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Both vinyl and laminate flooring are durable, cost-effective options. But, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Let’s explore the differences;

• Water resistance: Vinyl is water-resistant and is a good choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. In contrast, laminate only has a water-resistant coating and is susceptible to water damage.

• Comfort: Vinyl is softer and warmer, making it more comfortable to walk on. Laminate feels hard and cold - especially in winter.

• Style: Laminate and vinyl can mimic wood or stone and are a nice finishing touch. But vinyl, especially luxury vinyl planks, can look more realistic.

• Durability: Both vinyl and laminate are durable, but vinyl is more resistant to scratches and dents. Laminate can be prone to chipping or peeling at the edges.

  Learn more about whether vinyl is better than laminate here.

To ensure your vinyl flooring looks great, is installed correctly, and is made to last, look for reliable and professional vinyl flooring in Downpatrick.

Here’s how to find a great professional;

- Use Checkatrade

It’s quick and easy to find trusted and experienced vinyl flooring installers with professional directories like Checkatrade.

Simply enter a few basic details to find thousands of home-owner-reviewed vinyl flooring installers. View their member profiles for professional qualifications, expertise, and reviews.

We verify our members and their reviews so you can trust the information you see.

- Ask other tradespeople

One of the best ways to find suitable tradespeople is to ask other good tradespeople.

Usually, reliable professionals will only refer other reliable professionals. Do you know any trusted tradespeople? Ask if they can recommend a vinyl flooring installer local to you.

• Check online reviews

It’s always a good idea to see what other people think of a tradesperson.

Look for online reviews to see what other people say about vinyl flooring professionals in Downpatrick.

Remember to cross-check your reviews on Checkatrade.

Ready to get started? Find vinyl flooring in Downpatrick now.

While durable, vinyl is still susceptible to scratching, especially in rooms with heavy foot traffic or pets.

Vinyl can also fade over time in direct sunlight. When laying vinyl in rooms that get a lot of sun exposure, look for vinyl with a UV protective layer.

Vinyl is also made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a type of plastic that can release harmful chemicals during production and disposal. This can be a concern for the environmentally friendly.

Lastly, vinyl flooring only looks as good as its subflooring allows. The subfloor needs to be smooth and level; otherwise, even minor flaws can show through the vinyl.

Need more flooring advice? Get it here.

Vinyl flooring comes in tiles, sheets, and planks. See our quick breakdown;

• Vinyl planks (LVP) are perfect for a realistic wood look that is also durable, easy to install and water-resistant

• Vinyl tiles (LVT) can mimic stone or ceramic tile without the cold, hard feel of tile or stone

• Sheet vinyl is a more budget-friendly option and is quick and easy to install over large areas

Which one you choose depends on your style, needs, and budget.

Both laminate and vinyl are DIY-friendly options if you’re comfortable laying them and don’t want to hire a tradesperson.

But vinyl flooring requires fewer steps, tools, and labour, making it easier to install.

Hire a pro for an easy, high-end finish. Look for vinyl flooring in Downpatrick now.

No, you don’t usually need underlay for vinyl flooring, especially for luxury vinyl planks or tiles with an attached backing.

An underlay is not needed for well-cushioned vinyl if the surface is level and smooth. But, for sheet vinyl, you may need an additional insulation layer for extra warmth and comfort.

Click-lock vinyl might need a layer of underlay for soundproofing or moisture protection.

Ultimately, whether you need underlay depends on the product and subfloor type. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the vinyl flooring you’re laying.

Chat with a professional vinyl flooring installer; they’ll tell you whether or not you need underlay.

Even standard sheet vinyl can last 10 to 20 years. Luxury vinyl plank with a thicker wear layer can last even longer.

You might need to replace Vinyl laid in high-traffic areas sooner. But, taking care of your vinyl, regularly cleaning it, and using mild cleaning solutions can help it last 15 years plus.

Although vinyl works well with underfloor heating, some designs work better than others.

Whatever style or brand you plan to use, check the product guidelines before purchasing. This way, you can ensure it works with your underfloor heating.

Yes, you can lay vinyl flooring directly onto floorboards. But it isn’t advised. The best thing to do is make sure the floor is smooth by installing a subfloor first.

Plywood is popular. But, you can also use cork, felt, particleboard, foam, rubber, and OSB underneath your vinyl.

Consider chatting to tradespeople who deal with vinyl flooring in Downpatrick. They can visit your home to assess your current flooring and advise you on the best options.