If you’re looking into new flooring, there are several different options you can consider, including laminate, luxury vinyl tile, and vinyl. All three are excellent and thanks to advancements in technology, manufacturers have completely redesigned artificial flooring to make them look appealing and beautiful so that homeowners have more choices and are not limited to hardwood.
If you’re interested in engineered flooring options, here is a breakdown of each type:
- Laminate. This type of flooring is made up of multiple layers that are fused together and consists of a high-density fiberboard core that makes it tough. This layer is placed over a moisture-resistant layer and is completed with a high-resolution print of a photograph and the images are often of hardwood, tile or stone. In addition to the aesthetics, this top layer is also the component that makes up the durability factor of laminate flooring. It offers protection from both scratches and stains, which is why it is a very popular option for high traffic areas. The installation process is relatively easy and can be done by piecing or clicking the panels together. Laminate is known to last, so you won’t have to worry about a replacement for a very long time.
- Luxury Vinyl Tile. Similar to laminate, this type of flooring is made up of different layers, although the primary layer is made of polyvinyl chloride as opposed to fiberboard. The PVC allows for flexibility and provides stability and unlike laminate, this type of flooring is normally installed by glue and comes in individual planks or tiles, which is very different from laminate that normally comes in one complete sheet. This aspect makes LVT flooring very appealing because once installed, it looks very realistic and resembles the look of hardwood or natural stone tiles. It is moisture-resistant, which makes it ideal for any room, including bathrooms and basements and even laundry rooms.
- Sheet Vinyl Flooring. In terms of benefits, the positive qualities are very similar to laminate and luxury vinyl tile. This type of flooring is available in different style options, is very durable and low maintenance. There is no special cleaning process that has to be applied and taking care of your floors will be very easy with this option. The images printed onto sheet vinyl are extremely realistic, which makes it comparable to natural hardwood.
Engineered flooring options have come a long way and with all the options available the hardest part will be deciding which is best. Choose the option that is most suitable for the type of room you’re installing it in and if you feel overwhelmed with the decision process, Tile Inc. can help. Located in London, Ontario, they specialize in both laminate and vinyl flooring and can provide you with all the information you need, so give them a call today to find out more!