With so many realistic options available, more homeowners are adding wood-look flooring to spruce up their homes. Still, you might need some guidance on whether to choose laminate or the more authentic luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Both of the common choices are strong, less expensive than real wood, and simple to install, but they have some important distinctions. If you're thinking about using either of these flooring options for your upcoming project, you should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of LVT versus laminate. You can use this guide to help you decide which characteristics are most crucial for your lifestyle and home. PROS OF LUXURY VINYL TILE Luxury vinyl tile is a manufactured material that offers the appearance and feel of natural materials like wood, stone, and many more at a lower cost than the genuine article. Whether they are luxury vinyl planks or square tiles, they are typically made of four layers:
- The top wear layer guards against dents and scratches.
- The lovely print layer creates the LVT's appearance.
- The solid vinyl core is durable and moisture resistant.
- The backing layer provides additional comfort and eases the joints and feet.
LVT technology has advanced to the point where luxury vinyl plank flooring is frequently mistaken for laminate. Luxury vinyl tile has more advantages than laminate, so go with LVT. One of its main advantages is that many vinyl alternatives are either moisture-resistant or completely waterproof. Unlike laminate, which is not waterproof and requires additional subfloor protection, LVT may be used in wet locations like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. You can save even more money on installation charges by installing the click-lock tiles yourself because they are so simple to set up. The virtually maintenance-free flooring requires no special cleaning supplies, unlike its natural counterparts, and may be easily maintained by daily sweeping, vacuuming with the beater brush off, or occasionally damp mopping. Additionally, there are green solutions like those with GreenGuard certification for customers who are environmentally aware. PROS OF LAMINATE FLOORING The first hardwood replacement to enter the market since the 1970s is laminate flooring, which is also a man-made item.
Even more so than vinyl, the cost-effective choice offers the appearance of real wood without the high expense and upkeep, and it even has realistic surface characteristics that can imitate the appearance of hand-scraped, embossed, or distressed hardwoods. Although laminate boards normally have four layers, unlike vinyl, they don't give or shift as vinyl does. The foundation layer is often comprised of either high-density fiberboard (HDF) or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and the backing layer acts as the backbone of the planks. The wear layer protects against scratches and stains. The print layer generates the wood effect. One of the primary benefits of choosing this floating flooring option is the laminate's click-lock installation mechanism, which is similar to that of luxury vinyl and makes installation simple. Without ever needing to wax the floors, it is simple to keep clean by sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping, and the durable wear layer makes it a fantastic option for households with dirty children and pets or heavy traffic requirements. For warmer flooring in the winter, it can also be put on top of radiant heating systems. CONS OF LUXURY VINYL TILE The cost of having luxury vinyl flooring that is also waterproof is a potential drawback. The high-end luxury vinyl will cost a little more than the high-end laminate, even if some may be less expensive than real hardwood.
The additional cost, however, typically results in a waterproof core and a thicker wear layer for greater adaptability and durability. If you choose a less expensive vinyl, you'll probably also obtain LVT that is of inferior quality. But, it won't withstand the regular use of high traffic, boisterous pets, or active children well. Additionally, there are a variety of installation options available for vinyl, including glue-down, floating, and peel-and-stick. If your large room, staircase, or budget calls for glue-down vinyl, be aware that it will be trickier to install and might need a professional installer, which can raise the overall cost. Although caring for and maintaining vinyl flooring is simpler, some homeowners will always favor the appearance and feel of real hardwood over any wood-look type. Some people claim that vinyl feels very different to the touch, so that is something to take into account, whether it's a matter of personal preference or potential future resale. CONS OF LAMINATE FLOORING Laminate's placement options are more restricted because it isn't as water-resistant as vinyl. You should avoid using laminate in bathrooms or basements because these spaces are more likely to experience significant water spills, leaks, or even flooding. That's because it only provides a minimal amount of bottom-to-top water protection.
So, if there is a puddle of water on your laminate, it will probably get damaged. If there are worries regarding moisture for your subfloor, it is always preferable to add a vapor barrier and underlayment. An improper installation could make your laminate flooring sound hollow when you walk on them, so it's crucial to get it done well. Even if you have to have clear instructions, you could want to think about hiring an expert installation to complete the work. Yes, it will cost more, but if you want your flooring to be quiet underfoot, investing in a good underlayment will also aid in sound absorption. WHICH WILL YOU SELECT? Beautiful flooring options are available from LVT and laminate that are less expensive than installing real hardwood in your house. Although they are both strong, luxury vinyl has an advantage because of its low maintenance requirements, exceptional longevity, and advantages related to waterproofing and moisture resistance. This not only enables you to put vinyl tile or planks in more rooms, but it also enables you to place them on more floors, such as in basements that are prone to moisture. You can confidently choose your brand-new LVT floors now!