Luxury vinyl plank flooring and laminate flooring are great alternatives to hardwood floors as they are cost-efficient, easy-to-clean, and come in a variety of finishes! It is important to consider all factors when deciding on your new floors to ensure your happiness for years to come.

Luxury vinyl plank flooring (also referred to as LVP) is a common type of floor used in homes because of cost-efficiency, is easy to clean, and waterproof. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is a more affordable option in comparison to real hardwood floors. LVP mimics the look of real hardwood without the added cost of it. Maintenance is easy as LVP is waterproof and durable. 

For durability, luxury vinyl planks come in different levels of mil, which measures how resilient the planks are to dents and scratches. More households should look for luxury vinyl planks around the 12 mil, but if your home is more active and/or has pets, you should consider getting LVP closer to 20 mil. When properly installed and taken care of, LVP can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is another great option for installing flooring while on a budget! Similar to luxury vinyl plank flooring, laminate floors are easy-to-clean, comes in a variety of designs and colors, and has varying levels of durability. Laminate can mimic the appearance of hardwood, tile, and stone. The main difference between laminate floors and LVP is that not all brands of laminate flooring are waterproof. Some laminate flooring contains wood byproducts which, if exposed to excess water, can warp or stain the flooring.

Laminate flooring has different levels of durability, but instead of using mil to measure it, most brands have an abrasion criterion rating that ranges from AC1 to AC5. AC1 is typically used in closets and bedrooms, while AC5 is for heavy commercial spaces. The team at Country Flooring Direct can help you decide which is best for your home!

Is Luxury Vinyl Plank or Laminate Better For Me?

Since luxury vinyl plank is waterproof, it is best used in spaces that could collect water like bathrooms, kitchens, entryways/mudrooms, and basements. As far as other rooms in your home that aren’t directly susceptible to water, you could use either laminate or luxury vinyl plank flooring. The team at Country Flooring is here to help you walk through the entire process ensuring your end result is flooring that you are proud of! Give us a call today to learn more.