Laminate vs Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring | Everything you need to know!
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- čas přidán 19. 06. 2024
- Laminate and luxury vinyl flooring are two of the most popular flooring options in residential construction. In this video, we’re going to look at how they are made, their main differences as well as their pros and cons.
Link to my Patreon page: / belinda_carr
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:16 Laminate flooring
2:40 Luxury vinyl flooring
5:08 Sponsored
5:50 Differences
7:03 Installation
9:26 Conclusion
Laminate flooring consists of several layers fused together under high heat and pressure.
- The underlayment can be cork or foam. It acts as a vapor barrier, absorbs impact, evens out any surface irregularities, and distributes moisture away from the bottom layer of the flooring.
- The bottom layer is a melamine or paper backer that provides foundation and water resistance.
- The core layer is the most important and largest part of the flooring. It is made of MDF or medium density fiberboard or HDF which is high density fiberboard.
- The pattern layer. It is created using a high resolution 3D photograph of real, natural wood grain.
- The topcoat or wear layer which is a mixture of aluminum oxide powder, melamine and urethane.
Now let’s look at how luxury vinyl planks are made. Vinyl or polyvinyl chloride or PVC was developed in Akron, Ohio in 1926 by blending it with various additives. It soon became the world’s third-most widely produced synthetic polymer of plastic. The basic raw materials for PVC are derived from salt and oil. Electrolysis of salt water produces chlorine. Chlorine is then combined with ethylene that has been obtained from oil. The resulting element is ethylene dichloride, which is converted at very high temperatures to vinyl chloride monomer. These monomer molecules are polymerized forming polyvinyl chloride resin.
The layers of luxury vinyl flooring are similar to those of laminate flooring.
- The underlayment can be cork or foam. It evens out any subsurface irregularities.
- The bottom layer or backing can be made of rigid fiberglass.
- The core layer provides structure. It can either be SPC or stone plastic composite which is made of calcium carbonate, PVC and plasticizers or WPC or wood plastic composite which is made of a PVC mixture and wood flour.
- The pattern layer is a high resolution digital image of wood, stone or tile.
- The topcoat or wear layer is a clear, urethane based coating that makes the floor scratch and stain resistant.
Ease of use - They are both DIY friendly and affordable with an easy click and lock assembly. The tongue of one plank is fitted into the groove of another at an angle and folded down. This draws the boards together.
Acclimate - Laminate flooring needs to acclimate to the inside of a home for at least 48 hours before installation. It has to get used to the new temperature and humidity levels to avoid expansion or contraction. Vinyl flooring doesn’t need to acclimate at all.
Tools - Laminate flooring is cut with a circular saw or table saw. Luxury vinyl can be scored with a utility knife, bent back and snapped into two. It can also be cut with a circular saw or table saw.
Scratch resistance - The scratch resistance of laminate flooring depends on the thickness of the top layer and ac rating, which we discussed earlier. Luxury vinyl shows better scratch resistance.
Water resistance - Water puddled on the surface of this laminate flooring and did not penetrate the top coat. Luxury vinyl showed the same water resistance.
Uses - New, water resistant laminate flooring can be installed anywhere in a building, but flooring that isn’t water resistant shouldn’t be used in bathrooms, mudrooms or kitchens. Luxury vinyl is waterproof and can be installed anywhere.
Fire resistance - The foam underlayment on laminate caught on fire easily and melted away. The MDF core charred but didn’t burn. Vinyl flooring melted and gave off very strong fumes.
Health concerns - They also use phenol formaldehyde resins and glues that off-gas. In high concentrations, this can be a serious health concern.
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SOURCES:
• How Laminate is Made
• How It's Made: Luxury ...
• 6 Ways to Cut Vinyl Pl...
• How to Install Pergo L...
• Cut Laminate Flooring ...
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#laminate #vinyl #flooring #diy #luxuryvinyl - Věda a technologie
If you're looking for a gorgeous, natural flooring product that doesn't off-gas, check out HempWood: czcams.com/video/3Qy6awPeric/video.html
Thankyou Belinda.. I will... that was one of my considerations... I simply don't like mdf. too many toxic issues.
Great video! Can you please mention if HempWood can be used in a basement? I’m trying to avoid off-gas products.
IIRC, you mentioned that Hempwood is quite sensitive to moisture, so I presume that means one shouldn't really consider it in high humidity locations. Do you know of any other non off-gassing materials that do better in high humidity environments?
