For many homeowners looking for an affordable alternative to hardwood flooring for their homes, the two front runners are luxury vinyl flooring and laminate flooring. Both of these choices offer a surface that is affordable, durable and easy to maintain, the big question is of course which one the best option of the two.
Having new flooring of any form installed in your home does involve a bit of upheaval, and even the cheaper types require a healthy outlay so it is crucial to choose the one that will work best for you and give you excellent value for your money. Whether it is ease of installation or how simple it is to maintain, there are several factors that you will want to take into consideration when making your decision.
Here we take a quick look at the pros and cons of both types.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
This has been a very popular flooring choice for many years, having become readily available in the 1980s, not only because of how it looks but also because it is very practical. With latest Technology and better awareness on the environmental issues, our Rigid core and LVT are made of recycle plastic which making them much more environmentally friendly.
Luxury vinyl differs from the vinyl you may be used to and is more commonly supplied in individual pieces, called “planks”. It is made up of 4 layers and is thicker than standard vinyl. The way in which this vinyl flooring is made means that it can replicate almost any floor surface, including solid wood or marble. If you are looking at luxury flooring but simply can’t afford the eye-watering price tag, then this can provide you with a very practical, stylish and cheaper alternative. Vinyl is a water-resistant surface and very durable which makes it an excellent choice for homes with children and pets. It is also resistant to scratches and scuffs. Luxury vinyl flooring is the ideal choice for anyone looking for something that is easy to clean and will wear well. In addition the latest Rigid Core (SPC) planks which is a of mix Stone and Plastic offer very hard surface and water Resistant product which is very hard to bit…
Laminate flooring
As a substitute for solid wood flooring, laminate has been a very popular choice for many years. It is a great, convincing substitute and it is considerably less expensive. Like vinyl, laminate is made up of several layers. The top layer is a photo image of the desired look that is covered with a protective layer.
Laminate flooring is usually quite easy to fit which also makes it a cheaper option, and it can easily be done by most amateur DIY-ers. This is a durable flooring option that is scratch resistant, although felt pads on furniture feet are usually recommended. It is also straightforward to clean. Although it claims to be water resistant, it is advisable to mop up spills immediately to avoid damage occurring. This is an excellent choice of flooring for rooms such as kitchens and hallways where you may want to clean it on a regular basis.
Conclusion
When it comes down to which flooring is the better option, it really is down to a combination of personal choice, budget and which room you are choosing the flooring for. However with the new latest generation of LVT and SPC Rigid Core and its benefits such as water resistant, very hard surface and more, it seems LVT & SPC luxury vinyl flooring comes on top.
—
FAQ
Which is more water-resistant between luxury vinyl flooring (LVT) and laminate flooring?
Luxury vinyl flooring (LVT) is more water-resistant than laminate flooring. LVT has inherent water-resistant properties, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to spills and moisture. While laminate flooring has some water-resistant properties, spills need to be cleaned up immediately to avoid damage.
Are luxury vinyl flooring (LVT) and laminate flooring the same?
No, luxury vinyl flooring (LVT) and laminate flooring are not the same. While both options offer affordable and durable alternatives to hardwood flooring, they are made of different materials and have different characteristics. LVT is made up of multiple layers of PVC vinyl and has a design layer that can mimic various floor surfaces. On the other hand, laminate flooring is composed of several layers, including a top layer that features a photo image of the desired look, covered with a protective layer.
Is laminate flooring as durable as luxury vinyl flooring (LVT)?
While laminate flooring presents a robust solution with commendable resistance to scratches, it falls short of matching the durability inherent in Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT). LVT is recognised for its extraordinary resilience, superior resistance to water infiltration, and exceptional ability to withstand scratches and scuffs. Additionally, the flexibility of LVT enhances its durability, reducing the propensity for chipping that might be seen in more rigid flooring options.
What are the disadvantages of luxury vinyl flooring (LVT)?
While Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT) can skillfully mimic the appearance of a wide array of materials, one possible drawback is its inability to precisely emulate the tactile attributes of those surfaces. Furthermore, despite advancements in the production of more environmentally conscious versions of LVT, it is essential to recognise that its manufacture involves Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). PVC, a type of plastic, raises environmental considerations due to the implications of its production processes and subsequent disposal requirements.
What are the disadvantages of laminate flooring?
While laminate flooring is a durable and affordable flooring option, it has a few disadvantages. It’s not as water-resistant as LVT, so spills need to be mopped up immediately to avoid damage. It also means that laminate flooring is less popular in wet areas such as the bathroom and kitchen.