Shopping for new flooring in St Helens?
After doing some research, two of your top contenders may be laminate and vinyl.
Both are great options, offering longevity, value for money and countless other benefits for you to enjoy.
But which is right for your home?
Here, our flooring experts discuss the pros and cons of each option, to help you decide the best fit for your home.
Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is the closest alternative to natural hardwood and is made from multiple layers to provide moisture defence, structural strength and guaranteed protection from daily wear and tear.
Pros of laminate flooring
Laminate is the go-to for many people looking to spruce up the floors in their homes, for many reasons, including:
- It’s affordable – If you like the look of hardwood floors but aren’t a fan of the eye-watering price tag, laminate flooring will be perfect for you, and you can achieve the look you crave for a fraction of the price!
- It’s versatile – There are many different shades and patterns of laminate flooring available, so you’re bound to find something that fits in with the rest of your home.
- It’s easy to maintain – Taking care of laminate flooring is easy, and great for those with busy lives who don’t have the time to spend mopping and hoovering up constantly. All it takes is a quick once-over with a slightly damp mop, once or twice a week, to keep it looking like new!
Cons of laminate flooring
Although laminate flooring is a great option, it doesn’t mean it comes without its drawbacks.
One of the biggest disadvantages of laminate flooring is that it’s highly susceptible to water damage.
Laminate can tolerate some water, but it shouldn’t be left to pool on the surface, as it could seep below and damage sensitive core layers.
If you’re installing new flooring for your bathroom, kitchen, or in any other moisture-rich areas, laminate won’t be the best choice, and you should explore alternative options.
Laminate flooring can also be difficult to repair, and can’t be refinished if it’s looking a little drab.
Vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring became popular in the 70s and has remained in many of our homes ever since.
It’s made with synthetic materials and, similar to laminate flooring, is renowned for being cost-effective, durable and easy to maintain.
Pros of vinyl flooring
There are many reasons why people opt for vinyl flooring, including:
- It’s moisture resistant – Unlike laminate flooring, vinyl is highly resistant to moisture, making it a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms and any other water-heavy areas.
- It’s easy to maintain – Much like laminate, vinyl flooring is super simple to maintain. All it needs is a wipe-over with a damp mop and mild cleaning solution once or twice a week to keep it looking fresh.
- There’s a variety of designs to choose from – Whether you’re looking for a hardwood replica or an eccentric pattern to stand out against the rest of your décor, you’re bound to find something you love.
Cons of vinyl flooring
Although vinyl flooring is one of the top flooring choices, it does come with a couple of disadvantages:
- Colours can fade – This happens due to being overexposed to direct sunlight and heat – meaning that vinyl may not be the best choice for areas like conservatories. In other areas though, there are things you can do (like placing blinds or curtains in particularly sunny areas) to prevent this from happening.
- It can get damaged easily – Vinyl material isn’t as sturdy as laminate or hardwood, for example, making it more prone to damage from sharp objects and heavy loads. Like laminate, vinyl can be difficult to repair, so keep this in mind when choosing your flooring.
- It’s not the best for the environment – Vinyl flooring is made out of plastic, which is a non-biodegradable material, meaning it will take a very long time to break down when you get rid of it – causing harmful chemicals to be released into the atmosphere.
Need help choosing the perfect flooring in St Helens?
Torn between laminate and vinyl?
Want to know more about the features and benefits before you start shopping?
Our flooring experts at LJV can help.
Here at LJV, we stock a stunning range of high-quality vinyl and laminate flooring in St Helens and would be more than happy to run through your options to help you choose the perfect flooring for your home. We can even show you samples to help you visualise which colours will work best in your rooms!
Give us a call today on 01942 369 017 to find out more, or drop us an email and we’ll be in touch with further details.