Laminate Floors Are Back. Are They Superior to Luxury Vinyl?
Ken's Quick Answer:
"Just like mom jeans and corduroy, laminate floors are making a comeback! The new laminate floors look great. They also come in at a lower price and have a more solid feel underfoot than luxury vinyl."
Ken's In-Depth Answer:
They're back! For a long time, laminate floors were out of fashion. This is because luxury vinyl had a better story when it came to moisture resistance. (Old laminate floors were advertised as being waterproof, but when they got wet, they tended to swell at the seams.)
But this isn't your grandfather's laminate. The new floors are more water resistant and come with all sorts of warranties. (Keep in mind, I don't hold flooring warranties in high esteem.) Regardless, the new laminates look super.
Why would you want to buy a laminate floor as opposed to vinyl plank? There are three main reasons. 1.) Laminate may be a little less expensive. 2.) The profile of laminate is thicker, which may make a difference to you when you're thinking about flooring transitions. 3.) Laminate has a more solid feel underfoot—people notice and appreciate that.
This isn't your grandfather's laminate. While there are pros and cons to both laminate and luxury vinyl, you should seriously consider which type of floor works best for your home.
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How do you make the choice? First, take some time to learn more about luxury vinyl plank, including the limitations to how "waterproof" it is as well as some of the differences between click and glue-down vinyl. You should weigh these against laminate's strengths, which include its thickness and (likely) lower price. Your local flooring retailer can help you dive into the details.
The bottom line? Laminate is no laughingstock. It's now a real alternative to the everpresent luxury vinyl plank.
If you have any questions about whether to choose laminate or luxury vinyl for your home, don't hesitate to give us a call at 401-214-0285 or visit our showroom. We serve customers throughout Rhode Island and southeastern New England, including Newport, Middletown, Jamestown, Portsmouth, Bristol and more.
About Ken: Ken Fain is the co-owner of Island Carpet in Middletown, RI and a floorcovering veteran of more than 40 years. His popular 'Ask Ken' video series answers common flooring questions on a variety of topics. It has reached thousands of viewers on both YouTube and Facebook.