Laminate is a flooring material you’ve seen and walked upon a thousand times or more. From residential spaces like busy kitchens to lobbies, waiting rooms and offices, laminate is a true leader when it comes to flooring.

That’s because laminate is a cost-effective solution that’s downright durable compared to some of its common competition. Add in the fact that modern laminate comes in tons of looks that can mimic more expensive materials like natural hardwood and stone and you may be singing the praises of laminate to anyone who will listen.

 When it comes to choosing laminate flooring though, understanding the thickness required for your space, as well as how it can impact your installation, long-term durability and maintenance routine is vital though. Laminate thickness isn’t something most novices are too familiar with, however.

The good news is that we’ve put together a handy guide to help you understand more about laminate flooring and laminate thickness in general. Keep reading to get a grasp on choosing laminate flooring for your space today.

How is Laminate Flooring Made?

Laminate flooring is crafted using a multi-layer approach that provides a tough, resilient surface for commercial and residential use. Through heating and high-pressure, these layers are fused together to create flooring that’s incredibly durable and designed to last for a very long time with minimal care.

With laminate flooring, four layers are generally combined to create the product you’ll use in your space. Here’s how those layers look on their own:

•   Bottom layer (4). Sometimes referred to as the backing layer, the bottom layer of laminate flooring provides stability to the completed laminate board.

•   Inner core layer (3). The inner core layer, which is the thickest of all four layers, is typically made from MDF (medium-density fiberboard), HDF (high-density fiberboard) or particle board. This is the main structural component in vinyl flooring and makes up a significant amount of the weight of a vinyl plank or square when you hold it in your hand.

•   Wear layer (2). The wear layer, typically made of melamine, is put in place to help the complete construction of your laminate tile or plank resist wear. Most wear layers are coated to help prevent water damage as well.

•   Decorative layer (1). This is the layer that you see when walking on a laminate floor. It may be designed to look like wood, natural stone or have a completely unique pattern.

What is Laminate Thickness?

The concept of laminate thickness can be a confusing one. If you’re new to laminate flooring, you’d probably guess that this measurement is the total depth of a laminate plank or tile.

The reality is that laminate thickness is measured in millimeters and defined by the thickness of the inner core layer only. The cladding on some laminate planks shouldn’t be added when measuring the total thickness of any given material. While you can find a variety of products on the market today, laminate flooring is between 6mm and 12mm in thickness, with 6mm styles being quite thin and 12mm designs on the very heavy side.

Why is Choosing the Right Thickness for Laminate Important?

Most people imagine that ultra-thick laminate flooring must be the best, most durable option. While this sounds true on the surface, the fact is that thickness isn’t the only factor when it comes to durability. In fact, super-thick laminate flooring isn’t that much more durable than a well-made thinner product in most cases.

What thicker laminate flooring provides is a different look and feel than thinner laminate material. This may or may not be the look that you’re after.

When it comes to durability, a firm, strong inner core layer is by far the most important aspect – much more important than thickness, in fact.

Advantages of Thick Laminate Flooring

12mm thick boards and an AC3 durability rating for high residential and light commercial traffic. Featuring Lamton Laminate – Marquis Collection. SKU: 15272202

Now that you know ultra-thick laminate flooring isn’t indestructible, there are still a few advantages of thick laminate to be aware of. Those include:

•   Thick laminate can withstand extremely high foot traffic better than thinner laminate of the same quality on average. This is particularly important for high traffic commercial spaces.

•   Very thick laminate can feel more like other flooring materials, including natural wood. This may be of great importance to you if you choose a laminate product designed to mimic another material like wood flooring.

•   Heavy, thick laminate can reduce environmental noise, which can be a big benefit in high-traffic spaces and sensitive environments like doctor’s offices or health care facilities.

•   It can be a little more forgiving when it comes to installation. This is key if you’ve got a very difficult space or you’re considering doing the installation on your own without professional help.

Disadvantages of Thick Laminate Flooring

Thick laminate flooring is often a great choice for both residential and commercial spaces. There are a few disadvantages to be aware of though. Those include:

•   Cost. Thicker laminate tends to be more expensive than thinner laminate flooring. In some spaces, this added cost may not be worth it to you.

•   Environmental impact. Thicker laminate flooring may take longer to degrade, and since it requires more material, it does pose more environmental difficulty. However, in spaces where long-term durability matters, the extra environmental impact may be offset since the laminate will likely stay in place longer.

Advantages of Thin Laminate Flooring

The beveled edges provide a realistic and natural hardwood appearance. Featuring Lamton Laminate – 7mm AC3 – Freedom Collection. SKU: 15274534

Thick laminate flooring is often a go-to choice for builders and designers. Thin laminate flooring has its place too, however. Here are some of the advantages of using thin laminate flooring:

•   Cost. Thin laminate flooring will cost considerably less, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. It’s also a smart buy for back rooms or stock areas where customers won’t go in commercial spaces.

•   You can install thinner laminate over the top of existing concrete. This makes installation much easier. Installing thin laminate over concrete also results in very durable flooring that may rival thicker laminate on top of a different type of subfloor.

