Laminate vs Luxury Vinyl Tiles

With both of these flooring options having their own place in the flooring world and having very similar properties, sometimes it’s hard to distinguish the two and understand what makes them different. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Let’s have a look at laminate and luxury vinyl tiles, so you can make an informed decision when you’re looking for your next flooring. 

Laminate

Let’s start with an old favourite. Since it’s invention in the 1970s, laminate has gone from strength to strength and it one of the most common floor types in homes today. Laminate is a fantastic substitute for real wood but at a much lower price than its inspiration. It is made up of a number of layers, which are then topped with a photo image of the desired surface and finished with a sturdy protective layer. It also has a nice click in system when installing, so you don’t even need to worry about hiring a fitter, it’s easy enough to do it yourself. It is also very durable and is resistant to stains, scratches and water – great for rooms such as the kitchen! However it is not completely full proof against these, so just be aware of this! The other snag with laminate is that if it does get damaged, there’s no way to eradicate it and you’ll likely have to replace the whole thing if you want to get rid of them.

However one of laminate’s best qualities is that is so easy to keep clean and only needs a sweep and a mop a few times a week to keep it hygienic. It will also take a while for it to show the dirt, ideal if you’re not looking for too much upkeep! As well as this, it’s probably one of the most affordable choices on the flooring market. 

Luxury Vinyl Tiles

Vinyl has been used in households for many years, but it’s only recently that it’s been revolutionised to create the highly sophisticated luxury vinyl tiles of today which tell a completely different story. It has a protective wear layer, which makes it incredibly durable and is completely full proof against stains, scratches and water – so bathroom is the best room for this material! It can also be coupled up with under-floor heating, ideal for rooms you want to keep cosy like the kitchen or bathroom. With an easy cleaning routine and care free nature, luxury vinyl tiles are virtually unbeatable.

Overall, both of these products are excellent choices. Laminate is great if you need a cheap reliable fix, whereas luxury vinyl tiles are superb if you’re wanting to go that extra mile on durability and ease of maintenance.