Heat Resistance
The PVC layers over a fiberglass core offer some heat resistance to LVT flooring, but that is nothing compared to stable high-density layers of laminate floors.
Ease of Installation
While laminate and luxury vinyl flooring requires a professional service to make the most of them, depending on the installation method they both have a DIY component. Many laminate floors come in a click-and-lock format that floats over the subfloor making installation quick and easy and there are DIY kits online for all three types of vinyl flooring.
Repair
Given that laminate flooring is more prone to wear, you might assume it would be easier to repair, and given the application method with the large percentage of click-together laminate floors, this is true. However, when it comes to slight surface damage, LVTs are more convenient to repair with simple household tools. For instance, you can remove a scuff mark from vinyl flooring using WD-40 motor oil.
Cost
Both luxury vinyl flooring and laminate flooring are quite similar in terms of costs and costs vary depending on the floor's installation process, quality and manufacturer. You might pay more to install glued planks, but click-together planks are usually more expensive per square foot.
Luxury Vinyl vs Laminate: Which Flooring is Best for You?
Given the varying properties of laminate and luxury vinyl flooring, you can now analyze which one suits you best. Here are the recommendations for various functional areas.
Best for Bathrooms
Luxury vinyl flooring is best for bathrooms due to its high water resistance. It doesn't get musty even after years past installation, and you don't have to worry about pests sneaking about beneath the floorboards.
Best for Kitchens
Since modern kitchen floors don't experience much foot traffic and have high humidity, you need flooring that can withstand the occasional utensil drop and not allow moisture fixation within the subfloor. To that end, luxury vinyl flooring is better suited to this application than laminate flooring.
Best for Living Rooms
Living rooms are often crowded with family members or guests. So, you need a material that can experience substantial stress without deformation. That is why laminate flooring is best for living room floors.
Best for High-Traffic Areas
High-traffic areas are those that people frequent for activities, like the porch or the balcony. Luxury vinyl flooring is the ideal choice because you need flooring that is easier to clean and repair.
Best for Commercial Floors
Commercial floors experience so much stress that the panels can't typically resist them without clever engineering. As such, they require a material that is convenient to clean and repair without high costs, one that also has high water and dust-proofing properties. So, luxury vinyl sheets or LVTs are best for them.
Where Do I Get the Best Professional Installation for Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring?
With so many alluring benefits for residential and commercial applications, you might wonder about the best professional service for luxury vinyl plank flooring in Columbia City, IN and the surrounding area. You need not look further than White's Flooring & Carpet Cleaning. Throughout our years of service, we have developed expertise in delivering a swift vinyl flooring installation service carried out by our skilled staff. We have a varied collection that is sure to have the shade you desire, and our competitive prices add value that'll keep your home renovation budget relatively modest.
So, why the long wait? Get in touch with us via phone or contact us through our form to make your dream home a reality.