•   It’s a better environmental choice since less material is used to make thinner laminate. This is especially true for light-use spaces where durability isn’t a major concern or you’re dealing with a concrete subfloor that provides more than enough strength.

Disadvantages of Thin Laminate Flooring

Thin laminate flooring, as cost-effective as it can be, isn’t right for every project. Here are some of the disadvantages you’ll want to keep in mind if you’re thinking about installing it in your home or place of business:

•   It’s harder to work with than thicker laminate flooring. This is very important if you’re considering a DIY installation in your home.

•   Thin laminate thrives on a solid subfloor and is often best on top of concrete. Subfloors that are perfectly level can leave your thin laminate vulnerable to peeling and damage.

•   It may not last as long in high-use spaces. Over time, lots of foot traffic can wear down thin laminate flooring, leading you to replace it more often.

•   Thin laminate may not feel as good under your feet as thicker laminate. Many people describe thin laminate as having a somewhat plastic-like feel underfoot. This may not be a problem in high-use spaces or work areas, however.

Which Laminate Flooring Thickness is Best for Me?

Right before ordering laminate for a residential or commercial space, many people have one basic question: What is a good thickness for laminate flooring for my intended purpose. Like most things, it truly does depend on the application.

Here are a few common laminate thicknesses and what you should know about them:

•   6mm laminate. A more cost effective option of laminate flooring. It is also more environmentally friendly and can be installed over concrete. That being said, it isn’t as durable and shouldn’t be used for high traffic areas or commercial applications.

•   8mm laminate. Slightly better durability than 6 or 7mm, but it might not have the same pleasant feel as 10mm laminate. It is also a cheaper option than the thicker planks, but depending on the application it might need to be repaired more often.

•   10mm laminate. Often considered the sweet spot when it comes to laminate thickness, 10mm laminate offers durability, a good feel underfoot and low noise even in high-traffic spaces. Reasonable pricing generally makes 10mm laminate a smart buy as well.

•   12mm laminate. Extra-heavy 12mm laminate offers many of the same benefits as 10mm laminate, though it typically costs a little more. 12mm laminate is often reserved for high-traffic commercial spaces like hospitals since every bit of durability matters in such busy spaces. Budgets also tend to be higher for long-term commercial projects, so the price difference is often less of a factor.

Shop All Sized Laminate at BuildDirect!

Choosing the right laminate thickness, plank size or tile width can be tricky. After all, you just want your space to look and feel great. The good news is that our trained representatives are here to help.

With all laminate sizes and styles available, we can help you find the perfect laminate flooring option for your home or business. Reach out today and we can help you get started.

The post Laminate Flooring Thickness Guide – All You Need to Know appeared first on Learning Center.

The prospect of laying new flooring in the home can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Have the confidence of knowing you chose the perfect product for your space by taking the time to test your laminate flooring samples. Knowing exactly how they will look, feel, and hold up over time makes it easy to make that final decision.

Laminate flooring makes a popular choice for rooms throughout the home. Not only does it provide the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost, but many products are also waterproof, making them an ideal choice for rooms frequently exposed to moisture. Because laminate is a man-made product, it comes in a wide variety of styles and finishes from which to choose. The same tests can be performed on luxury vinyl and hardwood flooring if a category of product hasn’t been chosen yet.

Test Laminate Flooring Samples Before You Commit

Bring in the Light

All flooring can look different in natural light versus artificial light. Different placements within the same room and different times of day can affect the color of a flooring sample. Move it around the space and look at it repeatedly over the course of 24 hours. Make sure in all light conditions that it looks flattering with the existing wall color, cabinetry, and furnishings.

Don’t be afraid to order samples in the color scheme you initially gravitate toward as well as colors you wouldn’t normally steer toward. Once they are in the space, the colors that most flatter the room may surprise you. Look at both warm and cool tones to see which one coordinates with the existing decor.

How Does it Feel?

The flooring beneath your feet needs to feel comfortable when you’re wearing shoes, socks, or running around barefoot. Some products offer integrated underlayments while others require an underlayment added. Place the samples down on the floor and walk over them. Floors with a smooth finish can he slick in socks. Laminate that is richly textured may seem rougher on bare feet. While walking on the floor, make sure to test whether or not the shoes you love leave marks on the floor with the pressure of your weight.

Test the Durability

Different products can vary greatly in durability. Start by seeing how easily the flooring scratches and dents. Try dropping a weight or using a sharp object to drag across the sample. Next, try staining the flooring with various food products. Clean the stain up right away and then repeat the process, letting the stain sit a bit longer. Make sure to use the same cleaning products you plan on using on the flooring. Make sure the cleaning process doesn’t leave a residue or alter the finish of the laminate.

Consider the rigors of everyday life in the space, particularly if you have pets. Add any additional tests that will help ensure it will hold up to what life throws at it. Walk in heels, jump in cleats, or drag a chair over the flooring to mimic day-to-day life.

Tip: Even after installing flooring, keep an extra cut-off or piece on hand to try new products on before trying them on the installed flooring.

Compare AC Ratings

Laminate flooring is a multi-layer material. The top layer, or wear layer, is the part that provides a texture, look, and finish to the material. The layers below are more about comfort. How well that wear layer holds up to everyday life is what gives it a classification.

