BREAKING DOWN HARDWOOD, LAMINATE AND SPC

Choosing a floor is not just about deciding colors and what flooring goes where in a home. Today there are so many different flooring types to choose from and each product provides something different to a space. We are going to go into the differences between hardwood, laminate and SPC and explain what projects are better for each.

HARDWOOD

There are two distinct categories of hardwood: solid and engineered hardwood. Hardwood flooring may be factory prefinished or unfinished, with the latter sanded and finished after it is put in place. A classic hardwood floor adds a warm feel to your space not only in feel, but because wood flooring is  an incredible insulator that retains heat, it can even give off warmth. Hardwood floors are resilient and long-lasting, meaning that with proper maintenance, they can last decades.

Unlike conventional hardwood, which comes directly from a tree and into your home, engineered hardwood is a more complex product that consists of several layers. The outermost is a hardwood veneer, a thin slice of wood (less than 1/8″) or other species (for example our Bamboo Series). The inner layers are made of plywood, high density fiberboard, or hardwood. The core layers make the product more stable than regular hardwood, while the outer veneer surface adds aesthetic and authenticity.

PROS

Durability

Able to withstand heavy foot traffic, quality hardwood floors are tough, hard-wearing, and have long term durability. These floors can last decades with proper care and maintenance. Some 100 year old homes still have their original hardwood installed and they are in great condition!

High Quality Product

Along with an elegant, high-end aesthetic, hardwood floors offer the warmth, beauty, and value of wood, which never goes out of style. Hardwood floors are also said to enable a look of spaciousness wherever they are installed. It is a great long-term investment and can actually become a strong resale argument, exceeding the initial installation cost of the floors. It also enables a faster sale and brings higher prices at the time of resale.

Ageless

When other floors will begin to look tired and worn, your hardwood floors will still look beautiful. And your hardwood floors become more valuable as time goes by. Also keep in mind that unlike carpeting and vinyl, hardwood floors can be refinished rather than replaced when the finish needs an update. They don’t tend to look worn out or dull, and the timeless style of wooden flooring ensures that it’s always in fashion.

Easy maintenance

If you clean the wooden flooring, by vacuuming, mopping and keep it dry then it’s good to go. They don’t tend to attract too much debris, dust or dirt because of the non-electromagnetic nature of wooden flooring.

LAMINATE

Laminate flooring is a multi-layers synthetic products built with a high-density core from high quality fiberboard. The most attractive feature of laminate flooring is its ability to provide a modern, luxury look for significantly less than hardwood. It is extremely scratch-resistant making it a great choice for a home with pets or children. The laminate construction gives the pieces stability and prevents seams from opening up during changes in humidity. Due to the installation process, laminate cuts down on the removal process, as well as the installation time. Laminate also has a wear layer to protect against moisture damage. As long as water spills are wiped up and allowed resist topical water damage due to spills, you should avoid any swelling of your tiles or planks.

PROS

Easy Installation

Rather than nailing them down or gluing them together, laminate planks are put together via a click-on/lock technique.

Low maintenance

Since laminate is made from pressed wood, it is more durable and resists scratches, moisture and wear and tear. Laminate flooring is also easier to clean. The wear layer provides support and protection for the floor. It prevents scratches and the sudden appearance of seams. As a result, the floor maintains its flatness. Ultimately, all that’s needed to keep a laminate floor clean is a broom and a vacuum.

Inexpensive.

Not only are the materials themselves cheaper, but laminate wood installation cost is, on average, 50 percent less than hardwood installation.

Beautiful result

When your opting for wood flooring you will be presented with a wide array of choices. You can select one depending on your budget and availability. Not even a single plank has the same shade or color,  which makes it more authentic while enhancing its aesthetic appeal. If you want then you can also stain them when you get bored of the same color. You could also mix and match the woods that will give the flooring an interesting look.

STONE COMPOSITE

Stone Composite is known for being 100% waterproof with unparalleled durability. These engineered luxury vinyl planks use advanced technologies to beautifully mimic natural wood and stone at a lower price point. SPC’s core is virtually indestructible, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic and commercial environments. It has become increasingly popular over the years due to its ability to be installed over almost any existing hard surface subfloor, which cuts down on installation costs and prep. Aside from its structural integrity, SPC mimics natural materials flawlessly. Although it may look like hardwood, there is no expansion or contraction with SPC, meaning you do not need to work about shifting or buckling in the floor. It is a low maintenance floor that provides an incredible finished product.

PROS

Durability

As mentioned, durability is one of the most significant benefits of choosing SPC flooring for your home. It is scratch resistant and great for a space with heavy foot traffic.

Water-resistance

While we haven’t done a hard count, it’s safe to say over 90% of SPC flooring is waterproof. The core and construction play a large part in that. It’s perfect for business owners, pets and water-prone areas.

Ease of Installation

The rigidness of the material allows for clean cuts with a power saw, and most capable consumers can easily handle a medium-sized room in less than a day. Rigid core luxury vinyl tiles and planks are easy to install yourself with most options interlocking and floating over your existing surface.

Maintenance

All you need is the occasional vacuum and damp mop to keep your floor looking spotless.The smooth surfaces are easy to clean, and their water-resistant nature allows you to use spray mops and other liquid cleaners without fear.