Considering Laminate Or LVT But Not Sure Which Is Right For You? Read On...
Choosing a new floor for your home can be a difficult process, especially when you can’t decide which type is best. Laminate Wood Flooring and LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) are two of the most popular options on the market, offering exceptional value for money, as well as a massive range of styles.
That said, they both have different pros and cons. Our latest blog compares the two. Hopefully, when you’ve finished reading, you’re able to make an informed decision on which floor best suits you and your home.
What is Laminate Flooring?
Laminate flooring is the original low-cost alternative to solid wood (or engineered wood flooring; a hybrid alternative). Made up of several layers of pressed wood pulp and topped with a protective layer, it’s a popular floor for rooms such as living areas, kitchens, bedrooms, hallways, and other areas of the home that are not subject to excessive moisture.
What is LVT Flooring?
LVT flooring is an affordable, low-maintenance, and easy-to-install flooring. It comes in many different designs including wood finishes, stones, ceramic tiles, and marble. LVT is great when it comes to durability. It does not wear and tear easily which makes it very popular with houses that have a high volume of traffic.
Are Laminate & LVT floors the same thing?
No. Laminate and LVT floors have many differences that set them apart from each other. Laminate is made from composite wood, resin, and a laminated top layer (also known as the ‘photo layer’), whereas LVT is usually made from a plastic compound.
Our Laminate Flooring & LVT Flooring Comparison Guide
Durability
Both floors are extremely durable as they have a tough urethane wear layer. They are both resistant to scratches, bumps, and staining and they are a good durable choice in high-traffic areas of the home. LVT does tend to be slightly harder wearing, thanks to its composition, but both will last years even in the busiest households.
Quality
Both Laminate and LVT floors are long-lasting and are good quality floors. The lifespan for Laminate flooring varies, with the average being between 15-25 years. However, some prime-grade laminate floors can potentially last around 30 years. This means your laminate flooring can follow you through the decades and if it gets damaged then it is easy to repair or replace damaged boards. The lifespan of LVT flooring depends entirely on whether it has been fitted correctly and if it has had the correct maintenance. LVT has an estimated lifespan of between 10 to 20 years however, it can last a lot longer than this if it’s looked after properly.
Style
Both LVT and Laminate have a top layer that can replicate all kinds of different natural materials however, there is a greater choice of designs and colours with LVT than there is with Laminate, particularly if you’re looking for flatter colours such as grey flooring. When it comes to design, Laminate still primarily focuses on recreating the look of hardwood flooring whereas LVT designs include hardwood, stone, concrete, marble, and intricately patterned tile effects. If you’re looking for a greater choice of design, we suggest looking at our LVT range. On the other hand, if you want a floor that replicates solid wood, or engineered wood on a budget, laminate is the ideal choice.
Water-Resistance
Although some laminates are waterproof, most will be damaged by water. This is why it’s advised to not let water sit on laminate flooring for long periods of time. We recommend cleaning up any spillages as soon as possible, to prevent staining and long-term damage. If you’re looking for a water-resistant floor, then LVT is the right choice for you. LVT flooring is made from PVC which is 100% waterproof making it one of the most popular options for bathrooms.
Installation
Most laminate floors have a built-in click system and are laid on top of an underlay which creates a ‘floating floor’. The click system on laminate flooring means that you won’t need to use nails or adhesives making laminate flooring the perfect floor for DIY lovers or people who just want an easy-to-install floor without having to hire a professional fitter. Whilst traditionally, LVT was glued directly to a subfloor, modern LVT flooring can be laid on a floating floor, like laminate, making it as easy to lay. Underfloor Heating Both floors can be fitted if you have underfloor heating. Although, we always recommend checking the specific manufacturer's recommendations and radiant heat ratings to be sure.
Cost
When it comes to the cost of both the floor and installation, there’s very little difference between LVT and Laminate flooring for the more standard designs and colours. However, for something more luxurious and unique, LVT can be more expensive. Although both are a more cost-effective alternative to natural wood, stone, or ceramic floors.
Conclusion
It’s clear that, when it comes to budget-friendly, hard-wearing flooring, both laminate and LVT are great options; offering a durable, stunning, easy-to-maintain floor that will last years.
Essentially, with both having great benefits, it’s down to personal preference. If you’re looking for flooring for high-moisture areas such as kitchens or bathrooms, we’d always recommend an LVT floor.
If it’s a truer replication of solid wood flooring you’re looking for, however, laminate offers great quality and finish.
Our advice, try them both! We offer unlimited free samples on our entire range of laminate and LVT flooring, order yours through Flooring365 today.
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