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Laminate Flooring Vs. LVT Flooring

Choosing new flooring for your home can be overwhelming. Narrowing down the search can be a challenge, especially without understanding the differences between the options available.

Many homeowners see LVT and laminate as interchangeable terms, but they have distinct differences. Let’s look at LVT and laminate, what makes them different, and the pros and cons of each.

Laminate Flooring Vs. LVT Flooring

What is Laminate?

Laminate flooring is a great option for homeowners who want the look of tile for a fraction of the cost. Laminate is an economical alternative that not only costs less, but is more durable than traditional tile.

Laminate flooring has been engineered to mimic the appearance of various types of tile and comes in a wide variety of finishes. The wide variety allows the homeowner to create the look of whatever type of tile or natural stone they’d like, at a lower price point, and with less maintenance.

Over time tiles may become damaged and they may need to be re-grouted. Laminate is extremely durable and needs no re-grouting over time. In addition, a single tile of laminate can be replaced if it becomes damaged in any way.

What is LVT?

LVT, or luxury vinyl tile flooring, is another great flooring alternative to traditional tile. LVT is different than laminate in that it is made from layers of PVC vinyl, rather than fiberboard like laminate. The material LVT is made of gives it more flexibility than laminate.

LVT is a great option in place of traditional tile, but it is slightly less durable than vinyl, and is more susceptible to staining. LVT is also applied differently than laminate, and is usually glued directly to the subfloor, while laminate is laid over the subfloor.

Which is Right for Me?

Both laminate and LVT are great alternatives to traditional flooring options like stone, tile, or hardwood. Laminate is slightly more durable as a whole, but both offer superior durability to traditional materials. Laminate and LVT both offer great water resistance for potentially wet areas in the home like bathrooms or kitchens.

The look and feel of the two vary slightly, with laminate feeling more realistic, especially in wood laminates. The overall look you are trying to achieve in your home can be the best determining factor when choosing between laminate and LVT.

If you are ready for new flooring in your home but are unsure what the best flooring option is for your home and budget, call us at Dragon Scale Flooring today! We’d love to help you determine what flooring is the perfect fit for your home. We specialize in LVT flooring in Maryland and would be happy to discuss the pros and cons with you to help you make a decision.