All laminate flooring receives an AC (Abrasion Class) rating. The AC rating will range anywhere from an AC1 to an AC5. Laminate flooring with an AC rating between AC1 and AC3 are designed for residential use, with AC1 being the least durable and AC3 being the most durable within the residential range. Laminate products with an AC 4 or AC5 rating are intended for both heavy residential and commercial use.

AC1 laminate floors are suitable for low-traffic areas of the home while AC3 floors are necessary for higher-traffic areas, such as foyers and living rooms. When looking for ultimate durability designed to stand up to households with many children or pets, you may want to opt for the commercial-grade AC4 or AC5 ratings. Flooring with a higher AC rating are typically more of an investment but they also boast a longer lifespan, making it less likely for repairs and replacements in the near future.

Subject it to Temperature Changes

Extreme humidity, heat, or cold can alter flooring. Consider the temperatures of the room and make sure to expose the flooring to those temperatures. This is especially important when the laminate is used in rooms that experience extreme temperature swings, such as a basement. Let the flooring sample acclimate to the space for at least 24 hours to see how it would adjust to the temperature of the room.

Once you’ve put the flooring samples through all the tests, it should be clear to see which products make the best choice for your home. Most laminate flooring is easy to install, making it a great project for the avid weekend warrior. If the flooring is running throughout the entire home, hiring professionals will make fast work of a time-consuming project. If you aren’t sure whether to take it on as a do-it-yourself project or not, try clicking together a few of the samples and test to see if it is a process you feel comfortable with. New flooring has a way of breathing life into a space and grounding a complete look. Test your favorites to discover the one that will be a foundation for the style of your home for years to come.

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Your pets are part of the family. Keep your home looking great year after year by choosing a flooring with pets in mind. You certainly want to choose something designed to hold up to the fur and claws and everything else that comes along with your furry family. Before you decide on the right flooring for you home you need to consider the overall design of the space. This and room use will ensure you select a product designed to meet the needs of the space while enhancing the overall style.

Hardwood flooring is beautiful, but it is also costly and prone to pet damage. The natural wood scratches easily and does not hold up to any moisture, making small accidents enough to create lasting damage. Luxury vinyl flooring and laminate flooring both provide the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. These man-made alternatives come in the same fashionable colors and textures you look for in the real thing. The best way to determine which one is best for a space is to take a closer look at each one and compare their benefits and drawbacks.

Maintaining Vinyl Flooring with Pets

Luxury vinyl flooring is manufactured to look just like hardwood flooring or ceramic tiles. This makes it an ideal choice for any style of home. Vinyl plank flooring is affordable, waterproof, and incredibly durable. The design is so resistant to moisture, that it has become a go-to choice for flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and homes with pets or children. Spilled water dishes and the occasional accidents are easy to clean without a trace of damage when you install luxury vinyl planks or tiles in your home.

Prevent Scratches

Although overall very durable, vinyl flooring is susceptible to scratches over time. One of the best ways to keep vinyl scratch-free is to clean it regularly with a hard-floor-approved vacuum and mop. Remove dirt and grime to prevent those items from scratching the surface of the floor while pushed across it with a broom. If there is an area that is particularly high-traffic, such as the front door, lay down an area rug with a mat beneath that helps prevent shifting.

Restore Shine

Like with any flooring, vinyl floors have the tendency to dull over time. You should not expose vinyl floors to wax or solvents. Instead, use a lamb’s wool bonnet on a mechanical buffer every once in a while, when it is necessary.

Maintaining Laminate Flooring with Pets

Laminate flooring is manufactured to provide the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost. Unlike vinyl, laminate flooring is not fully waterproof. If there are accidents or water bowl spills, clean the mess promptly to avoid damaging the floor or causing the material to swell. Most laminate flooring is not well suited for pets. However, a few styles of laminate floors are specifically designed to accommodate the needs of pets. Putting a waterproof mat beneath the pet’s litter box or water bowls will help prevent moisture damage.

Improve Traction

Most laminate floors are smooth in finish. Their smooth, slick finish can cause pets to slip, especially if they run across the floors. If traction is a problem, adding area rugs with a rug pad underneath can help to soften the floor and provide sure footing for your pets. Choosing a laminate floor with a more matte or distressed finish will also help to improve traction for your pets.

Prevent & Treat Scratches

Laminate flooring features a veneer on top of bottom layers that provides the look of wood. Help to prevent deep scratches that reveal the bottom layers by selecting a laminate floor product that offers a thicker veneer. This means you can buff out small scratches with a light sanding without damaging the look of the floors. Work with a small-grit sand paper in light passes until you buff the scratch out.

Keeping Flooring Clean with Pets

A life with pets means hair and dirt on your hard floors. Keeping your laminate or vinyl floors looking great for many years to come requires regular cleaning. A vacuum designed for use on hard floors will help to remove dry debris and pet hairs from the floor every day or two. Once a week, mop the floor to provide a deeper clean. Make sure to use a product designed for the type of floors you install.

