Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring looks like it would be a solid piece of floor, but it is actually constructed in layers, similarly to vinyl. They both utilize an image layer consisting of a photograph that mimics the appearance of hardwood or tile. So then what makes laminate different than vinyl? The difference between these two flooring types is that vinyl contains a core layer of, you guessed it, vinyl. The core layer of laminate flooring is made from a high-density fiberboard that has been saturated in a resin that gives it both increased durability and water resistance. The main difference here is that laminate is not completely waterproof while vinyl is. So why would you ever select laminate over vinyl?

If you are selecting a floor for high moisture area of the home like bathrooms and damp basements, then vinyl might be your best bet. But otherwise, laminate flooring is made from natural wood by-products, which give it an appearance and feel that more closely resembles a real hardwood floor. The construction of laminate also makes it more durable and easier to take care of than hardwood! Laminate is also an environmentally-friendly option because it recycles wood fibers that would otherwise be burned or buried in a landfill.

Laminate also installs very easily. Many laminate products are manufactured using a click-and-lock installation, which means that no nails, staples, or adhesives are needed to install the floor; you can simply float the floor over your subfloor. This will save you money on the installation process and in the long term if you decide to replace the floor, it can be removed with ease.