LVP vs. laminate
Couples and individuals looking for new flooring for their home or commercial space often find themselves drawn to vinyl or laminate flooring. Both options come in the form of planks that can be laid down to cover the floor of a space. They’re also both economical, easy to install, durable, and able to mimic the look of hardwood flooring, which makes them an attractive option for consumers who don’t want to deal with the price, hassle, or upkeep of traditional hardwood or tile flooring.
Both LVP and laminate can last up to 20 years and are great options to have in your home, but in making the final decision it’s helpful to understand the differences.
Both LVP and laminate can last up to 20 years and are great options to have in your home, but in making the final decision it’s helpful to understand the differences.
Benefits of LVP
Luxury vinyl planks, or LVP, are a relatively new flooring option but are becoming increasingly popular in both residential and commercial settings. LVP can mimic both the look and texture of traditional hardwood flooring and is a virtually identical substitute for just a fraction of the price. It comes in smooth or textured options and is easy to install.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is easy to clean due to its completely waterproof nature and is resistant to scuffs, stains, and other forms of wear and tear. The planks are easier to repair and replace than most kinds of flooring, making it a good choice for DIYers.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is easy to clean due to its completely waterproof nature and is resistant to scuffs, stains, and other forms of wear and tear. The planks are easier to repair and replace than most kinds of flooring, making it a good choice for DIYers.
Benefits of laminate
Laminate flooring has been around longer than LVP and is still highly popular, with good reason. Like LVP, laminate is easy to install, as the planks are designed to snap together without nails or glue. Except for carpet, installing laminate does not necessitate the tearing out of existing flooring.
Laminate flooring is tough and durable and can stand up well to kids, furniture, and heavy impacts. It’s typically easy to keep clean with just a vacuum or broom and dustpan, with no need to wax or varnish, and mimics hardwood at a much more economical price point.
Laminate flooring is tough and durable and can stand up well to kids, furniture, and heavy impacts. It’s typically easy to keep clean with just a vacuum or broom and dustpan, with no need to wax or varnish, and mimics hardwood at a much more economical price point.
Which flooring material is right for you?
The biggest difference between luxury vinyl planks and laminate flooring is water resistance. While vinyl flooring is made of 100% synthetic materials, laminate is made of wood byproducts bonded with resins. Thus, only LVP is completely waterproof. While LVP can go anywhere in your home, laminate is not recommended for bathrooms or mudrooms. Additionally, laminate may not be appropriate for kitchens or damp basements, as the material will soften, swell, and warp when exposed to significant amounts of moisture. Vinyl, however, can be fully immersed for long periods with no adverse effects. As a result of this, LVP can be cleaned with water and common cleaning products, while laminate is better treated with a broom or dry mop.
Another difference is that laminate generally has a wider selection of patterns and colors to choose from. While both materials are excellent at mimicking natural hardwood, laminate also comes in styles meant to look like stone, ceramic, and other materials.
Another difference is that laminate generally has a wider selection of patterns and colors to choose from. While both materials are excellent at mimicking natural hardwood, laminate also comes in styles meant to look like stone, ceramic, and other materials.
LVP and laminate flooring in St. George, UT
If you have more questions about your flooring options, reach out to the experts at GS Flooring in St. George, Utah. We have a large inventory on-site and a team of highly trained and experienced technicians ready to walk you through every step of the process. A locally owned and operated business, GS Flooring has been serving Southern Utah for nearly 30 years and looks forward to providing you with excellent service. For more information contact us today.