Pets can bring an incredible joy to a home, but they also bring a few basic requirements. Ease of cleaning, chances for scratches, traction, and moisture damage are all considerations in choosing the best flooring for homes with pets. Both laminate and luxury vinyl flooring are great choices but if the pet is prone to accidents, luxury vinyl is the way to go. No matter which option you select, make sure to look at the specifications of the product and choose the most durable option.

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When you’re renovating your kitchen, sorting through all the available flooring options can be tough. Many homeowners seem to gravitate toward laminate for its many benefits. Before deciding whether laminate is the right choice for you, delve into this complete list of the pros and cons of installing laminate in the kitchen.

The Pros of Laminate in the Kitchen

Pro: It’s Aesthetically Pleasing

Laminate is considered to be one of the most versatile flooring options for the home. Part of the appeal is that laminate comes in such a diverse range of styles, colors, and patterns. You can choose laminate wood colors that give you the authentic look of hardwood. Rather than having to stain your floors to the right shade, you can simply browse through hundreds of different colors to get the ideal match for your home.

When choosing laminate, you can also go for contemporary or timeless styles. You can find sleek, modern-looking laminate planks and tiles as well as rustic and antiqued versions. Many manufacturers have branched out beyond faux wood floors to offer different colors of laminate flooring, including some that look like stone and metal. Having many aesthetically pleasing options allows you to more easily give your home a makeover that feels personalized, stylish, and unique.

Pro: It’s Cheaper Than Tile and Natural Stone

For many homeowners, the most appealing feature of laminate is its affordable price. Laminate is often sold for as little as $3 per square foot. This price is much cheaper than many other flooring options. For example, when you do the hardwood vs laminate cost, comparison you will find hardwood to be up to five times more expensive.

Laminate flooring offers savings on installation, too. Many types have no nailing, gluing, or stapling required. Instead, the laminate tiles or planks snap together to form a floating floor. In many cases, you don’t have to do anything to the existing floor; you can simply install your laminate on top. Many homeowners are able to tackle this installation on their own and save thousands of dollars on the labor costs required to install other types of flooring.

Pro: Generally Less Defects

Laminate is made to look as realistic as possible while eliminating the defects associated with other types of flooring. For example, with hardwood or natural stone flooring, you may occasionally get pieces with unusual color or pattern variations. These pieces can look out of place on the floor. Homeowners either have to compromise on aesthetics or pay more for replacement pieces that fit in better with the rest of their flooring. Not so with laminate that offers proper wood like flooring options, among others that mimic the look of different natural materials.

When you choose laminate flooring, you’ll get pieces that look as realistic as the real thing but without the unusual defects that can be associated with other flooring types. The colors and patterns are consistent throughout since manufacturers can more easily control the product quality when they make laminate tiles and planks.

Pro: It’s Durable and Easy to Maintain

A clear wear layer is included on top of every piece of laminate flooring. This layer protects the floors from scratches, stains, and fading. Even in areas with abundant foot traffic (such as a kitchen), laminate can hold up quite well. The wear layer adds a level of durability that you won’t find with other types of floors.

The wear layer also creates a smooth, easy-to-clean surface on your laminate floors. Homeowners simply need to sweep the floors regularly to keep them clean. Occasionally, you can use a damp mop for a deeper clean.

The Cons of Laminate in the Kitchen

Con: Possibility of Moisture Damage

Laminate is susceptible to damage when exposed to moisture for extended periods of time. If you occasionally spill water or another liquid on the floor, it’s no big deal. As long as you clean up messes when they occur, they won’t damage your floors. If moisture sits on your laminate floor for an extended time, the dampness could warp and stain the flooring.

Take precautions to prevent moisture damage on your laminate floors. Wipe up any spills quickly and place a rubber mat under pet water dishes. If you mop your floors, wipe them with towels once you’re finished rather than letting any remaining moisture air dry.

Con: It Can’t Be Refinished

Once your laminate floors wear out, they can’t be refinished. Instead, you’ll have to replace the flooring. Since the flooring is assembled with snap-together tiles or planks, you may want to purchase extra pieces that you can insert only if particular areas of your kitchen floor start to wear out over time.

This drawback also has a silver lining. Laminate generally lasts about 15 to 25 years. Some laminate floors may look good for up to 30 years. Since the kitchen tends to be a high-traffic area in the home, look for high-quality laminate if you’d like your flooring to last for 20 years or more.

Con: Eco-Friendliness

If you’re committed to choosing environmentally friendly materials for your kitchen renovation, laminate may not be the best fit for you. Laminate flooring doesn’t degrade well in landfills, partially due to the wear layer which contains plastic. Some laminate flooring options are also made with chemicals such as formaldehyde which can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs are toxic gases that may have adverse health and environmental effects.

In recent years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released updated guidelines that require reduced VOC content in laminate flooring. While material containing reduced VOC content is safe to use in your home, it may not be great for the environment overall.

Some versions of laminate flooring are more eco-friendly options than others. Review the following items you want to look for if you want to get laminate with fewer environmental impacts:

• Choose laminate made from sustainably sourced and recycled materials. Some flooring types are approved by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This type of flooring uses wood from sustainably managed forests.
• Find out whether the design has been printed with water-based low-VOC inks.
• Opt for laminate that can be installed without the use of glues or adhesives, materials which may include VOCs.

