How Does Laminate Flooring Compare to Wood and Vinyl Flooring?
” There are several key differences between Laminate flooring and other types of hard flooring. The chart below compares laminate with wood and vinyl flooring: Laminate Flooring Wood Flooring • Durability: warp, rip and scratch resistant • Impact resistance: varies with quality, resists pressure of at least 4,250 lbs./square inch • Color: uniform throughout • Stain resistance: high • UV resistance: high • Ease of installation: easy, adapts to some irregularity • Wear layer warranty: up to 20 years • Great for high traffic areas like hallways, dens, and playrooms • Available in mix and match color styles for unique custom effects • Cost (per 400 square feet: ~$1,800-2,900 • Durability: can be refinished, lasts indefinitely • Impact resistance: varies a lot between species; oak is most resistant • Color: varies from strip to strip • Stain resistance: low, absorbs water • UV resistance: low, may fade or darken • Ease of installation: moderate, with easy floor prep • Wear layer warranty: n
