What is the Difference Between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring?

When it comes times to choose a new flooring material, you are in an advantageous position. That is because you have full control when it comes to choosing a flooring that meets all of your needs, including aesthetically, financially, and in terms of performance and longevity. Some of the most common and popular flooring types are vinyl and laminate; however, many are confused on what sets them apart. In fact, many consumers mistake on type for another quite often, or altogether assume they are the same thing!

If you have narrowed down your flooring options to vinyl and laminate, continue reading to learn some of the key similarities and differences to help you make a final decision.

Laminate Floor Contractors 317-454-3612
Laminate Floor Contractors 317-454-3612

Laminate Floors

Laminate flooring is becoming a very popular choice for home and property owners all across the nation. They come in various designs, colors, shapes, and motifs. This alone can explain why laminate floors are so trendy these days; but there are several more benefits to laminate flooring. Laminate floors are easy to clean, require little maintenance, and can last a very long time.

Furthermore, they are sealed and layered with a protective coating made from innovative polymers. This polymer coating makes laminate floors resistant to stains and other common damages, so property owners need only implement a light amount of maintenance and care to keep their laminate floors unblemished and brilliantly gleaming, year after year.

Vinyl Floors

Vinyl flooring is a common option for both residential and commercial properties because it is inexpensive and low maintenance. On the other hand, vinyl is often viewed as outdated, so many potential buyers are turned off by such flooring. This isn’t good for anyone who wishes to sell their property in the future. Vinyl is a more popular choice for home siding, cabinets, and even exterior windows.

The Difference Between the Two Types of Floors:

Vinyl flooring is a bit outdated, as it has been used for over a century. Laminate flooring is a more modern option.

Vinyl flooring is made from man-made synthetic materials, while laminate is made from some wood, as well as additional organic compounds and all-natural components.

Vinyl can be made to look like higher end materials, such as wood or slate, but it does not deliver the same feel. Laminate flooring can be made to mimic the look and feel of higher end materials.

Vinyl flooring comes in sheets, tiles, and planks, while laminate is typically sold in planks that snap together.

Vinyl is difficult to repair in comparison to laminate flooring.

Laminate flooring is susceptible to moisture and humidity damages, while vinyl has a protective, water-resistant coating.

Indianapolis Flooring Contractors

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional and affordable installation for laminate floors in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of residential and commercial flooring services, including floor replacement, installation, repair, procurement, and much more. Contact us today at 317-454-3612 to request an estimate.

Residential and Commercial Remodeling

Everything You Need to Know About Laminate Floor Care

Laminate floors are becoming more and more popular over time.  They are a fantastic substitute to expensive and hard-to-clean hardwood flooring, while still offering a beautiful look and finish to any room in your property. Laminate floors are made of high-density fibers, making them extremely durable and easy to clean! 

It is a great advantage that laminate floors are easy to clean since it is very important to take good care of them; otherwise, you could face premature repairs or a full-on replacement. Continue reading to learn how to properly care for laminate flooring.

Laminate Floor Installation and Repair 317-454-3612
Laminate Floor Installation and Repair 317-454-3612

Laminate Floor Care

Daily cleaning is easy and non-labor intensive.  Because laminate floors are very dense and lack exposed pores on its surface, there is substantially less dirt and dust accumulation on a daily basis.  This means you only need to take a dry cloth or mop and lightly sweep the surface once a day.  Vacuuming is another quick method to dusting laminate floors; just be sure you are using a vacuum with soft bristled brushes or felt. Removing dust, sand, and dirt from your laminate floors reduces the likelihood of visible scratches and surface damage.

On a less periodic basis, concentrated care is necessary.  This involves removing foot traffic marks and other dirt accumulations.  Simply using an over-the-counter laminate floor cleaner and water solution can remove these markings and dirt without harming the integrity of the floors.  Do not use too much water; instead, use a semi-soaked mop or towel and apply the floor cleaner moderately. Use semi-warm water to erase and remove pet dander, dirt, dust, and more. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the laminate floor cleaner.

Preventative Maintenance

There are several options to be sure your floors are well-maintained and last a long time. Preventative maintenance, along with regular cleaning, can help you achieve this goal.  Here are a few examples of how to care for laminate flooring on a regular basis in order to increase its appearance and longevity in your home:

Do not use a wet mop;
Soak up spills immediately;
Do not use harsh soaps or detergents;
Never use bleach;
Use furniture felt pads and rollers;
Do not wax or stain laminate floors;
Place floor mats and rugs in high traffic areas;
Do not use too much water;

Using these tools and key ideas can drastically increase the lifespan of your laminate flooring.  It is important to understand the right process when it comes to laminate floor care so that you can get the best value for your dollar. Continue to care for your laminate floors and never have to worry about replacing them ever!

If you fail to take care of your laminate floors, premature repair and replacement is imminent. If your laminate floors are old or worn out,consider upgrading your flooring with new laminate, or another popular material, such as hardwood or tile. Talk to a trusted flooring contractor to learn your options for Indianapolis laminate floor repair and installation.

Licensed Flooring Contractors You Can Trust

Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612
Residential and Commercial Remodeling 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L&B, LLC at 317-454-3612 if you are looking for licensed Indianapolis flooring contractors you can trust. Owner,Lee Elliot, provides a wide range of home remodeling and renovation services at the most competitive prices in town. In fact, we guarantee to BEAT any competitor’s price! Call 317-454-3612 to schedule a time to receive an in-person estimate for floor restoration and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana.

General Maintenance Tips for Laminate Floors

Laminate Floor Repair and Installation 317-454-3612

Laminate Floor Repair and Installation 317-454-3612

Laminate flooring is becoming a very popular choice for home and property owners all across the nation. They come in various designs, colors, shapes, and motifs. This alone can explain why laminate floors are so trendy these days; but there are several more benefits to laminate flooring. Laminate floors are easy to clean, require little maintenance, and can last a very long time.