You always reach my expectations... Great video as always.... Well detailed and researched... Great
@@parasharkchari hardwood or bamboo maybe
This is the most thorough comparison between between vinyl and laminate flooring I have seen. I'm looking to remove the carpet from my house and this has been very informative.
I was humbled by this video as someone who was prepared to go down the rabbit hole doing research, this video was stunningly cohesive and informative, thanks for your time and have a good day
I installed Mohawk water resistant laminate flooring in 4 bedrooms and a hallway. Got it cheap feom Costco . Before I installed it, I placed half of plank in a bucket of water and let it sit there for half a day. I removed it and let it sit for a day. It was absolutely untouched. I could not tell where it has been immersed in the water. I also put 2 planks together and put water on them overnight. Checked them in the morning and all looked perfect . Zero damage. I also took the scratchiest chair and sat on it and tried for scratch the heck out of it on purpose and could not make 1 scratch on that floor. So, Mohawk laminate is super strong and it’s way more than water resistant .
Thanks Belinda for explaining the difference and the importance of getting the correct rated product for the area it’s being applied to.
Your thorough insights and explanations are so helpful! Watching these helps me feel a lot more confident about the DIY projects I undertake. Thanks so much!😊
In my old house, I had the HVAC on the first floor and didn’t do proper maintenance for a couple years. As a result, the unit started leaking water from the AC. I would hear a drip every now and then, but thought it was in my head. Eventually, I would walk by the closet where the HVAC was and found the floor was saturated. Eventually the LAMINATE floor started to buckle wherever the water spread. Basically all the water was sitting under the laminate for a long time. I had tried out vinyl plank flooring for one of the bedrooms a year before and was really impressed with it. So I bought Lifeproof vinyl plank flooring for the entire first floor. It literally felt nice to walk on, it looked good, and most importantly, it was waterproof. Plus there’s a 5 year warranty on the floor. It was a really good investment. It was one of the things that helped me sell my house for double what I bought it for after 1 day on the market (it was my first house I had for a decade). I did end up upgrading to a newer, nicer place, but I miss my old house. I did a ton of projects upgrading everything. My new place doesn’t need anything. But next time I buy a place, I’m going for a project house. I’m pretty sure a project house will keep you living longer.
True about laminate's water intolerance. I rented out my apartment for 3 years to a woman with a child. When I moved in, some of the laminate was bloated.
The most comprehensive and non biased reviews I have found about construction projects. Thank you!
I've used both wood laminate and vinyl plank in two separate houses. Both have held up really well. The vinyl is harder to cut but has the benefit of being truly waterproof. The only placed I've ever glued anything was vinyl plank onto stairs. Taking the underlay off was a huge pain but the results were nice. Such a nice video, Belinda! Keep up the great work!
Beautiful and smart! I was actually going to buy laminate flooring next week but now I'm changing it to luxury vinyl. Thanks!!!
I’m soooooo grateful I found your channel. This is my favorite way to learn about materials in more depth.
This channel is a great source of knowledge, I have zero experience on these topics, yet you made it so easy to understand. I deeply appreciate your efforts to share this knowledge with the rest of us. Thank you very much and keep up with the good work.
Just stumbled onto your channel and had to comment; I'm blown away by the breadth, quality of information and presentation of you video. You're a real pro at this.
Thank you for this! Easily the best video I've seen explaining the differences. We have vinyl in our house now and have been extremely happy with it. We've been trying to decide what to get in our new house and almost went with laminate but I think vinyl is definitely the way to go. Thank you!!
Thank you Belinda!! I just installed luxury vinyl in one of our bathrooms, and am getting ready to install some laminate in one of our bedrooms. Understanding how each one is made, their characteristics and pros & cons really helps.
I've put in thousands of square feet of laminate in rental properties and have never ever been tempted to put it in a bathroom
I run a kennel with hundreds of dogs every year. I also have a rental. I installed TrafficMaster textured vinyl floating plank with tongue and groove glue strip. (Whew! That is a mouthful.) I have been using it for 6 years and it seems nearly indestructible. It is swept and mopped multiple times everyday and is still in excellent condition.
We foster 4 our animal shelter which means lots of animals & lots of accidents. We're replacing our carpet but w what is the ?. My friend said not to get lv bc hers buckled but i think it was not installed properly & maybe the newer lv has better water proofing tech. Ty 4 sharing ur exp bc it truly helps people like me (that also have a zoo).