This list may make you rule out laminate as a possibility for your kitchen. On the other hand, it could make you more confident that laminate is the best choice for your home. Be sure to consider your needs and personal budget when you decide whether laminate is the right fit for your kitchen.

The post The Pros and Cons of Installing Laminate in the Kitchen appeared first on Learning Center.

When building a new home or remodeling an existing home, flooring choices are everything. With pets in the home, this becomes even more important, because pets are just as hard, if not harder, than people on flooring surfaces. What are the best flooring for pets in the home? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of several types of flooring to help in the decision-making process.

Finding the Purrfect Flooring for Pets

Laminate Flooring

Due to the hardness of laminate flooring, pet owners may turn to it instead of traditional hardwood. While this may work to provide the décor people want, it can be difficult for pets, especially dogs, because they will slip and slide as they walk or run through the home. This will cause their hips to move in unnatural ways, which may cause damage to their bodies. This is pronounced in smooth, high gloss laminate floors and can be mitigated somewhat by choosing a laminate floor with an embossed or textured finish. Laminate won’t show scratches as easily as some other surfaces, but because they are slippery and uncomfortable to lie on it is not a great flooring for pets. Rugs are recommended throughout the home to help the pet if you choose laminate.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo is an excellent flooring for pets for many different reasons. It’s harder than the hardest hardwoods, meaning it will stand up to more traffic. It won’t wear out, and it’s completely renewable. This makes it a good choice for those who are trying to be green. Bamboo is stain resistant, so people don’t have to worry about accidents or spills. Bamboo’s hardness will help save money when compared to flooring that will require repairs from scratches. For those who are trying to decide between using wood and vinyl flooring, choosing bamboo floors is a great compromise. If you choose bamboo snap lock flooring, the installation will be easy too.

Stone Tile Flooring

Stone is an amazing flooring for pets because it does not scratch easily, and scratches don’t show as they do in other types of flooring. When pets have accidents on the stone tile floor, there is much less reason to worry about how it will impact the flooring. With these two factors considered, this is a good choice for pet owners, but the floors are hard and cold so they are not very comfortable to lie on. However, you can use radiant heat to make it warmer. Consider using area rugs and pet beds to alleviate this problem.

Granite is the hardest of natural stones and is the best choice for scratch resistance. Softer stones such as marble, slate, and travertine may require somewhat more maintenance than granite, especially if they feature a polished finish.

Porcelain or Ceramic Tile Flooring

Similar to stone, porcelain or ceramic tile floors are is a good choice in terms of wear and tear for pets. It won’t scratch easily. If pets don’t manage to make it outside before relieving themselves, the urine won’t damage the condition of the floor as it would with hardwood. However, much like stone, the surface is hard and uncomfortable for pets to lie on, but rugs will help.

Vinyl Flooring

While many people wouldn’t think of vinyl flooring for pets, the new luxury vinyl flooring is an excellent choice. It’s great for small children, too! The flooring is scratch and stain resistant, low in allergens, easy to clean and maintain. It’s even quiet to walk on.

Carpet

When it comes to flooring for pets, carpet is likely the worst choice one can make. This is because it is easily damaged by pets. Even normal wear and tear on carpet in a pet-free home happens faster than with other flooring options. If carpet is the only choice because it is the most cost-effective option for home flooring, the best thing to do is choose a carpet without loops as pet nails can snag on the loops and cause the carpet to wear faster.

While budget and ease of installation will be factors impacting the flooring decisions of a home, taking time to consider the best flooring options for pets beforehand may save money in repairs and frustration in the long run. Cutting corners on flooring to save money is not a good choice if the flooring needs to be replaced in a few months or even a year due to the wear and tear from the pets.

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When you’re looking for budget-friendly, easy-care flooring options, vinyl and laminate are often the first two suggestions you’ll get. While these two types of floors have much in common, they have a few key differences. You should consider these when deciding which one to install in your home. If you’re not sure whether to choose vinyl vs laminate, use this guide to help you make the right decision for your needs.

Vinyl Flooring Pros and Cons

Vinyl flooring is made from 100 percent plastic. This composition gives it superior resistance to moisture. When water sits on vinyl floors, even for extended periods of time, it won’t damage the surface. Vinyl’s water resistance makes it an excellent choice for rooms that are prone to moisture. For example, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.

3 Main Types of Vinyl Flooring

Pros

Some types of vinyl flooring are waterproof. For example, wood plastic and polymer composite (WPC) vinyl is waterproof. This is thanks to its composition of thermoplastics, wood flour, and calcium carbonate. It can be installed in areas where high moisture levels are present. Other waterproof vinyl floor options include stone plastic composite (SPC) vinyl, made from natural limestone powder, polyvinyl chloride, and stabilizer. It is also known as rigid core vinyl. You can install it over many types of flooring as a floating floor. When considering moisture exposure, in the vinyl vs laminate debate, vinyl flooring is a clear winner.

