When it comes to floor coverings, there are many factors to consider. While LVT may be more durable and less expensive, laminate is cheaper and quieter. Despite the differences in these factors, LVT still comes out on top. Read on for the facts about these two popular types of flooring. You may even end up deciding to install both types in your home! But how do you know which one is best for your home?
LVT flooring is more resilient
When it comes to resilient flooring, the three most common choices are Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), Wood Plastic Composite, and Stone Plastic Composite. These materials all feature waterproof UV top coats, but they differ in the inner core. Here’s an overview of the different types. To understand how resilient floors differ, consider their benefits. For starters, resilient floors are a better choice than traditional hardwood, which lacks give. They also offer excellent sound absorption and warmth. And unlike hardwood, they don’t expand or contract, so they don’t need to be replaced every few years.
Despite its resistance to wear and tear, LVT flooring is still susceptible to denting, cut, and gouge damage. That’s why manufacturers generally recommend ordering extra material for your project. This way, you can use it for short pieces and for more intricate design layouts. But when it comes to resilience, LVT flooring is an excellent choice. Moreover, it’s cost-effective. It’s more durable than traditional hardwood, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas and rooms with a lot of moisture.
LVT flooring is less expensive
While LVT flooring is less expensive than laminate, it doesn’t have the same environmentally friendly attributes. Both are made of PVC, which is not the greenest material available. However, the PVC-based composition does offer some advantages. This material is durable, has an extended warranty, and is warmer underfoot. It is also less noisy and more generous than laminate. The following pros and cons of LVT flooring will help you decide if it’s right for your home.
In addition to being more affordable, LVT flooring has several advantages over laminate. Some types are 100% waterproof. In addition, many of them are easy to install, even by a do-it-yourselfer. The installation process is relatively straightforward and does not require special cleaning products. LVT is also easier to clean, and it requires no special maintenance. It can be easily maintained with a regular cleaner. The durability of these floors makes them the better choice for homes with young children or pets.
LVT flooring is more hygienic
Regular maintenance is vital to keeping your LVT floors looking fresh and hygienic. LVT needs to be mopped daily with a mild cleaning product like traditional vinyl flooring. Neutral peroxide cleaners are preferred as they do not contain harsh chemicals and are safer for the environment. In addition, these cleaners are safe for most surfaces, including LVT. They also disinfect while cleaning. Regular maintenance also includes cleaning up spills as soon as they occur, significantly reducing the likelihood of slip and fall accidents.
One of the most common concerns about commercial floors is dirt and spills. Commercial LVT floors are subject to extra wear and tear due to chairs and tables. For this reason, walk-off mats should be installed. Additionally, floor castors are a great option to protect LVT from the wear and tear caused by chairs and tables. Using these products also helps you prevent scratches in the flooring. While commercial flooring can be difficult to maintain, LVT is easier to clean than traditional floor surfaces.
LVT flooring is quieter
Compared to laminate, luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is much quieter. This is due to the foam-backed qualities of the flooring, which absorb noise and doesn’t make as much noise. Laminated floors, however, require the underlayment to dampen the noise. In addition, laminate can creak and squeak. In contrast, LVT won’t creak, even if the installation is not perfect or if the subfloor is uneven.
However, it is essential to note that there are varying levels of quality with LVT and that it is not entirely soundproof. Because of the underlayment used in many LVT installations, noise is still an issue, particularly in traditionally carpeted areas. Depending on the underlayment you use, LVT is significantly quieter than laminate. As such, you can’t rely on the noise-damaging qualities of this flooring to make it perfect for a home theatre.
LVT flooring is better for pets
The benefits of luxury vinyl tile over other types of flooring are numerous. This type of flooring mimics the look of traditional tile. It is also easy to clean and resistant to stains and scratches. There are also many different colors, designs, and textures. LVT flooring is also more affordable than other types of flooring and is also better for pets. It also mellows the sound of your pets’ claws.
Vinyl sheet flooring is a good choice for homes with pets because it does not have seams or grout. It also looks and feels like wood, stone, or tile. Some designs even look like natural wood. It is also available in realistic hardwood and natural stone styles. You can also find vinyl sheet flooring with diamond 10(r) Technology, which provides superior scratch resistance and repels spills and soil. Choosing LVT is an intelligent investment for any home with pets.