Are you frozen in a state of indecision about which will work best for you? It is understandable. Making a flooring decision is crucial because you or your client will have to live with the consequences. If you are searching for the best option, or simply trying to learn a thing or two about flooring, then this article will be of great assistance.
Both Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) are generally great floor options. The major similarity between these two is in their looks and method of installation. They are however distinctive in several ways.
Laminate
Laminate consists of 99% wood byproducts and are bonded with resins. It consists of several high-density fiberboards that are made into planks.
Luxury Vinyl Tile
Luxury Vinyl Tile mostly known as LVT, is an advancement in flooring, designed to replicate hard surface flooring materials such as stone or wood and come with a range of benefits and enhanced properties.
Installation of Luxury Vinly Tiles & Laminate Floors
Both floors are suitable for DIY installation. They come in many installation varieties which make it easy to install.
There is the Floating floor option which allows installation to be done over an existing floor without nails or glue
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The glue-able option of installation can be done over a subfloor and secured with glue. They also come in the peel and stick tiles option, were tiles stick directly onto a smooth surface.
Therefore, both LVTS and Laminates are easy to install.
The mode of installation plays a vital role in how long your LVT or Laminate will last, Excellent installation with the use of good baseboards can determine how long your floor will last
Water Resistance
Almost all laminate flooring uses a fiberboard core. This does not help the swelling of the floors very much. Little exposure to water will cause damage since its core is made up of wooden products. Even when dried out, it will barely resume its original state and dimensions. Laminate flooring cannot be refixed also. It must be completely replaced.
LVTs, however, are manufactured with the ability to hold water because they are made of a hundred percent (100%) polymer materials. They can be soaked for a long period, dried, and reused effectively. Newer models of LVTs are not only waterproof but are fire retardant.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Cleaning Laminate floors will require a lot more care and attention. Due to the nature of Laminate flooring, it is advisable to use dry methods in cleaning. Making sure your mop is well drained of water, before using it to give it an almost dry feel.
One of the strongest features of the LVT floor is that it is ridiculously easy to clean and maintain. It can be mopped and scrubbed without causing any damage.
Duration
Laminate floors could delaminate over a period due to its nature, and if proper care is not given. Low-quality vinyl floors can also delaminate over a period. Premium LVTs on the other hand can last you a longer period, hence the industry term, resilient flooring.
Stain & Scratch
Both products are best for stain resistance, but premium LVTs have the property of being scratch resistant in addition.
Decision Making
The factors listed above in addition to other factors must be weighed individually before a decision is made. You might consider making a room by room decision also. LVTs can be used in the bathroom, laundry room, and other places where mud and water often spill.
If you are looking at a short-term use or a place with little or no traffic, you can also consider having a laminate floor.
If your decision leans towards getting an LVT, is recommended that you get newer iterations.