How does LVT compare with Laminate?

LUXURY vinyl tiles (LVTs) and planks have sometimes been compared with laminate flooring. So what’s the difference?

Laminate flooring is considered to be easy to install, but moisture or high humidity can easily affect the product if not controlled. The key point is successful control of relative humidity. The core of a laminate has been described as acting like a sponge, absorbing moisture causing it to expand. If there is not enough expansion in a room, the floor will buckle, or the joints of the laminate will squeak as you walk across it.

The biggest issue is when water is repeatedly applied to the seams they swell and lift, causing one ugly looking floor and permanent damage.

LVT, on the other hand, is a heavy duty vinyl floor, produced in individual tiles or planks. Think of it as a laminate floor without the major issues that water and moisture cause.

LVT products are generally made of highly moisture resistant PVC or virgin vinyl. This results in a floor that is easy to maintain and clean, highly durable and easy to install. An LVT can be fully glued down, or installed with glue less self-locking edge just like a laminate.

Laminate flooring and LVT are similar in that both have cost and durability advantages over such other solid-surface flooring choices as hardwood, ceramic or stone. Both imitate natural surfaces like wood or stone – or other flooring types for that matter.

Both are easier to maintain than wood or tile. For example, hardwood or engineered-wood floors may need refinishing, and some tile types may need resealing or re-grouting. Both can allow for repair by replacement of a damaged plank or tile. Both have wear layers. LVT may have a clear-vinyl and urethane coating to protect it.

LVT and laminate flooring: The differences:
They’re made out of different materials. Laminate flooring is made of layers.

The primary layer (the core) is made of high-density fibreboard (HFD). This gives laminate flooring its rigidity and strength. LVT is made in layers as well; its primary component is PVC vinyl, which makes LVT dimensionally stable and flexible.

They install differently. Laminate flooring is a floating-floor system that should never be nailed or glued to the subfloor. Some LVT products now offer a floating-floor approach to installation.

LVT installs traditionally as a glue-down system by the application of a separate adhesive or the use of peel-and-stick tiles or planks. They feel different. Because laminate flooring is made primarily from wood, it feels like wood. LVT is made out of vinyl and it feels like plastic.

They handle stains and flame differently. Laminate flooring is highly stain-resistant and will not be damaged by limited flame exposure, like a hot ember tossed through a fireplace screen. Some LVT is very susceptible to staining and will be damaged by limited flame exposure.

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Flooring Safety for your Dog

Flooring Safety for your dog and home

It might sound crazy but it’s not uncommon for dogs to require major surgery following an injury caused by simply slipping on smooth flooring at home. The most common injuries are bruises, pulled muscles and torn ligaments however serious bone and hip injuries can also occur. If your dog is young and excitable they are more likely to receive injuries many of which can affect them throughout their lives and cause problems such as arthritis in later years.

Fortunately there are several things we can do to ensure our homes are as safe as possible for our four legged family members:

1. Keep your dogs nails short – overgrown nails and toe fur can contribute to a dogs difficulty maintaining good contact with smooth surfaces and increase the likelihood of slipping

2. Keep your dog in shape – if your dog is a healthy weight there will be less pressure on his joints and walking will be easier. Feeding your dog a healthy diet of wholesome
nutritious food and taking them for regular exercise is essential for your dogs well being

3. Dry paw pads are often a cause for dogs having traction and slipping issues, unprotected contact with hot pavements, snow and sand can lead to the development of dry paw pads. When
the skin is overly dry it lacks the capability to grip and causes paws to slide across smooth surfaces. There are many pad moisturisers specifically designed for dried out paws now
on the market.

4. There are a number of products on the market which can make it easier for your pet to walk on slippery surfaces. Non-slip dog socks are an idea solution; they provide traction to
prevent slipping and ideal for older dogs who suffer from arthritis or hip dysplasia. If your dog will not keep socks on then there are self adhesive traction pads which can be
stuck directly onto your dogs paws.

5. Adding carpet runners or rugs to areas where your dogs spend a lot of time could be another solution; however please make sure rugs and runners are secured properly to avoid an
entirely new form of slipping!

Which Flooring do I choose ?

Flooring not only takes the brunt of our everyday activities they are also the starting place of our interior scheme; flooring can dictate the entire decor of a room. There is a lot of pressure to find the right flooring for your house this coupled with the vast amount of choice on the market can make it a minefield. Below we have listed some pros and cons of different flooring types.

Hardwood Flooring: Easy to maintain, long lasting, adds value to property — Noisy, expensive, prone to water damage, needs refinishing periodically, slippery

Carpet Flooring: Warm, non-slip, absorbs noise, soft, lots of design options — High level of maintenance (especially with pets), susceptible to allergens (dust mites, pet dander), prone to wear and tear

Bamboo Flooring: Durable, more affordable than hardwood, very sustainable product — Scratches easily, prone to water damage

Cork Flooring: Soft and warm underfoot, absorbs sound, very sustainable product — Discolours when exposed to sunlight, absorbs water, can be indented by heavy furniture

Laminate Flooring: Easy to install, affordable, easy to maintain, snap together — Slippery, short life, susceptible to water

Stone: East to maintain, long lasting, extremely durable, doesn’t date — Cold and Hard, unforgiving, slippery (especially when wet)

Vinyl: Affordable, good choice of designs, easy to install and clean — Colour fades in sunlight, made from non renewable materials, water spills can cause mildew

Floors for Paws – Pros

  • 25 year domestic warranty
  • 15 year commercial warranty
  • Exclusive scratch resistant double wear layer
  • Factory finished (no polish needed after installation)
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Free of harmful phthalate plasticizers: DOP, BBP, DBP, DnOP, DINP, DIDP
  • Deep grain anti-slip texture
  • Affordable
  • Child and Dog Friendly
  • 10% of every sale donated to the Dogs Trust

Cons

  • You may not stop at one room!