Furthermore, they are sealed and layered with a protective coating made from innovative polymers. This polymer coating makes laminate floors resistant to stains and other common damages; so property owners need only implement a light amount of maintenance and care to keep their laminate floors unblemished and brilliantly gleaming, year after year.

Although laminate floor care is simple and easy, the required cleaning and maintenance process differ from standard flooring maintenance. The standard mop and bucket approach is not to go to strategy for laminate floors. Continue reading to review a few professional tips for laminate floor cleaning and general maintenance.

Daily Care

Routine cleaning for laminate floors is important in order to maintain their brilliance and shine. Because they are very dense and do not have pores on the surface of their floorboards, laminate flooring doesn’t accumulate large amounts of dust and debris. However, they do require regular dry mopping or sweeping in order to remove any leftover or accumulated dust particles. Gentle vacuuming is also an acceptable means of cleaning laminate floors. These tasks shines the floors and eliminates any potential long-term damage.

Routine Care

Laminate Floor Repair and Installation 317-454-3612

Laminate Floor Repair and Installation 317-454-3612

Laminate floors also require additional maintenance and care every so often. For properties with heavy traffic, or during seasons with wet or messy weather conditions, laminate flooring needs a more comprehensive approach to cleaning and care. Using a semi-wet mop or manually wiping with a warm damp cloth can eliminate packed-on dirt, dust, and grime with ease. Eliminate pet dander, shoot friends, watermarks, and more.

Spills and Accidents

No matter how much you try to protect your laminate flooring, accidents are bound to happen. Properties that house or have children, care for animals, or serves food will definitely have more spills and accidents than standard properties. However, even standard properties will have the occasional spill or mishap every once in a while. There’s never a need to worry when this happens, because laminate floors are durable and resilient to stains. When a spill happens, quickly grab paper napkins and soak up all of the liquid entirely. Next, use a warm damp towel to gently scrub or wipe away the area. For accidents, standard laminate floor cleaners are safe and effective.

Preventative Maintenance

Along with regular care and cleaning, laminate flooring needs to be protected from any potential or future damages. There are plenty of preventative measures a professional or property owner can take in order to stop damages from happening. There are also mistakes to avoid when it comes to laminate floor.

MISTAKES TO AVOID:

Never use wet mops or water.
Do not wax or stain them.
Always use floor mats and area rugs in high traffic areas.
Maintain proper indoor air climate and humidity levels.
Do not use chemicals, detergent, soap, bleach, or harsh cleaning solutions.
Install rollers on furniture legs and bases.
Call a professional for laminate floor repair and installation.

Laminate Floor Repair and Installation

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Residential and Commercial Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional and affordable laminate floor repair and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and general contractor, Lee Elliot, provides affordable home remodeling and restoration, including a wide range of flooring services for both residential and commercial properties. We repair, replace, and install laminate flooring, as well as, hardwood, vinyl, tile, ceramic, and more!

Advice on How to Clean Laminate Floors

Laminate Floor Repair 317-454-3612

Laminate Floor Repair 317-454-3612

Laminate flooring is found in countless residential and commercial properties for a number of reasons. It is easy to care for, proves durable, and comes in a variety of endless designs and finishes. Laminate flooring is a great substitute for expensive hardwood and tiles. These types of flooring can be tedious to care for and tend to have shorter lifespans. If you are thinking about purchasing laminates for your home or office, you are heading in a good direction! Catch up on ways to care for laminate floors and see how easy and breezy it can be for you!

Daily Laminate Floor Cleaning

On a day to day basis, all flooring needs a certain degree of attention. In this case, simple dry mopping takes care of your daily floor routine. The dry mop picks up settled dust, dirt, and dander. Depending on the amount of traffic through your home or office, you may need to dry mop twice per day. Either way, it is a quick and simple swipe of the floor that takes care of your daily laminate floor routine! You can find theses mops in the cleaning isle of your local grocer or home goods store. Popular and dependable brands include Swiffer Sweeper® and Rubbermaid® brands.

Routine Laminate Floor Care

On more of a bi-weekly basis, also depending on the amount of indoor traffic, there are some other floor chores to cover in order to maintain that beautiful luster and shine you desire. For example, a semi-wet mop can be used to sweep over all areas of the floor. Be sure to allow this to dry completely to avoid streaks, shoe prints, and other marks. Instead of a wet mop, some people are more comfortable using a damp rag using warm water, and hand wiping the surface to get rid of scuffs and other markings.

Cautionary Maintenance for Laminate Flooring

To prevent excess marks, wear, and tear on your laminate flooring, try using rugs or mats in the higher traffic areas. Not only can this add a sense of fashion, interior design, and coziness; it can prevent inevitable wear and tear in doorways and hall ways. Also, avoid using large amounts of water on laminate floor. This can over-saturate and cause the planks to swell and warp. This is hard to repair. Another way to extend the life of your floors is to avoid using harsh soaps and detergents to clean spills and messes. Look in the cleaning isles of your home store and use a laminate floor solution or just warm water.

Indianapolis Laminate Floor Installers

Indianapolis Remodeling and Painting

Indianapolis Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 if you are looking for trusted, professional laminate floor installers in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding areas. Owner, Lee Elliot, is an experienced general contractor that provides residential and commercial floor installation services at the most competitive prices in town. Our teams of professional flooring contractors work with all flooring types, including laminate, wood, vinyl, and more! And we guarantee to BEAT any competitor’s price! Call 317-454-3612 to request an estimate for Indianapolis laminate floor
installation
, today.