With so many choices of flooring for your home, it’s easy to see how the sheer number of options can be quite daunting. From hardwood to tile and so much more, it can be a task to choose a flooring material that is right for the look of your home and how you’ll use it.
Today we’ll be talking about LVP (Luxury Vinyl Planks) and Laminate Flooring. They are both wood-looking floor options that are generally more durable than real hardwood. There are quite a few similarities between the two, but also some key differences that we’ll explain below.
LVP
You might be surprised to learn that Luxury Vinyl Planks, or LVP, are made completely of synthetic materials. These are formed with multiple layers designed to add durability, comfort, and functionality. With a backing layer of foam, LVP also contains a waterproof core, a printed layer, and a clear top layer for durability. To put it simply, LVP is a more synthetic option when compared to Laminate.
LAMINATE
Similar to LVP, Laminate also has a layered structure. Rather than these layers being primarily composed of synthetic materials, laminate uses byproducts from wood. These are usually bonded together with strong resins. One of the top layers of Laminate flooring is a printed layer. This layer is given a realistic look by embossing it to give it the appearance of natural, real wood. This top layer is then sealed with a clear protective plastic layer.
PROS AND CONS OF LAMINATE AND LVP
LVP PROS
LVP is amazing in that it is highly water-resistant due to its synthetic nature. It’s quite resistant to scratches and can be cleaned easily. LVP can not only mimic wood, but also other materials such as stone and tile. It can be better for homes with pets due to its ability to stand up to pet accidents better than products that contain wood.
LAMINATE PROS
Since Laminate is usually a bit thicker than LVP, the embossing effects can have a somewhat more realistic-looking appearance. Because Laminate uses wood byproducts in its production, it’s considered more sustainable than using purely synthetic materials in the manufacturing process.
LVP CONS
When compared with Laminate, LVP may not look quite as realistic or close to a real hardwood floor. The LVP production process may be a bit harsher on the environment since only man-made materials are used.
LAMINATE CONS
Laminate is not quite as durable as LVP since it uses more real wood and wood byproducts. It’s a bit more prone to scratches and dings. Due to being less water-resistant than LVP, you’ll want to avoid placing Laminate in any area that is exposed to water frequently.
ELEMENT CAN HELP YOU SELECT A STYLE PERFECT FOR YOUR HOME
At Element, we understand there are many different factors that go into selecting the perfect flooring for your home. We will work with you every step of the way to guide you into a flooring option you’ll love for years and decades to come. Whether LVP, Laminate, wood flooring, or beyond, our highly experienced and friendly staff is eager to set you up with a flooring option perfect for your Fort Collins area home and family. Contact our team today!