I can’t wait for your linoleum video! Most people sleep on it due to the design insanity of the 70’s, but it’s an exceptionally sustainable product
I agree. I just won't use plastic flooring. Obviously new wooden planks would be impossibly expensive, but lino, while not super-cheap, is much less expensive. Linseed oil and cork or sawdust - can't get much more sustainable than that. And none of the awful click-clack noise of laminate when you walk on it. I detest the sound of that garbage.
Natural cork, FSC-certified solid bamboo flooring with low-VOC resins (much lower resin content than engineered floors anyway), even high-quality rubber in wet areas are all other alternatives.
I'd be interested in seeing a video on linoleum too. I've heard it's making a comeback because of the environment, but I wonder have they improved it since it's heydey.
Great video! My wife and I have been talking about replacing our carpet with one of the two options. I knew some of things from the video but still learned a lot. One thing I would add is that laminate flooring can dull saw blades due to the aluminum oxide being so hard. If I ever do a laminate install again, I am going to buy a purpose built laminate cutter.
Good points Belinda = you know your stuff and we appreciate a real professional.
Thanks for all your research and the excellent presentation! Your videos are always educational and enlightening and all the work that goes into them is very much appreciated!
Thanks I was just looking this up today. You are such a good presenter, your voice is clear, crisp and your diction is melodic.
I just LOVE your channel and your delivery! You always give concise, helpful and direct information. THANK YOU.
Thank you!!
Omg great review she broke it down step by step, i love the way you gave the name of each product so i didn't have to do research thank you so much.
My go to for unbiased, informed product reviews. I always learn so much and your approach is effortless. Feels like learning from a friend 💯 thanks Belinda 🙏🏿 you should be at 300k followers!!!
Appreciate how thorough you were with this video, thank you! You've answered several pressing questions I had 👍🏾👍🏾
This was very timely and informative. Easy to follow along. Thank you.
Excellent video. Very thorough comparison between laminate and Vinyl. Thanks for posting it.
I have 3 dogs and luxury vinyl was a game-changer for the look, resistance to wear and tear, and the waterproof is a game-changer. It is so easy to install, and the cost was comparable with laminate, so for me, it was a no-brainer. Thanks for the video, always very informative, well done.
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing!! We also have 3 dogs, 2 of which are large and have massive paws/nails which create huge gouges in our real wood floors.
Thank you. Excellent comparison. I found the difference in damage caused by water to be especially informative. It would be interesting to know how they compare in areas such as sounds acoustics, sound absorption, as well as walking/standing comfort.
Greatly appreciating the thorough testing you did for this video! Well done!!
Thank you Belinda, enjoyed your thorough explanation. Was a great help to our decision making. Well presented.
Thank you so much for sharing useful information on laminate and vinyl flooring. This will come in handy when I choose flooring material on our upcoming home improvement project. 🙂
I loved your way in explaining the differences between laminate and vinyl flooring
It was good to know the differences of the two materials. I just had both installed.
Hi, I really enjoyed this video review. I learned a lot about the differences between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring. Fantastic overview. I appreciate you time and knowledge.
Answered all my questions and changed my mind about the flooring I chose.thank you.
Such quality videos!
When I tell my friends about your researched content, I describe your videos as if the Valedictorian put together a presentation.
thanks a millions Ms.Belinda, i didn't know and can't decide laminated or vinyl for my floor but i do now, God Bless and keep up a good work.
I'm just installing laminate at the moment. If I had a bigger budget I'd go vinyl though. We are replacing vinyl that drastically failed but I think newer products are better than what we had previously. I do have a 15yr old laminate floor in my kitchen that has lasted incredibly well but it was a high end waterproof laminate.
Really great video.
Keep up the great work. Very informative plus entertaining. I am a contractor so I especially enjoy when you take a blowtorch to a product to see how quickly you can destroy it. :)
Thank you so much for this informative video. After watching, we now know that we will be going with the luxury vinyl flooring and which thickness to look for.
Belinda...great video! Concise, but very informative! It greatly assisted in helping me make a decision. Thank you!
Only 10-20 yrs? If you feel up for it, a video on different "wood"/"real wood" flooring costs vs. lifespan would be interesting. Great content on your channel.
Yes, I was surprised too. They have a limited lifetime warranty, but I doubt it covers much. I will make a video on real vs fake wood soon. Thanks!
@@BelindaCarr Looking forward to that video!
