Laminate is made of wood byproducts.  Laminate is composed of several layers of rigid, high-density fiberboards that are laminated together into planks. The photographic image under the resin layer depicts the material you want, which is usually stone or wood

Luxury vinyl is a new innovation that is different from the vinyl composition tiles you may see in older homes.  Luxury Vinyl is made of several layers of resilient polyvinyl chloride (PVC) while the top layer is coated with urethane. Luxury vinyl comes in two forms:

  • Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)– These long planks can mimic the look of traditional hardwood floors. LVP can be installed either with a glue-down installation or a floating installation.
  • Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)– These attractive tiles come in a greater variety of lengths and widths compared to LVP. Therefore, it’s better suited for imitating materials like stone, granite, and concrete. However, they can also be made into wood-like tiles and rectangles. LVT can be installed either with a glue-down installation or a floating installation.
Though both Laminate and Luxury Vinyl allow you to save money compared to buying natural wood or stone, one has the definitive edge in savings as well as the pros and cons, see below:

Luxury Vinyl
  • Material $3.50 - $7 per square foot
  • Installation $3 - $4 per square foot

Pros
  • This material is generally smooth and 100% waterproof, making spills/accidents easy to clean
  • Cleaning them requires a light vacuum, consistent sweeping, and the occasional deep clean
  • Scratch-resistant surfaces make pet nail damage nothing to worry about.

Cons
  • Though it stands up well against pets, urine should still be cleaned up quickly since it isn’t impervious to smells.
Laminate
  • Material $2.50 - $4 per square foot
  • Installation $3 - $4 per square foot

Pros
  • Since it’s smooth on the surface, spills are easy to clean.
  • Cleanup is easy, requiring regular vacuuming, sweeping, and a little TLC with a specific cleaner
  • The top layer can be water and scratch-resistant when properly installed, making it tough against surface messes and nail scratches.

Cons
  • Since it isn’t waterproof, homeowners may want to train their puppies and kittens before installing
  • Pet urine can seep into any unsealed cracks and cause a lasting smell or even cause moisture damage to the fiberboard.
Here at Bisbee’s Flooring Center, we pride ourselves on being the area’s flooring experts! We service the Sun Prairie, McFarland, DeForest, Madison, Stoughton, Marshall, Waterloo, Deerfield, Cottage Grove areas. Stop by our showroom to find the perfect new floor for your home!