When considering new flooring, two popular choices often emerge: Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and laminate. Both have their unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different spaces and preferences. At Frankly Flooring, we pride ourselves on offering a vast selection of flooring options, including an extensive range of LVT from top brands like CFS, Furlong, Karndean, Luvanto, and Polyflor, alongside a superb collection of laminate flooring.
Features of LVT
LVT is renowned for its remarkable durability and versatility. It is designed to mimic natural flooring materials like wood and stone but with added resilience and less maintenance. Here are some of its standout features:
- Water Resistance: LVT is highly resistant to moisture, making it an ideal choice for areas prone to spills or humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
- Durability: It is incredibly durable, capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic without showing signs of wear and tear.
- Comfort and Warmth: LVT flooring is softer underfoot compared to natural materials, providing a comfortable walking surface. It also retains heat well, offering a warmer touch.
- Ease of Maintenance: This flooring type is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping.
- Design Versatility: With advanced printing technology, LVT comes in a wide range of designs and patterns, offering the aesthetic of natural materials without the cost or maintenance.
Features of Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is another popular choice, known for its cost-effectiveness and aesthetic appeal. It comprises several layers, including a photographic applique layer under a clear protective layer, which mimics the appearance of wood or stone. Its benefits include:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Laminate is generally more affordable than LVT, offering a cost-efficient solution for those looking to achieve a luxury look without the high price tag.
- Easy Installation: The click-and-lock installation system makes laminate flooring a great DIY project, reducing the cost and time involved in installation.
- Durability: It is resistant to scratches, making it suitable for homes with pets or children.
- Aesthetic Variety: Laminate flooring offers a wide range of designs, closely replicating the look of natural wood and stone.
- Low Maintenance: Similar to LVT, laminate is easy to clean, requiring only regular sweeping and mopping to maintain its appearance.
Key Differences Between LVT and Laminate Flooring
While LVT and laminate share some similarities, there are key differences that set them apart:
Moisture Resistance: LVT’s superior moisture resistance makes it more suitable for bathrooms and kitchens compared to laminate, which can warp or swell when exposed to water.
Feel and Comfort: LVT tends to be softer and warmer underfoot, providing a more comfortable surface compared to the harder laminate.
Lifespan and Durability: Although both are durable, LVT often has a longer lifespan due to its ability to resist moisture and its higher quality of construction.
Installation: While both can be installed over existing flooring, LVT’s flexibility allows it to better handle imperfections in the subfloor.
At Frankly Flooring, we understand the importance of choosing the right flooring for your space. Our wide selection of LVT, including brands like CFS, Furlong, Karndean, Luvanto, and Polyflor, alongside our quality laminate options, ensures you’ll find the perfect match for your home or business. Whether you’re drawn to the durability and moisture resistance of LVT or the cost-effectiveness and aesthetic appeal of laminate, we’re here to help you make an informed choice that meets your needs and preferences, get in touch with us or view our shop to see our choices!