There is a variety of flooring that can be installed for your Boynton Beach home remodeling, one of the most popular being imitation wood flooring. There are also different types of imitation wood to consider as well. In this article, Platinum Sand Construction will breakdown two common types of imitation wood flooring, vinyl and laminate, so you can determine which one will work better for your remodeling project.
Solid Hardwood vs Imitation Wood
Solid hardwood flooring tends to more desirable than imitation wood flooring, but one isn’t necessarily better than the other. It just depends on what you value. Imitation wood is typically less expensive, however, solid hardwood has a longer lifespan. On the other hand, solid hardwood flooring may warp in humid, damp conditions whereas imitation wood has good resistance to warping. It’s important that you determine what matters most to you so there won’t be any buyer’s remorse.
Popular Types of Imitation Wood Flooring
The combination of types, colors, patterns, and sizes of imitation wood flooring are numerous. However, here are two popular types of imitation wood floor we install for our South Florida clients that you should know about when selecting a flooring material.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring (also referred to as ‘resilient flooring’) is a flexible and durable material that doesn’t require maintenance. Althought it is a synthetic, Vinyl can look just like wood. It contains numerous layers, including a foam backing cushion layer that makes it soft underfoot.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is made of individual stiff planks that can be snapped together. The laminate planks are installed over a thin underlayment pad which acts as a moisture barrier. These layers are glued to a core of compact wood fibers. The top ‘pattern layer’ (sometimes known as the ‘image layer’) is what makes the laminate look like wood and is coated with a plastic resin to protect it.
Vinyl and Laminate Flooring Installation
Installation wise, vinyl may seem easier because it’s similar to tile, but precision may become tricky when you need to cut individual pieces to cover the area. Vinyl sheets come in 6-foot and 12-foot widths. Installing them requires skills to ensure a good fit around the corners. So, snapping laminate wood planks together is less challenging to place on the floor which is why laminate may seem like the better option if it’s a DIY project.
Vinyl is a good choice for bathrooms as it’s nearly waterproof. Laminate flooring is good to use for your living or dining room, however, there are less options available. When it comes to design, vinyl offers various colors and patterns, cut into pleasantly shocking swirls and stripes. As for value, there isn’t much difference between the two. It depends on how many areas you’re trying to cover.
Find the Right Flooring for Your Home Remodeling
There isn’t one “best” flooring type because every renovation project is different. Before selecting a flooring material, make sure to discuss with your home renovation specialist your needs, style preference, and budget. They can help you find the right flooring for your home remodeling to ensure you’re happy with the finished result.
Schedule a flooring consultation with Platinum Sand Construction to get beautiful new floors for your South Florida home!
