There are so many different options to choose from when it comes to flooring. A lot of homeowners opt for hardwood. It’s a classic look. However, its classic appeal typically comes with an equally hefty price tag. Some of the good options that can deliver a similar aesthetic would be laminate and vinyl which can be more affordable. Another solid option would be tile which is equally more cost effective.
If you are trying to figure out which of these three to choose, you’re in luck. This article will detail some of the most important things to know about these floor types.
Top Things To Know About Your Flooring Options:
#1. Laminate
Laminate flooring is made out of the byproducts of wood. 99% to be exact comes from byproducts of wood. These boards tend to be very thick. Because of this, they are decently insulated and comfortable to walk on. Because this flooring type is primarily made out of wood, it’s not a good option for a bathroom that will get a lot of water on it. After all, it’s going to be prone to sucking up moisture just like solid wood. Therefore, you want to avoid areas where there will be a lot of moisture content. However, these boards are usually water-resistant. Because of this, they can withstand some exposure to moisture. This makes a laminate a good option in an environment where there could be some spillage here and there. This includes areas like the kitchen where there is a sink. It’s important to clean up any spills quickly with laminate though. After all, they are only resistant and not waterproof. One of the good things about laminate is that it comes in a variety of different styles. You can find a lot of options to suit your preferences. Laminate wood, when compared to vinyl, is going to look increasingly natural. Most manufacturers would advise adding a layer of foam underneath the wood for better noise insulation and reduction before installation.
#2. Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is usually made out of 100% synthetic materials. As a result, it’s not going to look nearly as good or natural as laminate. However, they do come close enough. Best of all, the newer vinyl options are 100% waterproof. This means they make for good options no matter if there is a lot of exposure to moisture or not. This makes them viable for use in a basement and even a bathroom. Much like laminate flooring, vinyl floors can be molded to look like wood, ceramics, or even stone. The price will typically depend on the style and quality. The pricing is similar to laminate. Usually, these floors feel colder on the feet because they don’t have as much insulation or insulative properties. However, they do still feel comfortable and they offer fairly good sound insulation too.
#3. Ceramic
Ceramic tile is another good option to consider. This is typically made out of clay, sand, and various other natural products. Ceramic tile is completely waterproof. Therefore, it’s usually used in bathrooms and other areas of the house where there is a lot of moisture exposure. However, it does have a more complicated installation process because it requires grout. This is something you don’t need to worry about with laminate and vinyl. However, with grout installation, you don’t need to worry about water getting trapped underneath. Ceramic tile also has a more natural look which can make it more aesthetically pleasing. Tile does tend to be more mass produced which means you don’t get the same unique look with it. You are also likely to pay a lot more for ceramic tiles because the material cost is higher. There are ways to get ceramic tile cheaper though and you can typically find it even at budget prices. The tile is very secure and it’s well insulated as far as sound is concerned.
