The Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring. Laminate flooring has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its durability, affordability, and ease of installation. However, like any flooring option, it also has its drawbacks. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of laminate flooring to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your home.
Pros:
Affordability: Laminate flooring is typically less expensive than hardwood, tile, or other flooring options. This makes it a great choice for homeowners on a budget.
Durability: Laminate flooring is extremely durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it a great option for high-traffic areas like entryways, living rooms, and kitchens.
Easy to install: Laminate flooring is relatively easy to install, making it a great choice for DIYers. It can be installed over existing flooring, which can save time and money.
Low maintenance: Laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain. It doesn’t require waxing or polishing, and spills can be quickly wiped up with a damp cloth.
Wide variety of styles: Laminate flooring comes in a wide variety of styles, colors, and textures, making it easy to find a look that fits your home’s decor.
London Laminate Flooring
Cons:
Not as durable as hardwood: While laminate flooring is durable, it’s not as durable as hardwood flooring. It can be scratched and damaged over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
Can’t be refinished: Unlike hardwood flooring, laminate flooring can’t be refinished. If it becomes damaged or worn, it will need to be replaced.
Not as water-resistant as other options: While laminate flooring is water-resistant, it’s not as water-resistant as tile or vinyl flooring. This means that it’s not the best choice for bathrooms or other areas where water is likely to be present.
Can be noisy: Laminate flooring can be noisy, especially if it’s not installed properly. This can be a problem in multi-story homes or apartments.
Not as eco-friendly as other options: Laminate flooring is made from synthetic materials, which means it’s not as eco-friendly as hardwood, bamboo, or other natural flooring options.
In conclusion, laminate flooring is a great choice for homeowners on a budget who want a durable and low-maintenance flooring option. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of laminate flooring before making a decision. If you’re looking for a flooring option that’s more durable and water-resistant, hardwood, tile, or vinyl flooring may be a better choice.
Pro Tip: When it comes to Laminate always choose a good quality, reputable brand like Mohawk’s Revwood Line. For More Information of Revwood Laminate Lines Visit Mohawks Website.
One of the most common questions that comes up regarding flooring is what is the difference between Vinyl Plank Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring and which one is right for my project. Although Laminate and Vinyl Plank share a lot of characteristics they have some key differences that might impact whether you choose one over the other.
What is Vinyl Plank Flooring?
Vinyl Plank Flooring or Rigid Core is a synthetic material made up of polymers ( plastic ) and gives vinyl its water and moisture resistance. The top layer is a protective layer, followed by a high resolution image, the rigid core center and foam attached underlay. Vinyl Plank ranges from 4mm up to 10mm thick.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is similar to Vinyl Plank but the core is made of wood products and generally has a thicker layer of plastic on top, the protective layer, a high resolution image to give the design followed by the core. Thickness of laminate ranges from 8mm to 14mm.
Which flooring should I choose for my project?
Below is a look at both laminate and vinyl plank in each category to consider when choosing floors from appearance to durability see how these floors stack up.
Appearance
Both vinyl plank and laminate get their appearance from a high resolution picture which is laminated onto the core and backing. As vinyl plank has become more popular manufactures are making it thicker which allows for deeper embossing for more realistic textures.
Ultimately it comes down to personal preference on colour and feel, both floors have fantastic realistic wood, stone, and pattern appearance. Pro Tip: Look for high counts on pattern repeats for more realistic wood looking floors.
Water Resistance
Vinyl Plank is made of waterproof material, if there is a leak or pool of water the flooring can be wiped clean and re-installed.
Laminate floors have become better resistant to water in recent years with some manufactures offering up to 80 hours of waterproof protection. This makes laminate not ideal for areas where water is common, bathrooms, kitchens and mudrooms.
Heat Resistance
The core of laminate flooring is wood there for it can swell in high heat and high moisture environments. Vinyl Plank floors can also expand if temperatures rise and fall rapidly. Always temperature control your space with air conditioning and use proper window coverings.
Care and Cleaning
Laminate floors should be cleaned with dry mopping and spot cleaning spills. Wet mopping, steam mops and harsh chemicals are not recommended as they can cause delamination. Always follow manufacture cleaning guides to keep your warranty in good standing.
Vinyl Plank Floors can be cleaned many ways and dry mopping is generally used. Most vinyl plank cleaners are acceptable however it is best to check with the manufactures guide to keep warranties valid.
Durability
Vinyl Plank is more susceptible to damage from dropping items than Laminate. Both Laminate Flooring and Vinyl Plank flooring are very durable, however; both can delaminate or chip over time, the key difference is in the exposed layer underneath. With Laminate the core is made of wood products which allows water to enter lower layers eventually causing swelling, peaking and gapping. Vinyl Plank flooring if chipped or delaminating can be repaired and due to its plastic core will not absorb water causing further damage to the floor.
