Are you planning a kitchen remodel and wondering what type of flooring to choose? Laminate and luxury vinyl plank are two of the most popular flooring options in kitchen remodels. Let’s dive into how they are made, their differences, and their pros and cons. This will help you make the best choice for your dream kitchen, whether you’re planning kitchen remodeling in Long Beach, CA, or anywhere else!
Laminate Flooring: The Basics
Laminate flooring was invented in 1977 by the Swedish company Pergo as an alternative to hardwood floors. It consists of several layers fused under high heat and pressure. Here’s a breakdown:
- Underlayment: Can be cork or foam, acting as a vapor barrier, absorbing impact, evening out surface irregularities, and distributing moisture away from the bottom layer.
- Bottom Layer: A melamine or paper backer providing foundation and water resistance.
- Core Layer: The main part of the flooring, made of MDF (medium density fiberboard) or HDF (high density fiberboard).
- Pattern Layer: Created using a high-resolution 3D photograph of real, natural wood grain.
- Topcoat/Wear Layer: A mixture of aluminum oxide powder, melamine, and urethane, protecting against UV rays, abrasions, wear, and stains.
Popular brands include Pergo, Shaw, Mohawk, Armstrong, and Tarkett. The durability of laminate flooring is categorized by the Abrasion Rating System:
- AC 1: Light traffic (bedrooms or guest rooms)
- AC 2: Moderate traffic (living or dining rooms)
- AC 3: Heavy traffic (entryways)
- AC 4: Light commercial traffic (offices and cafes)
- AC 5: Heavy commercial traffic (department stores)
Luxury Vinyl Flooring: The Basics
Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), developed in Akron, Ohio, in 1926. About 40 million tons of PVC are produced each year for various products, including flooring. Here’s how luxury vinyl flooring is made:
- Underlayment: Can be cork or foam to even out subsurface irregularities.
- Bottom Layer: Rigid fiberglass backing.
- Core Layer: Provides structure, either SPC (stone plastic composite) or WPC (wood plastic composite).
- Pattern Layer: A high-resolution digital image of wood, stone, or tile.
- Topcoat/Wear Layer: A clear, urethane-based coating that resists scratches and stains.
Popular brands include Lifeproof, Shaw, Mohawk, Cali, and Armstrong. The thickness of the top layer determines its use:
- Standard Residential: 12-mil or thicker
- High-Traffic Residential: 20-mil or thicker
- Commercial: 28-mil or thicker
Key Differences Between Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Flooring For Your Remodel Project
- Appearance: Laminate is thicker and feels warmer and softer underfoot, but luxury vinyl can have deeper embossing for a more realistic look.
- Cost: Laminate is usually cheaper. For example, just last year waterproof Pergo laminate cost $2.69 per sqft, while Lifeproof vinyl cost $3.29 per sqft at Home Depot.
- Ease of Use: If you’re looking to stretch your DIY muscles, both have easy click-and-lock assembly.
- Acclimation: Laminate needs to acclimate for 48 hours before installation; luxury vinyl does not.
- Tools: Laminate is cut with a circular saw or table saw; luxury vinyl can be cut with a utility knife or saw.
- Installation: Laminate is typically a floating floor; luxury vinyl can be floating, loose lay, or glued down.
- Scratch Resistance: Luxury vinyl shows better scratch resistance, but neither is scratch-proof.
- Water Resistance: Both resist water on the surface, but laminate can swell if soaked, while luxury vinyl can be dried and reused.
- Uses: Water-resistant laminate can go anywhere, but non-water-resistant laminate should avoid wet areas. Luxury vinyl is waterproof and versatile.
- Care: Laminate should be cleaned with a dry or slightly damp mop; vinyl can be wet mopped.
- Fire Resistance: Both can catch fire, but vinyl gives off strong fumes.
- Lifespan: Both last 10-20 years with proper care.
- Health Concerns: Both use resins and glues that can off-gas, which may be a concern for sensitive individuals.
- Environment: Laminate can use recycled material but isn’t fully recyclable; luxury vinyl can be recycled but may not be economically attractive.
Laminate and luxury vinyl flooring are affordable, DIY-friendly options for your kitchen remodel. Both have their pros and cons, so consider your specific needs, budget, and preferences. If you're looking for professional assistance, contact Shore Construction and one of our dedicated team members will walk you through the next steps for your project.
About Shore Construction:
Shore Construction is a fully licensed general contractor that specializes in luxury custom kitchen and bathroom remodels. For 40 years, we’ve served as contractors based in Long Beach, CA, and have provided kitchen and bath remodeling services to clients in Naples and Belmont Shore to coastline estates from Palos Verdes to Huntington Beach.
