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Deciding on the right flooring for your home can be a difficult task as there are so many different options to choose from. Two of the most popular flooring choices are luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and laminate flooring. Both of these materials are a great alternative to traditional hardwood floors or tiles but they do come with advantages and disadvantages. In this post, we will explore these flooring types while focusing on the factors that matter most to homeowners like durability, cost, installation, maintenance and visual appeal.
How Durable are Luxury Vinyl Tiles and Laminate Flooring?
Both LVT and laminate flooring are designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily life. Luxury vinyl tiles are resistant to moisture, and this makes them great for use in kitchens and bathrooms as they can handle water splashes without warping or swelling up. Laminate flooring is also durable, but it can be much more susceptible to water damage. It does, however, perform better against scratches and dents than LVT, and this is because it has a hard wearing top layer. If you have pets with sharp claws or you frequently move your furniture, laminate flooring might be a better choice for your living area.
Cost and Installation
Laminate flooring is usually more affordable than LVT, a significant factor if you’re on a tight budget or if you need to cover larger areas. Installation can also differ between these two types of flooring as laminate often has a click-lock system that many people can find easy to install, which can save on installation costs. LVT is not difficult to install but it can sometimes need more preparation and expertise, especially if you go for tiles that glue down rather than click together.
Maintenance and Care
Both LVT and laminate are low-maintenance in comparison to traditional hardwood floors, and if you sweep, vacuum and mop them regularly the floors will stay looking great. LVT does have an advantage over laminate when it comes to cleaning because it is water resistant, so you can mop it with water, and the floors won’t get damaged. Laminate is not great with water so any spills or excess water should be cleaned up quickly to stop the floors becoming damaged.
Visual Appeal of LVT and Laminate Floors
Both LVT and laminate flooring can mimic the look of natural materials like wood and stone. Luxury vinyl floors often look more realistic as they come in textures and colours that can closely match the material imitated and it is available in a wide variety of designs that can suit many tastes. Laminate floors also come in different wood colours and styles, but it often doesn’t look quite as realistic as LVT. Laminate can be warmer under foot, though, which does appeal to some homeowners.
Choosing Between Laminate and LVT
Which flooring choice you decide upon will depend on what will best suit your home. If water resistance and a realistic look are important to you and you’re willing to spend a bit more, LVT may be the best option. If you’re looking for cost effective flooring that’s easy to install and maintain, then laminate floors may be the best choice for you.