The key to choosing the right flooring for your home renovation is to make sure that it’s not only aesthetically pleasing, but functional as well. Two popular flooring options that homeowners choose between are laminate and luxury vinyl plank. While both styles have their benefits, they also have their drawbacks — and choosing one over the other depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. We’ve put together some key factors to consider when choosing between the two to help you make an informed decision:
Laminate Flooring Pros & Cons
Laminate flooring became popular in the 90s and is making a comeback with its new styles and designs.
Laminate flooring is made up of 3 layers–the fibreboard core made up of wood byproducts, the image layer that gives it the look of real wood, and then a transparent layer that protects it from everyday wear and tear.
Laminate Flooring Pros:
- It is an affordable option that is quite durable and able to withstand heavy foot traffic.
- If you’re a dog owner, laminate’s scratch-resistance surface makes it a great choice.
- Unlike other types of flooring, laminate is relatively adaptive to 3-season rooms and is great for older homes or cottages where humidity and temperatures can fluctuate.
- Laminate is easy to clean and maintain; regular sweeping and mopping will keep it looking its best.
- Laminate comes in a variety of styles and colours, making it easy to find a design that matches your aesthetic preferences
Laminate Flooring Cons:
- It’s important to consider the risk of water coming in contact with most laminates. Some brands offer protection up to 72 hours for water sitting on the surface of the planks. Torlys had a line of laminate flooring that has a water-repellant edge coating applied to their planks making them waterproof.
- Laminate is harder and noisier to walk on than other types of flooring.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring (LVP) Pros & Cons
If you’re on the hunt for flooring for a space like your bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen, vinyl planks’ waterproof properties make it a great contender!
Not to be mistaken for Sheet Vinyl, Luxury Vinyl Plank is also made up of 3 layers, a rigid synthetic backing layer, the layer that gives it the look of faux wood or stone, and a clear top layer that protects it from everyday wear and tear.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Pros:
- Its layers make it incredibly absorbent to noise from walking which makes it great for multi-level homes.
- It is a great option for open-concept spaces due to its availability in wider planks.
- It’s available in a variety of lengths and widths.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Cons:
- It is not as resistant to scratches as other flooring options.
- LVP can be more expensive than other types of flooring.
The Verdict
Both laminate and luxury vinyl plank flooring have their pros and cons, and it’s important to consider them carefully before making a decision. Regardless of your choice, we are confident that our showroom has a style that will fit your needs and budget.
Visit our showroom to browse flooring styles and chat with a member of our team who can guide you through the selection process based on your preferences and budget.