Historically, many people considered vinyl aesthetically inferior to laminate. Now, however, vinyl has come a long way when it comes to style choices. You can find vinyl flooring that mimics the look and feel of stone, tile, and even wood floors with realistic accuracy.

Cons

Vinyl has a longer lifespan and better overall durability than laminate. Don’t forget to factor in your budget, however. Vinyl flooring may be more expensive than laminate flooring, especially if you choose luxury vinyl flooring. Although it can last twice as long as laminate, vinyl flooring may involve a larger upfront investment.

Laminate Flooring Pros and Cons

Laminate is a synthetic product that simulates the look of real hardwood. It can have an authentic wood floor appearance that make it popular with homeowners who like the style of hardwood but want to spend less money on flooring. Although it is a budget-friendly flooring type, laminate does not perform well when it comes to moisture. Some types of laminate have water-resistant properties, but these flooring options are not waterproof and will become seriously damaged if water sits on them for an extended period of time.

Pros

One of the major benefits of choosing laminate flooring in the vinyl vs laminate debate is the comfortable feel underfoot. You may not think of this feature as a significant factor in your decision about which flooring type to choose, but the underfoot feel can have a big impact on whether you enjoy walking on your floors day in and day out. Laminate has a thicker composition that includes wood content, which helps it to feel warmer and slightly soft. Vinyl, however, tends to be quite hard and cold to the touch, so it’s generally not the best choice for main living areas and bedrooms.

Many homeowners prefer the look of laminate to that of vinyl. Although both flooring types come in a range of styles, colors, and patterns, laminate typically features better imagery or embossing that gives the floors a more realistic look. Generally, homeowners will choose laminate over vinyl for highly visible areas of their homes, such as entryways, living rooms, and dining rooms.

Cons

Unfortunately, laminate flooring doesn’t last as long as vinyl. In many cases, laminate floors need to be replaced within 10 years of installation. The upside is that the initial cost of laminate floors is sometimes lower. If you’re on a tight budget, laminate flooring allows you to give your floors a fresh new look for less money. Be sure to save up for the eventual replacement floors if you plan to stay in your home for a long time.

Vinyl vs Laminate: The Similarities

To summarize, vinyl is a better choice when you need water resistance, lifespan, and durability in your flooring. Meanwhile, laminate is preferable if you want a more stylish appearance, lower costs, and a comfortable feel underfoot.

Despite their differences, laminate and vinyl are also similar in a number of ways, including the following:

• Ease of Installation: If you need a foam underlayment for laminate or decide to install vinyl sheeting, you may need the help of professionals to complete the installation. However, both laminate and vinyl come in planks that lock together as a floating floor or almost any type of subfloor, giving you the option for an easy DIY installation with either flooring type.
• Maintenance: Vinyl and laminate are both easy to keep clean. Simply mop, vacuum, or sweep as needed. You don't need special cleaning products or machinery to keep these floors in good shape.
• Eco-Friendliness: Both types of flooring have environmentally friendly options available for purchase. If you want to go "green", look for vinyl with a LEED credit EQ4.3 for Low-Emitting Material or laminate that qualifies for LEED MR4c 4.1-4.2 (Recycled Content) status.
• Cost: Laminate is sometimes found at lower prices compared to vinyl. This depends on what type of style and features you're looking for. With vinyl vs laminate, the price is relatively comparable. Both are considered to be two of the most budget-friendly flooring options.

Decide your main criteria for your new floors. Is it more important to get waterproof flooring or something that looks more like real wood? Do you care more about the feel underfoot or the lifespan of your new floors? Use this guide to help weigh the pros and cons when choosing between vinyl and laminate flooring. These tips should help you to make an informed decision and improve the appearance and value of your home.

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When you’re deciding what type of flooring to get, you need to consider several options. Waterproof flooring has many advantages, but so does water-resistant flooring options. Knowing what these differences are and what will be best for the area you’re installing it can save you time and money.

Waterproof vs Water Resistant: What’s the Difference?

First, you need to know what waterproof vs water resistant means. Both terms refer to a material that can prevent or repel water, which is great for bathrooms or kitchens. However, they’re not interchangeable terms.

Waterproof refers to a permanent material, which means water won’t penetrate the flooring, no matter how much time goes by. For example, waterproof flooring can be installed in any room, but it’s more expensive than water-resistant flooring. A water resistant floor refers to how flooring material protects flooring substrate from water infiltration.

Waterproof Flooring

Long-Term Cost

Waterproof flooring is more expensive, but it has benefits that water-resistant flooring does not. While waterproof costs more than water-resistant flooring options initially, the cost can be worth it depending on where you’re installing them. If water absorbs into certain types of flooring, such as hardwood, the flooring material could swell and eventually crack, ruining the floor. When this damage occurs, you’ll need to replace the flooring. This is why it may be easier to install waterproof floors from the start. You can purchase waterproof hardwood, but this type of flooring will be more expensive.

Durability

Rigid core vinyl flooring is a durable waterproof option, as it won’t deteriorate if it’s exposed to water for an extended period. Additionally, the color of the floor will remain and won’t fade. You won’t need to worry about click-lock vinyl flooring curling up at the edges or the composition of the flooring breaking down to the waterproof properties of the flooring material.

