If you are thinking about putting a new floor in your home, you will quickly realize that you have lots of options available. It is important for you to make sure you select the best option possible for your home. Two of the most popular options include laminate flooring and vinyl floor. Even though both of these flooring options can be cost-effective, they are not the same. As a result, you should work with a professional team that can help you make the right decision for your home. What do you need to know about these options? How can you select the right one? Take a look at a few key points below.
An Overview of Laminate Flooring
First, let's take a closer look at laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is a synthetic material. It was popular during the 1970s, and it created an effective alternative to natural wood. Natural hardwood floors can be expensive, but many people were still looking for a way to enjoy the luxurious feel they created. That is exactly where laminate flooring came from. As this flooring option became more popular, laminate flooring only improved. Therefore, there are extremely realistic looks that resemble those of natural hardwood.
In general, this flooring option includes four separate layers. They include:
- The first layer is called the backing layer. This serves as the backbone of your laminate plank flooring.
- The second layer is called the base layer. This is usually either HDF or MDF, which stands for either high or medium-density fiberboard. There are water-resistant options available if you are concerned about moisture penetration.
- Print Layer: The print layer is specifically designed to provide you with the luxurious feel, appearance, and texture you are looking for. This can be customized to meet your specific needs.
- The Wear Layer: Finally, the wear layer is what gives laminate flooring its durability. This is the specific reason why laminate flooring can last for ten years or more.
Similar to numerous other flooring options, there are plenty of styles and sizes available. Therefore, you can customize your laminate flooring to meet your needs.
An Overview of Vinyl Flooring
Another option you may want to consider is vinyl flooring. Vinyl flooring has also been designed to resemble a lot of natural materials. It is very different from laminate flooring and provides a wider variety. For example, there are lots of people who like vinyl flooring because have a specific often called luxury vinyl plank. Even though this is a popular option, there are numerous other examples of vinyl flooring as well.
The layers of vinyl flooring are similar to those found in laminate flooring. They can be customized depending on your budget and your preferences. These include:
- The first layer is called the backing layer. This serves as the anchor of your vinyl floor.
- The second layer is called the solid vinyl layer. This is the biggest layer and provides moisture resistance.
- The next layer is called the print vinyl layer. This is where the photograph is going to go, making your vinyl flooring look like stone or wood.
- There is also a specific wear layer, which is designed to provide resistance against scratches and dents.
So, how do you choose between these two options?
The Pros and Cons of Laminate Flooring
There are several key benefits of going with laminate flooring. A few of the biggest benefits you will enjoy include:
- Laminate flooring is one of the most terrible options available. It is perfect for areas in your home that are going to receive a high amount of traffic. It is also great if you live in the building with pets and kids.
- Laminate has also been specifically designed to resist scratches, dents, and stains. If you are concerned that this may be an issue in your home, then you may want to go with laminate flooring.
- Laminate flooring is also very easy to install. Because it has an interlocking design, you do not have to worry about the flooring team taking numerous weeks to complete your flooring.
- Laminate flooring is also very easy to clean and maintain. You do not have to worry about waxing the floor. You simply have to sweep or mop.
Of course, it is also important to take a look at a few of the drawbacks as well. A few examples include:
- Even though the flooring option is water-resistant, it is not waterproof. Therefore, it is not the best option for areas that receive a lot of moisture exposure.
- Of course, this also means that laminate flooring is not ideal for bathrooms.
- Laminate flooring is not a great option for sound. If they are not installed properly, they can make a room sound hollow or empty.
You should weigh these benefits and drawbacks when you are trying to decide if this flooring is right for you.
The Pros and Cons of Vinyl Flooring
There are also several benefits of going with vinyl flooring. They include:
- It is possible to make vinyl flooring look like wood and stone.
- Vinyl flooring is also relatively easy to install, as many professionals can install vinyl flooring in a single day.
- Vinyl flooring is also very easy to maintain. It is scratch-resistant, dent-resistant, and moisture resistant.
- Vinyl flooring is also one of the least expensive options available.
On the other hand, there are a few drawbacks as well. These include:
- If you want luxury vinyl flooring, this can be expensive.
- It does not feel anything like real wood.
- If you do not get high-quality vinyl flooring, it may not stand up to a lot of traffic.
This is why you should rely on professionals who can help you find the right flooring for your needs.
If you want to get the most out of your laminate or vinyl flooring, then you should work with the professional team at S & R Carpet & Floors. That way, you know that your flooring is going to last as long as possible.
