Understanding the Different Types of Flooring
Flooring is such an important selection when it comes to design, but not just for aesthetics, we walk on it daily, so it has to serve a functional purpose as well. The goal for this blog is to alleviate some of the confusion when it comes to different flooring products and explain them from both a design as well as functional standpoint. We won't talk about Tile here, but tile is an amazing product that can be used virtually anywhere.
Vinyl
Often the most cost effective, Vinyl often comes in planks or squares. It is a thin material that is good in areas that could see some water, it is also pretty resilient, but it lacks aesthetic appeal in a lot of cases. There are some new vinyl products that are actually very impressive aesthetically but not as common so you will need to visit some flooring suppliers to find them, most hardware stores do not have great selections. Vinyl is typically very thin, about an ⅛” in the thickness and is glued down. It is advised that the product be adhered to smooth plywood, underlayment, such as ACX plywood. Vinyl is good for laundry rooms, bathrooms, or loft areas. It is resistant to water and good for kids bathrooms that take a beating.
Laminate
Laminate is a great product and used to take a lot of heat for squeaks, buckling, separating, etc. However, in recent years the technology for how the boards are joined together has improved tremendously. Some of the top products preferred these days are laminates. It is the best “bang for your buck” in my opinion and there are some really great aesthetically appealing products out there. It is important to note that laminate is a veneered floor product that is typically applied to a pressboard or mdf-like material. It is also a floating floor product, meaning that it is not nailed or glued down. It is designed to be this way so that it can adjust to heat changes throughout the different seasons, as well as be able to “move” if needed. This shouldn’t be cause for concern, as long as it is installed properly, seams expanding, buckling, warping, etc should not occur. Laminates are very durable and are typically around a ½” in thickness, ideal for areas that have a lot of foot traffic.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Luxury Vinyl Plank is also a great product, it also comes in “tile” shapes as well. LVP is a thinner material, about ¼”, that is a veneered product on a durable and rigid vinyl board. It is great against water since it does not have wood products that are more susceptible to water damage. It should be noted though that NO flooring is truly waterproof, some may be better at water resistivity, but enough water on any floor will damage it and the subfloor. LVP is often glued down and is extremely tough, it can be used in high traffic areas. One thing to consider is its thickness, some LVPs don’t feel very substantial when you walk on them because they are thinner. I like a thicker flooring, but that is personal preference. LVP differs from laminate in that it is often thinner, made of vinyl versus mdf-type products, and is often glued down; it can also be floated but refer to the installation instructions from the manufacturer.
Engineered Hardwood (EH)
Typically engineered hardwood (EH) is the most expensive. It is a veneered flooring that has a plywood underlayment to each board. It is best to glue and/or nail it during install. The aesthetic appeal and durability are top notch when it comes to engineered hardwood. You often cannot beat it’s aesthetic “stamps” or wood grain. Laminate products, although improving, do not give off the same aesthetic “wood look” that EH does. While this is a plus, you will likely pay for it.