a high-quality underlay. They're warmer underfoot than many other flooring options, making them particularly appealing in colder months.
Carpets come in a wide variety of styles, colours, and materials, giving you the freedom to choose a design that perfectly matches your interior decor. They also cater to all kinds of budgets, offering both luxurious high-end options and more budget-friendly choices.
The thick fibres of carpets can act as insulation, helping you use less energy and lower your bills – perfect for eco-warriors. They also help reduce noise levels, which can be especially beneficial in multi-story homes or apartments.
Carpeted floors are less slippery than hard surfaces, reducing the risk of slips and falls. This makes them a safer choice, especially for households with young children or elderly individuals.

Cons of Carpets

Carpets can trap allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen, making them a poor choice for individuals with allergies or asthma. Proper cleaning and maintenance can help mitigate this issue.
Carpets are more prone to staining compared to hard flooring options. Spills and accidents must be addressed quickly to prevent permanent stains.
The lifespan of a carpet can vary depending on the quality and type of carpet you choose. In high-traffic areas, carpets may wear out faster than other flooring materials.
Carpets are not recommended for areas prone to moisture or water spills, such as bathrooms and kitchens, as they can harbour mould and mildew.

Where Are Carpets Best Used?

The plush, luxurious feel of carpet can instantly make rooms feel cosier, making it a great fit for bedrooms. Tougher and longer-lasting carpets are also ideal for busy areas like hallways and stairs.

However, it's best to avoid using carpets in spots that tend to get wet, like bathrooms and kitchens, or need extra cleaning, such as rooms people may track mud into.

If you've been thinking about going with carpet for your flooring, why not check out our carpet buying guide? It's full of helpful tips to make choosing the perfect carpet for your room and decor a breeze!

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a type of synthetic flooring material designed to mimic the appearance of natural materials. It's made up of multiple layers that are fused together through a lamination process.

Not only is laminate flooring budget-friendly and low-maintenance, but it also comes in a diverse range of styles that can rival the beauty of real wood or stone. This, coupled with its durability, makes laminate an ideal option for many rooms in your house. Read on to learn more about its main benefits and drawbacks!

Pros of Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a more budget-friendly option than many other types of flooring. It comes in a wide range of styles, colours, and patterns, so you can get the look of hardwood or natural stone without breaking the bank.
Laminate is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and is less prone to scratching and denting compared to some other materials. If a part of your laminate floor does end up damaged, no worries – you can simply replace that one plank without having to redo the entire floor.
Laminate is easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are usually sufficient to keep it looking good.
Unlike carpet, laminate doesn't trap allergens like dust and pet dander, making it a better choice for those with allergies. Many laminate floors also have moisture-resistant properties.

Cons of Laminate Flooring

While laminate can mimic the look of real wood, it doesn't have the same natural beauty and warmth as hardwood flooring. You may prefer the authenticity of real wood instead.
Laminate flooring can be noisier than other options, especially if not installed with proper underlay. It can produce a hollow or clicking sound when walked on.
While laminates have moisture resistance, they're not completely waterproof. Prolonged exposure to moisture can cause warping or swelling of the planks.
While durable, laminate flooring may not last as long as natural hardwood or stone. It typically has a lifespan of 15-25 years, depending on the quality and maintenance.

Where Is Laminate Flooring Best Used?

Thanks to its durability and ease of cleaning, laminate flooring is an excellent choice for living rooms, dining rooms, and other rooms with moderate foot traffic. However, it's not ideal for rooms with high moisture content such as kitchens, unless you're able to wipe up spills promptly to prevent moisture damage. It may also be too cold and hard underfoot for bedrooms.

Think laminate flooring may be the right choice for your home? Have a read through our laminate buying guide, which has plenty of information on finding the perfect laminate for your space.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is a synthetic flooring material made primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Various compounds are added to tweak the material's qualities, such as colour and sheen.

While older vinyl floors were sometimes seen as cheap and plasticky, today's versions have evolved considerably. They're now produced using refined processes and higher-quality materials, meaning they can even rival laminate flooring when it comes to emulating real wood and stone. Let's look at the pros and cons of vinyl flooring below!

Pros of Vinyl Flooring

Like laminate, vinyl flooring is generally more budget-friendly than many other flooring options, including hardwood, ceramic tiles, and natural stone.
Gone are the days of cheap, imitation vinyl floors. Modern vinyl is available in a wide array of styles that mimic wood, ceramic, and stone so convincingly that you might find it hard to tell them apart.
Vinyl flooring is easy to clean and water resistant, making it a fantastic option for areas prone to spills and moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Vinyl flooring provides a smooth, seamless surface, without the seams and absorbency of wood or the grout lines you'd find in ceramic tile. This quality is what makes vinyl flooring incredibly easy to maintain.

Cons of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is made from synthetic materials, which aren't biodegradable. The manufacturing process can also release harmful chemicals, and disposal can be problematic.
While vinyl can mimic the look of natural materials, some people prefer the authenticity and warmth of real wood, stone, or tile.
Despite its durability, vinyl may not have the same lifespan as materials like hardwood or natural stone. It can also be punctured or gouged by sharp objects, such as high heels or heavy furniture. This damage may be difficult to repair.

Where Is Vinyl Flooring Best Used?

Much like laminate, vinyl flooring is a versatile option that works well in many places. What sets it apart is its excellent water resistance, which makes it perfect for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. However, it may not be the cosiest choice for spaces where you want that extra warmth and softness, like bedrooms.

If you're thinking about vinyl flooring, you'll love Karndean's Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) solutions. Explore our helpful Karndean buying guide to learn more!

Find the Perfect Flooring for Your Home With Carpet Barn

Carpet Barn is the South's leading supplier of carpet, vinyl, and laminate flooring, offering a wide range of choices at fantastic prices. Pop down to your local Carpet Barn store today or browse online to discover more!