@@BelindaCarr i would love a video on engineered wood floors
The original oak hardwood in my house has been refinished at least once in its lifetime and still looks pretty good. Its 70 years old!
There's also the "opportunity cost of money" vs the "nominal cost". If real wood is $20k and LVP is $5k, then going with LVP means saving $15k. That money can be invested, and that investment will likely return in the neighborhood of $10k in 10 years, so an LVP replacement in 15-20 years will be "free" in a sense (of course, better to keep saving if possible if the LVP is in reasonable condition!).
Thanks for the video.
One important difference, at least to me, is the surface sound. The degree varied by brands, but laminate flooring consistently has a louder, more harsh sound when walked on or when things are slid across it. A lot more high frequencies to the sound profile.
Another is that LV planks will relax to fit the undulations on a floor surface, while laminate will just bridge the hollow spots. This makes for an unpleasant feel when walking across said hollows. It's particularly noticeable on concrete floors, which tend to not be as flat.
Great observation!
The core hardness is a big part of the noise difference. Vinyl is softer often used as a mass dampener and sound deadener. MDF and HDF are much more solid while vinyl has more give. I also much prefer the feel of the LV to the laminate.
@@ljprep6250 I'll go further & say that laminate makes me uncomfortable. Almost a fingernails on a chalkboard feeling. My son's last house had laminate throughout & I hated walking on that floor, shoes and no shoes.
@@frankpratt529 I agree with all of your points. Made the mistake of using it in my last house just to get it habitable again. I knew I wasn't going to like it. I didn't realize how much I was going to hate it. Dropping just a cable to the floor is like a mini gun shot. The coating applied to the surface... better not have wet boots or even wet bare feet. I'm an agile fit man and came close to busting my ass far to many times.
@@ShainAndrews There's gotta be something fundamentally different in the surface treatments on the two. LVP does not have that slippery when wet thing that laminate has, yet it cleans & sweeps easily.
Now THAT was an INCREDIBLE explanatory video on laminate and vinyl. Excellent job! Love the accent too :)
Sure wish I'd watched this before I bought my floor. Excellent information, thank you. I have laminate on my main level and vinyl going in my lower level as I write this.
i don't know how this video was suggested to me but this is great, i am just about to refloor my basement and the options for flooring are vast. This made some things more clear to me, Thanks!
Very helpful info, straight to the point without any chitchat.
Wow. This is one of the most detailed descriptions. Thank you.
This is such a great video. So detailed and provide so much information. Thank you!!
Thank you for the comparison.This did clear out a lot of questions I had on mind but also brought up a many new ones😀.. Still in the 'homework' phase and assessment with such information is going to have an impact
Wow, what an amazing video! I am planning to replace my floors so this knowledge is so useful! I am a fairly inquisitive person and I always like to dig a bit more and research in order to understand things in a bit more detail. Your video is exactly what I needed, necessary info explained in a clear and concise way! Than you so much!
Very helpful. I ordered vinyl not knowing the difference. Although I am concerned about VOCs, it seems to offer a better choice. Fortunately, I had my open beam ceiling siliconed recently, which will cut down on UV penetration into the bedrooms
Learned so much from your presentation. You are an excellent speaker and educator. You would make a good Chemistry Professor.
I've been researching laminate vs. vinyl for days now, and this one video just answered so many questions I had, and gave me so much additional information. Thank you so much!!
Were you able to find the average cost for materials and installation?
@@this2shallpass410 The range is huge here. I found products under $1 per sq. ft. and products at $15 per sq. ft. I think the most common price was about $3.50, materials only.
This in such a helpful and succinct explanation of the two products. Thank you so much!!
This video came out at just the right time! I'm thinking of covering up the ugly tile in my kitchen, bathroom and hallway but I was wondering what would be easiest to use (and remove since I live in a rental). Thank you for always making such interesting and helpful content!
Linoleum is nontoxic vs plastic floors too
I really enjoy the level of detail that you go into with your videos, I started binge watching and spent a few hours watching you. Great content!
Your video provides great info with great clarity, thanks a lot!