Maintenance
Vinyl Plank Flooring vs. Laminate Flooring in terms of maintenance are tied. Both floorings have reasonably low maintenance compared to other flooring types like Tile, Carpet and Hardwood. Keeping them clear of spills, debris, and dirt particles or sand will have your floors looking brand new for years.
Installation
Vinyl Plank and Laminate Floors both use a click locking system. Due to laminates thicker core a table saw is required for installation. Vinyl Plank can generally be cut with a utility knife using a scoring method. Both flooring command similar rates for installation depending on your area. Both require the subfloor to be level within manufactures tolerance, the thinner the product the more levelling required making Vinyl Plank installation sometimes slightly higher. Pro-Tip: Always keep a contingency fund for levelling costs, 10% of your total project for any unforeseen hiccups.
Costs
Laminate flooring has been around longer than vinyl plank therefor you can find some great deals occasionally. Newer laminates have longer water resistance but are more costly. Vinyl plank flooring is popular for home owners, commanding a slightly higher amount per square foot than laminate.
Lifespan
Both Laminates and Vinyl Plank Flooring offer lifetime residential warranties through reputable manufactures. Always check the warranty on sale items and purchase extra if the floors you are buying are being discontinued (as this is when it usually goes on sale.)
Environmental Impact
During the manufacturing process both laminate and vinyl plank produce significant amounts of off gasses, however; once cured both do not release any harmful off gasses. After its life laminate can be recycled where as the synthetic nature of vinyl makes recycling old product sometimes challenging. More manufactures are turning to recycled plastics to create sustainable vinyl plank flooring in the future.
Stain Resistance
Vinyl Plank Flooring has a protective layer like laminate that protects it from stains and spills. Laminate flooring stains generally only come from pooled water that was not cleaned up in time.
Comfort and Sound
Vinyl Floors can feel cold underfoot especially on lower levels of the home like basements. Most luxury brands are radiant heat approved. Laminate flooring can sometimes sound hollow compared to real wood, but trap in hear better for warmer feel.
Resale Value
Great looking quality Laminate or Vinyl Plank that is professionally installed will increase the value of you home. Choosing a cheaper brand of either will lead to prospective buyers having flooring on their list to replace.
Which is better Vinyl Plank flooring or Laminate Flooring?
When it comes to choosing between vinyl plank flooring vs. laminate flooring it does come down to personal preference and budget, however; bathrooms, kitchens and mudrooms vinyl plank flooring is more suited for. As vinyl plank gains more popularity manufactures are coming up with more innovative technology to increase lifespan.
Check out these Vinyl Plank and Laminate Lines we love.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for articles, information, inspiration and special savings. All your flooring and cabinetry needs in the lower mainland. Best deals on laminate and vinyl plank in surrey. Flooring with installation in Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam and Port Moody.
Hard Surface flooring Cleaning and maintenance for (Laminate, Vinyl Plank, Tile, Hardwoods) are relatively the same steps when doing general clean up. First dry sweep or microfiber the floor for any dust and loose debris. You can also use a vacuum for this if you have multi-functions like the Shark does. Spot clean with a warm rag and light soapy water, ring almost dry and scrub any stuck on dirty or grim.
Vileda or Swiffer style wet/dry machine washable microfiber mop with a built-in sprayer is my go-to cleaning tool. Use a light cleaner that is pet and child safe mixed with water to the cleaners diluting specifications. Lightly spray the floor and scrub all areas. Do not oversaturate the floors with water ever, be sparing, your floor may be water resistant, but your walls and baseboards are not. Cleaning and maintaining your floors often keeps them clear of debris and looking brand new longer. It is also important to maintain manufacture warranty guidelines on cleaning and maintenance of your particular floor type as to not void your warranty unintentionally.
Now that you know all you need to know about Vinyl Plank flooring visit our products page to start choosing your perfect flooring.
Extras to consider
Door mats – Keep door mats at every entrance to prevent dirt, sand and debris from settling into your flooring. Other substances such as organic material and oils can also be tracked inside, leave shoes at the door whenever possible.
Do not Drag Furniture – Heavy items such as furniture should never be dragged across any flooring surface. When moving heavy items use a dolly with wide air tires and protect the floor with plywood if necessary. Never slide or roll heavy objects across the floor. Some items are just too heavy to be moved on hard surface floors.
Curtains & Blinds – Adequate window protection is important to prevent colour fading and high heat exposure which can lead to problems in some floors. Keeping your home at a consistent temperature is important for not just flooring but all electronics in your household. Considering purchasing a smart temperature monitor that will not allow your home to get too hot or too cold when you are away.
