The differences between laminate and vinyl are differences that can be measured for each flooring product. Laminate cannot necessary be installed in areas where vinyl can be installed. Vinyl can be installed almost anywhere and is moisture resistant where laminate is not necessary moisture resistant and can only be installed in certain places.

Laminate flooring specifications is considered a luxury vinyl plank and is comparable in looks and installation of the product.  Laminate has a very hard durable surface that is resistant to scratches and fading. It is very durable product that is made up of wood by products that is bonded with glues.   There is a hardwood like transparent barrier that projects the main layer.

Vinyl flooring specifications are made of a material that is a 100% synthetic. It product is made up of fiberglass, PVC and other plastics.    The main layer is a sheet that is printed and has multiple wear layers that are applied for a long lasting product.

 

Appearance

Vinyl flooring is made to look like realistic.  It can resemble wood floorings and is sometimes mistaken for Laminate flooring.  Laminate flooring and luxury vinyl flooring are also very comparable in appearance.  Laminate flooring will look more like hardwood, stone, ceramics and other materials.  The selection of laminate is endless for any project.  Laminate is a popular flooring product because it can look like many different products at a fraction of the cost of other flooring products.

 

Water and Heat Resistant

Laminate flooring is a product made of fiberboard.  The core is mostly wood by product and will soften if it is exposed to a lot of water.   The inner core of the fiberboard will not go back to its original shape if it is exposed to water and then dries. There are times that the main layer of the laminate will wear and peel if the product has too much moisture.  The downfall of this is that if the product gets too much water it will all have to be replaced.  If the flooring is properly installed, homeowners will rarely experience this as an issue related to moisture problems. Vinyl floors today are made with 100% polymer materials. Luxury vinyl flooring can be submerged in water for long periods of time and dried while retaining the shape of the plank.  Vinyl planks are often used in bathrooms where there is moisture. Vinyl Plank is often used in areas such as basements, bathrooms and washrooms due to the moisture resistant features of the product.

Maintenance and Durability

Laminate Flooring is very durable and a low-maintenance product.  Laminate may delaminate over time if it is exposed too much water.  If laminated is scratched it will not be able to be repaired and will eventually have to be replaced.  Vinyl flooring is also low-maintenance and can delaminate overtime. The individual self-sticking tiles can also loosen over time. Vinyl over all is a product that is a little more durable then laminate and can with stand longer due to the characteristics of the product.

 

Lifespan

Laminate flooring has a range from 10 to 25 year and is tied to the care and maintenance of the product where vinyl warranties range up to 20 years. Laminate is probably the best product to install if care and maintenance can be completed to the specs of the manufacture.

 

Resale Value in Installed Homes

Both products compare basically the same when installed in a home.  Vinyl and laminate do not match the value of true hardwood.  Vinyl and laminate will not distract buyers when they are looking at a home they are thinking about purchasing.  Some homeowners even prefer vinyl and laminate due the durability of the products and the look and feel of the products because the product can look like hardwood.  The cost of both products is also comparable.   When homeowners are looking for vinyl or laminate, it usually becomes a personal choice that they are looking for that will meet the needs of their flooring project.

 

If you are looking for a flooring product that is durable, economical, vinyl flooring or laminate flooring, you can select from a wide variety of vinyl or laminate flooring products that will make any room stand out.  Both will cost nearly the same and are just as easy to install.  If you are looking for the right vinyl flooring or laminate flooring product, contact Laminate Flooring Fort Collins today to discuss your next flooring project.

Are you a homeowner that is looking to have new flooring installed?  Are you trying to decide how to find the right flooring contractor? Do you have questions about flooring?

Today many homeowners are searching for a flooring contractor that has the qualifications to install the flooring. Homeowners also have a lot of questions that they are looking to get answered about their flooring project.

 

Selecting the right flooring is a major decision as well as selecting the right flooring installer.  When hiring a professional flooring installer, you want to make sure your questions are answered related to your project to make sure you hired the right flooring installer. The one question many homeowners ask themselves is “Where do I find the right flooring contractor to install my flooring?”

Below is a list of things to ask and check for when selecting your flooring contractor.

1. Verify flooring contractor is licensed and insured

This is a very easy question homeowners can ask and is often a question that is missed when talking to flooring contractors.  With so many different flooring products and do-it-yourself manuals, floors can be installed by anyone these days.  A professional flooring contractor installs flooring correctly when novice flooring installers seem to miss finalizing decisions that a professional flooring contractor always catches.

Homeowners sometimes break the budget when upgrading flooring when they find a flooring product that is more expensive and more desirable than the flooring that that initially wanted. This is when the homeowner looks for ways to save on the installation cost of the flooring.   The area that homeowners often try to save costs on is the area when selecting the flooring contractor.

The installation is actually the most important part of the flooring.   Using professional flooring installers is always the best option. Using professional flooring contractors that are licensed and insured will guarantee that you are going to get a quality installation that is guaranteed.  Licensed contractors often offer warranties on their service in case there may be settling issues or other minor issues related to the flooring.

2. Get at least three installation quotes

Flooring contactors can provide “deals” when installing flooring.  Don’t fall for the “flooring deals” that they offer which many homeowners fall for.  You might see these deal that are offered when you are searching for a flooring contractor.  Sometime these offers are always too good to be true which costs the homeowners in additional costs.  

Companies don’t stay in business by offering unbelievable deals.  They look for ways that they can charge homeowners on services and products. Make sure to get the offer in writing to ensure that you can see the breakdown of the products and installation to make sure there are no hidden costs.

3. Ask a lot of questions

If you have questions you want to ask, write them down so you can remember all the questions you want answered.  Continue to write down more questions if you still have questions.  Professional flooring contractors will answer all your questions while ensuring you are completely happy before they start the project.

A novice flooring contractor will more than likely get agitated with all the questions. They will try to impress you with the sale or deal and spin the answer into something you don’t understand.  They will try to get you to sign the contract quickly.

Here is a list of questions to ask.

• How much time will it take to complete the project?
• What types of issues may happen during the project?
• What is the best flooring for my project?
• What type of maintenance should I do for the flooring? 

These are only a few examples to help you start your list of questions for your flooring project.

4. Investigate and check contractors

Today most businesses can be easily checked and verified on the internet.  Check to see if they have a business website, Facebook business page or if they have reviews from previous installations.   If the business is a viable business, they want to make sure that their customers are happy. Happy customers are repeat customers and provide positive reviews for their business.

If the company has been around for a while, you will be able to see the history of the business and how previous customers respond to reviews.  After a little investigation and chatting with the flooring contractor, you will quickly be able to decide on the direction you should hire for your flooring project.

Experienced flooring contactors make happy homeowners

Flooring products today make it easy for almost anyone to install flooring.  To ensure that you are happy with your flooring for years, make sure to hire a flooring contractor that will install the flooring the right way.  Make sure to ask questions and check the contractor.   Do your due diligence when looking for the right contractor.  Skimping out and not checking contractors may cost you in the long run.  When looking for the right contactor, it can be an easy process if you have all your tasks and questions lined up. All you have to do is following simple rules when looking for the right contractor.  Following simple rules can guarantee that you find the right flooring contractor while saving you time and money on your project. Remember flooring contractors that are reluctant to answering questions can be a sign that they are not experienced in flooring installation. Flooring projects are big projects and big investments, taking your time on your flooring project will guarantee that you will be happy with your flooring installation and the flooring contractor that you hired to install your flooring. If you still have questions and are looking for a Hardwood Flooring Overland Park contractor, Contact Overland Park Flooring today to discuss your flooring installation project.