I wanted hardwood floors so bad because our new house came with wall to wall carpet but wasn’t able to afford it so we installed vinyl and we love it . We had two options use all of our savings to install hardwood throughout or use half of it to install vinyl , furnish the house and do some remodeling . I didn’t even bother to do engineered hardwood . I wanted to save for the real deal down the line . I don’t spend hours staring at my floor wishing it was hardwood . It cleans us nice and hold up to anything . Our 10yr plan is to convert the main floor to hardwood . I’ll pick vinyl over laminate any day . My parents have laminate in their kitchen and it doesn’t hold up. Another way to save on flooring in a house you’ll live in for a while , is to tile the kitchen and carpet or vinyl the bedrooms . Make sure the match the hardwood you have elsewhere . Vinyl is an amazing option while you save for hardwood
How much was the vinyl material and installation altogether?
As always, an excellent review for beginners and experts alike. Clear, concise, and correct information packed into an interesting presentation. Thank you for sharing our base of knowledge.
Your presentation is just outstanding ! Such level of detail no one has given ! God bless you, I subscribed. Good luck
Such a thorough and clear overview. Thank you!
We installed ceramic tile everywhere except for the two bedrooms. It was cheaper than the other flooring and looks amazing. We love our floor!
More flooring videos please . Love to have a bamboo and cork As one as well comparing these flooring systems compared to those flooring systems
Excellent review, informative, and helpful in my flooring buying decisions….(LVT, at least 12 mil, waterproof, and etc)
Excellent video! Love the technical details. I’ve lived with both products for years. Vinyl is more resilient in everyday residential use with family and pets. Laminate can scratch, chip and peel given years of living. All the best and continued success to you!
Thanks for making this clear and crisp explanation
Terrific video, very straightforward and to the point. LOVE the clips showing the industrial production- haven’t seen that elsewhere and fascinating-plus your showing a bit of the actual chemistry.
One point: we have nearly 35 year old laminate that is over due for replacement, and it has no photographic layer on top but a thin layer of actual wood veneer, similar looking to bamboo.
Or perhaps this is what’s called “engineered hardwood “ which might be a separate category altogether (?)
Nice work! You’d make a great professor.
Thank you for this video. Very helpful for learning about those kinds of flooring
Belinda excellent presentation! Thank you for reporting on the VOCs as I will be selecting a flooring solution for a live-in Van. Offgassing is an issue in such a tiny space so would love to hear a recommendation that has minimal to no VOCs.
Outstanding video. I learned a ton in 10 minutes.
Very interesting. I had luxury vinyl put in my condo over the tile. It looks amazing! I also have a dog and as much as he runs around, not 1 scratch !
Your video is very professional and informative. I hope that others will follow your example. Good job, please do other videos.
Outstanding work. Thank you. This has been very helpful.
I love tiles over either of these surfaces !
WOW..you are simply the Best!! So much details in your review. Thanks a lot!!
EXCELLENT VIDEO...
This is the Very BEST Video on this subject... "Brava"
I needed flooring after my carpet was ruined by something spilled. I went with luxury viny flooring. I'm very happy with it and no need to worry if a guest spills wine. It looks beautiful and so easy to care for. Thank you for the excellent video.
Is it scratch resistant or does it scratch easily?
Amazing video!!so comprehensive and easy to learn
That was a lovely video. Very nice explaining the difference.
I have used both in my rentals. Waterproof vinyl click and plank for the win!
Until you drop something...
This was a great video--so much information about each product. I learned a lot.
Highly appreciated. I'm ordering luxury vynil flooring trusting the sales person. It's nice to learn more about it.
I recently did lament and vinyl in my basement and actually preferred the lament
Excellent video...5/5. Getting ready to install LV in my basement but continue to do my due diligence incase I learn something new and I did in this video. Well explained and love the demo with the submersion in water and the burning of both products.
Thank you!
I've always had this question..thanks for the detailed video
Always so informative Belinda
Excellent, thorough, well-done!
You are an amazing and so knowledgeable human being! I am putting in flooring in my mobile home 350sqft. I am on a major budget and trying to find the least non toxic. It seems like Vinyl flooring would be the best options. I looked in to hemp, but over budget for me.
Great education on the two flooring types
I don't even know what your channel is about, but after seeing this video, I'm subscribing 😁 Thanks!
Good information, I installed vinyl flooring in several room.
Very informative and unbiased. Thank you.
Appreciated, clear and concise. Big hey from the U.K 😀
This was very informative!! Thanks for posting, great channel😻
Excellent post, thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the very informative video Belinda.
installed luxury vinyl plank and loved it.
We installed tons of luxury vinyl tile in a hospital I worked at. It held up very well.
I even put it in my old house. Always remember you get what you pay for!
Especially with Chinese plastic flooring