Genuine hardwood makes gorgeous flooring, but it can be costly and a lot of work to maintain. That’s one reason why luxury vinyl and laminate flooring are soaring in popularity! Wood look flooring products get better every year, not only in technological advances but also in realistic appearance and in the variety of styles and patterns they offer!

The Case for LVP

Today’s vinyl flooring is strong, durable and moisture resistant! There are also waterproof versions available. It’s sometimes sold as small luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), but with the trend toward ever-larger planks and products that look remarkably like natural hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP) dominates the market.

Laminate is installed as a floating floor; it’s not glued down. It’s not a difficult install for a strong DIYer, and professional installation is affordable.

Laminate is water resistant but not waterproof, although water resistance has vastly improved in some of the more recent offerings. Still, it’s best to wipe up any spills immediately, and laminate is generally not a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

Pros of laminate:

· Laminate is reasonably priced, easy to install and requires little maintenance.

· The product is available in a stunning variety of colors and patterns, many of which look like genuine wood!

· Laminate is strongly resistant to scratches and dents.

· It has a soft feel and is comfortable to stand on.

Cons of laminate:

· Laminate is not waterproof. Though a spill won’t hurt it, it can warp with extended exposure to water.

· As with LVP, there is a wide range of products of varying quality. It’s best to stick with top products from reputable manufacturers.

Laminate vs Vinyl Flooring: Which is Right for My Home?

In many cases, it’s a matter of personal preference! Both can be cost effective options–both for purchase and installation. Neither has the maintenance requirements, such as waxing and refinishing, that hardwood does. Both are cleaned mostly with dry methods such as brooms, dust mops and vacuums. Both have a life span of 15-25 years depending on the quality of the product and the usage it gets. The price ranges are similar.

Here are some factors to consider if you’re undecided between the two:

· LVP is waterproof and is the better choice for kitchens and bathrooms. It’s often preferred by people with pets.

· Laminate tends to be softer, quieter and a little more comfortable to walk on.

· LVP can easily be wet cleaned, which is more difficult with laminate, because it shouldn’t be left damp.

· Laminate is slightly more scratch-resistant, though both are less likely to scratch than hardwood.

Trends in LVP and Laminate

Printing technology is constantly improving, leading to better and more realistic choices in colors and patterns. Also, wear layers are getting thicker and better, which preserves the pattern longer.

There are several design trends we’re seeing in 2023:

· Planks continue to get larger and wider.

· While grays are still popular, there’s a movement toward warmer tones that include light browns, beiges and taupes.

· There’s often less beveling for smaller seam lines and a more open look.

· There’s a movement toward smoother wood patterns with fewer knots.

· With many offerings, there’s more variety of patterns in each box, leading to less pattern repetition.

Whether you keep up with the latest design trends or just choose a floor that satisfies your own unique tastes, you’re sure to find LVP or laminate flooring that will enhance the beauty of your home!