A waterproof floor can prevent moisture in the air due to climate or flooding from infiltrating the flooring material. None of these events will damage the floor, which is important to consider if you live in an area prone to humidity or flooding.

Versalitity

Waterproof flooring can be installed in any room of your home. It’s great in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and basement. However, it is not recommended for any outdoor installation. Waterproof indoor floorings are not typically resistant against sun damage or any other weather elements.

While many luxury vinyl or engineered hardwood floors are waterproof, you shouldn’t assume they all are. The ones labeled as 100 percent waterproof are what you want to look for. You should also keep in mind that while your flooring can be waterproof, the subfloor underneath may not be. As a result, you’ll need to keep water from getting under the flooring to prevent subflooring damage.

Water-Resistant Flooring

When it comes to waterproof vs water resistant, waterproof flooring has many benefits – but it’s not always necessary to use it in every room.

Initial Cost

Water resistant flooring like laminate or vinyl tile are typically less expensive to purchase than waterproof engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl planks. These flooring materials are also easy to install, so you likely won’t need to hire installation experts.

Absorbtion Rate

One point to keep in mind about water resistant flooring is the time you can allow water to sit on top of the floor. As long as you mop up water on the floor somewhat quickly, it won’t have time to absorb into the floor and impact the material underneath. Water doesn’t go through water resistant flooring as quickly as it does with something like wood flooring. Since water resistant flooring can handle small spills on occasion, this flooring option will last longer.

While you can install water resistant flooring in a kitchen, you want to be attentive to water collecting on the flooring itself. If you are considering laminate, make sure it has a water resistant core in addition to a protected top layer. The seams between the planks can leave it vulnerable to any water that may enter through the seams. A roll-on moisture barrier can be applied when installing the flooring. This moisture barrier can help keep the subfloor protected from extra moisture and ensure the bonding adhesive is strong.

Appearance

While hardwood floors is more natural than water-resistant floors, hardwood will eventually absorb water that sits on it. Hardwood isn’t a good option for many parts of a house, as only the top finish will resist water. You might actually be surprised at the beauty of modern water resistant flooring. It closely mimics real hardwood, and is available in many shades and even textures.

Waterproof vs Water Resistant: Do the Research

It’s important to do your research before deciding to buy any type of flooring. Consider where the flooring is installed and if water has a high chance of being on the floor. You’ll also need to consider your overall budget for your flooring project, since waterproof flooring can cost more than water resistant flooring. If you try to save money by installing water resistant flooring in an area that gets frequent spills, you could end up spending more money in the future on flooring replacement.

Waterproof flooring can be used in all rooms. However, you may want to avoid installing water resistant flooring in rooms where water frequently collects on the floor, such as mudrooms. When you’re considering a flooring choice for your home, use this guide to help you decide between waterproof vs water resistant flooring options for your intended space.

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Laminate flooring

Laminate flooring mimics the luxurious texture and coloring of hardwood, but with characteristics that make it a better choice for kitchens. This material is typically made from compressed layers of fiberboard that give it its many features. For instance, thanks to its construction, laminate flooring has the following attributes:

• It feels more comfortable under your feet than harder flooring options like tile.
• It’s stain resistant and won’t discolor from exposure to sunlight.
• It resists abrasion, which is important in high-traffic areas like your kitchen.
• It’s easy to clean.
• It doesn’t hold onto debris, such as animal hair, making it a popular flooring choice for pet owners.
• It’s cost effective both because of how it’s made and because it’s easier to install.

Laminate flooring can be designed to replicate just about any type of wood, so whether you want the look of white wash oak or handscraped hickory, your can find a product that matches your tastes and kitchen design. What’s more, durable and stylish laminate will continue to provide many benefits for years to come.

Laminate flooring offers the look of hardwood in an easy to install format.

Vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring is a luxury vinyl product sold in boards, much like hardwood is. This format gives vinyl a structure that’s similar to hardwood. What’s more, it’s designed with hyper-realistic wood grain patterns. Aside from quality and a beautiful appearance, what features does vinyl plank flooring offer that make it a good choice for your kitchen? Here are some you’re sure to love:

• Advanced moisture resistance – This is a great feature to have in kitchens, where spills are usually an everyday occurrence.
• Comfortable feel for when you’re standing to prepare food or wash dishes.
• Easy to install – You can lay it right over your existing floors.
• Affordable.
• Easy to clean – Just wet mop it to get that like-new look.
• Durable – An important characteristic in high-traffic areas.

Vinyl plank flooring is an overall easy material. It cleans up fast, is great for DIY installation and doesn’t require much maintenance. Best of all, it comes in a variety of wood looks to fit your interior design.

Ceramic and porcelain tiles

Ceramic and porcelain tiles aren’t just for bathrooms and backsplashes; they make stunning kitchen floors. Modern designs even include wood-look patterns and colors, giving you the appearance of hardwood without the maintenance and moisture concerns. Built for long-term performance, these tiles are an excellent choice. Here are other features that define porcelain and ceramic tiles:

• Water resistance – most porcelain tiles are considered waterproof.
• Hygienic – these tiles don’t easily retain dust, antigens or allergens
• Easy to maintain and clean.
• Versatile in terms of color, texture and size.
• Cost-effective.