Furniture Feet – Use non-staining wide felt protectors on the bottom of all furniture to prevent scratches. You can even replace pointed or narrow furniture feet with wider ones if necessary. You can purchase these at any dollar store, home improvement or online.
Spill Response – Quick response on spills is your best defense. Thoroughly soak up all liquid. Start at the outer edge and work your way in to prevent any further spreading. Once dry, clean the area.
Being prepared for your flooring appointment can make your renovation process the best possible experience. You have been Pinteresting your heart out for the past two or three months and now your finally ready to jump in and start visiting your local flooring store, cabinet shop or hardware store. Being prepared for your flooring appointment will ensure your jobs success. Here are some basic tips to make the experience the best possible and to make sure you can properly convey your vision to your chosen contractors.
Know your areas that need work
Clearly define what areas need to get done vs the ones you maybe just want to get done. If you are over budget which room might be left out this time? Have those tough conversations with yourself now so you are prepared for any hiccups if they do arise. Always have a back up plan just encase.
Know Your Budget
Knowing what your comfortable with spending on a project is something only you can answer. Knowing your budget or at least a rough idea can save yourself and others lots of time. Each trade can only give you pricing based on what it is you would like done. In most hired trades there will be areas to cut costs but that usually means doing the work yourself. Removing old flooring or taking care of garbage and recycling are two ways to reduce bill costs and perhaps get you that laundry room done as well! We always suggest having a small portion of your overall budget held for emergencies or hiccups. Whether it’s unexpected levelling or a surprise leak under the toilet, don’t get caught with a maxed budget and a necessary fix to continue your project.
Tip – When renovating small spaces choose to do them in the off seasons when most trades are slower, you get the same quality of work but for 5-25% less in some cases. Always watch for specials and promos!
Bring All The Stuff
Have floor plans from your recent home purchase? Bring them! Use a cool app to design your dream living space? Definitely bring it! Paint Samples, Fabric Samples, Tile and Backsplash samples, counter tops and cabinets, if you have already fallen in love with it and it will be used in the space your new flooring will be bring a sample or photo.
Shop Around
Go to a few different flooring stores, shop prices and speak with their representative. Keep in mind you will be dealing with this person throughout your entire renovation process, its probably best to at least like them. If in person isn’t an option try browsing through our online gallery.
Don’t jump on the cheapest deal, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Things to watch out for; Square Footage Amounts, Product Quality, Product thickness, Does it include Installation, are there any hidden fees. Ask these questions now and read through all estimates very carefully. If you are unsure if a service is provided ask before.
Shop Local
When given the opportunity give your support to your local small business flooring store. It wont take long to find the hidden gem in your community. Start by asking your local Facebook community groups, search flooring in Google to get a list of local nearby stores and read through their reviews. Once you have a short list, make a quick phone call to get any quick answers you need before booking appointments. This will ensure your time is not wasted if the store can’t accommodate your requests.
Before talking about the benefits of laminate flooring one must know what it is. Laminate flooring is made of 4 different layers. First is a wear layer or overlay, then a design printed layer. Then the core layer and backing counterbalance layer. The core layer of laminate flooring is usually made of melamine resign and fiber board materials giving the board its strength. The wear layer of laminate will vary depending on manufacture and quality of flooring. Contrary to popular belief there is no plastic in laminate flooring, it is all wood or wood byproducts.
Laminate floorings multiple layers make it the perfect flooring for any area in the home. It is very durable and prefect for high traffic areas in either residential or commercial settings. Don’t be fooled with low quality laminate flooring products, learn the difference and why it is important on Mohawk Revwood Laminate website.
More Benefits Of Laminate Flooring
Affordability – One of the most affordable flooring options on the market. Consumer popularity and manufacture competition have drastically decreased prices but increased quality in an attempt to capture more market share.
Durability – Laminate is great for high traffic areas due to its multiple layers and strong fiber core. The wear layer protects from sun exposure, scratches and protects the design keeping your floors looking newer longer. Some laminates come with waxed edges adding more water resistance.
Design- With some of the best wood mimic design options and advanced technology, it can be tough to tell hardwood apart from some high quality laminates. There are so many different options from plank width to plank length, different colours, different wood species, and even fancier installation design options like herringbone are now possible with certain click laminates.
Easy Maintenance – Keeping your laminate free from debris and harsh chemicals will keep it looking brand new for years. Use minimal moisture when cleaning and make sure the area is sufficiently dry before putting down matts or area rugs.
Easy to install – The easy click locking systems most laminate flooring have make installation a breeze.
Laminate flooring is perfect for those looking to mimic wood floors in their home but don’t want to pay the expensive price for engineered hardwood or real hardwood. The better quality laminate you can find the more realistic your floors will look. With a tough wear layer laminate flooring will stay looking nicer longer, saving you money.