Hardwood flooring offers a timeless, classic look for interior spaces, but it doesn’t handle moisture well. To get the wood-look in wetter environments like kitchens, stylish alternatives are available. Laminate, vinyl and tile flooring all come in wood looks, letting you design the kitchen of your dreams while including beneficial features that ensure the flooring lasts.

Is wood-look flooring the right fit for your kitchen design?

Browse our selection of top quality flooring here.

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Strength under pressure

A moisture barrier and scratch resistance layer is usually incorporated within these layers. These various layers are bonded together using high pressure to ensure that the laminate floor produced is highly durable. The pressure also makes sure that the layers stick together and have an enhanced look for many years.

A floating finish

Before the invention of floating floor boards, laminated floors had to be glued to the subfloor. However, with the introduction of the tongue-and-groove method, individual planks can be interlocked to form the flooring bed to give a complete finish. That’s why the method is called floating, meaning ‘placing over the previous floor’.

Floating laminate floors have many advantages over glue down options, some of which include:

1. A floating laminate floor does not have to be installed by the tedious and demanding processes of a nail-down or glue-down installation. It requires less effort and time for the installation.
2. It can be easily installed over many different types of existing floors, whatever material the subfloor is made of. Whether it is plywood, concrete slab, or OSB, a floating laminate floor can be installed by simply floating the flooring boards over the original flooring or subfloor. Please note, floating laminate cannot be installed over carpet.
3. The wear layer is thick and solid, giving it the feel of a hardwood.
4. Any small or large part of a floating laminate floor can be replaced anytime for multiple reasons, including wear and tear.

A floating laminate floor has the ease of maintenance of a usual laminate floor, yet it is durable and tough as a hardwood floor. Because of this, it’s not surprising that floating laminate floors are consistently popular with homeowners.

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One of the most important factors to consider regarding your interior décor is the degree of integration and harmony you wish to achieve among the various areas in your home or work space. In some settings, a sense of continuity may be desired between adjacent rooms. In others, you may want sharply contrasted areas. You might wish to create the illusion that your new flooring has always been a part of the living or working space in which it is installed. Even with a limited budget, you can create striking effects with a bit of imagination, and often the best way to get the desired effect is the simplest one.

For laminate flooring, something as basic as the right style of molding can make all the difference in adding flow and continuity, as well as a sense of unity to an interior. There are several varieties of laminate flooring moldings that are available to you to help you gain these effects. But, which variety is the most appropriate for your specific space? Let’s take a look at the options.

Laminate Flooring Moldings

Reducer Moldings

This type of molding is useful when applying a transition from one floor space to another where the levels are slightly different. This situation sometimes occurs when the transition is between two different flooring materials, for example from a laminate floor to a tile floor, or when the floor of the adjacent room is the same material but installed at a different level.

End Moldings

An end molding can be used as another type of transition molding, but it is more useful when the transition is to an uneven surface such as a high-pile carpet or a thicker variety of tile. An end molding may also be a better choice when your flooring butts an edge such as a sliding glass door, where a quarter round molding may be too small. With a lower profile than a reducer strip laminate molding, an end molding can add a subtle, tailored look to your interior.

T-Moldings

T-moldings are useful for doorways or between other flooring sections which are at the same level. For example, if a laminate floor is installed in a particularly long room, a T-molding could be used for tying the two sections together. The T-molding is aptly named – shaped like a “T” – with the beams of the “T” serving as a bridge from one room or flooring section to another.

Baseboard Moldings

A baseboard is a well-known finishing element to a flooring project. The baseboard molding serves as a transition from a horizontal surface (e.g. your new laminate floor) to the vertical surface of a wall. Like all types of molding, you can match it with the color of the laminate floor, or paint it to match the wall. Either way, a baseboard molding can add a subtle, almost subliminal effect to the appearance of your room.

Base Shoe Moldings

This type of molding appears as a standard baseboard molding with a shallower profile. The base shoe molding is useful when trying to preserve the look of an existing baseboard while at the same time offering the advantages of its lower profile. The “shoe” portion of the molding is a rounded lip that helps to preserve the face of the baseboard from everyday wear, specifically when you vacuum your laminate floor.

Quarter Round Moldings

Used in the same way as a base shoe molding, the quarter round molding butts against your wall with a low, rounded exterior profile that adds a simple, yet tidy touch to your completed laminate flooring installation. This type of molding is often used behind cabinets where a low profile molding is better suited to support an object flush against the wall.

Stairnose Moldings

For making a transition from your floor to the edge of a flight of stairs or steps, a stairnose molding is a great solution. The molding sits flat and level on one side with your laminate flooring and closely hugs the first stair or step on the other side, rounding off the edge of the stair and adding a unique finishing touch to your completed laminate flooring project.

Something as simple as a molding can really make all the difference to the overall effect of your new laminate flooring project. Putting in laminate flooring moldings is often an afterthought to some, but the finished visual effect it creates is more often than not the defining feature of the completed project.

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