Wood Flooring Alternatives

VANTIA offers alternative wood flooring options that mimic wood types like oak, hickory, pine, and ash. Our expansive collection lets you choose from numerous tones, grain patterns, plank sizes, and textures to match your design vision perfectly.

Differences Between Laminate and Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl and laminate flooring are popular options that resemble the look of tile, stone, or wood. However, there are several differences to consider when deciding which flooring is best for your home.

Laminate Flooring

If you love the classic appearance of solid hardwood but need something more durable to withstand the activities of children and pets, laminate flooring is an excellent alternative. Additionally, traditional and engineered wood floors can be costly, which may not be feasible for every budget. Laminate floors have a compressed wood-based core that’s typically thicker than LVP. That thickness gives you a better wood-like feel under your feet and can hide subfloor imperfections. 

Laminate flooring ditches the traditional stone-plastic composite core in favor of a sturdy, high-density fiberboard (HDF). Crafted from recycled wood fibers and premium resins, HDF forms a solid foundation.

This HDF layer is adorned with a decorative visual, laminated beneath a textured wear layer. It’s coated with materials resistant to abrasion and fading to ensure durability.

Our laminate flooring features a secure, watertight click-lock system, binding each plank on all edges to prevent water infiltration.

Laminate floors are thicker than vinyl floors and may or may not include a back pad. Many find laminate offers a warmer, more natural feel underfoot than vinyl or stone.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

LVP flooring, also known as luxury vinyl plank, offers a cost-effective and stylish alternative for those wanting the sophisticated appearance of hardwood floors. Constructed from multiple layers of vinyl and compressed limestone, LVP features a top layer with a printed design that resembles natural wood.

LVP comes with a pre-attached backing layer that simplifies installation. This flooring option is durable and low maintenance but also water-safe and scratch-resistant, ensuring that it remains a practical yet elegant feature in your home for years to come.

Our rigid core SPC vinyl flooring features a stone-plastic composite core (SPC) that enhances stability, ensuring a secure locking mechanism and the ability to conceal minor subfloor imperfections. A decorative wood visual print is laminated onto this rigid core, sealed with a durable vinyl wear layer, and further protected by a scratch-resistant coating to prevent UV fading. Beneath the rigid core, a backing pad offers cushioning and sound insulation for added comfort. The luxury vinyl plank flooring boasts a watertight locking mechanism, allowing each plank to interlock securely along the long and short edges.

Wood Flooring Alternatives FAQs

Appearance
While vinyl and laminate can mimic natural materials, laminate flooring generally offers a higher quality appearance and is often thicker, ranging from 6 to 12 mm, compared to vinyl’s typical 5 mm thickness. Vinyl flooring sheets are embossed with designs, whereas laminate sheet finishes are usually sealed with resin.
Durability
Depending on the materials selected for your project, both flooring types offer durability and ease of upkeep and can be used in residential and commercial settings.
Installation
Typically floated with an interlocking system, some options can be stick-on, glued-down, or grouted. VANTIA only offers wood flooring alternatives that are approved and warrantied for installation over in-floor heating.
Care and Cleaning
Both types of flooring are low-maintenance and easy to clean. The World Floor Covering Association suggests frequent sweeping or vacuuming of vinyl floors. For more thorough cleaning, use warm water or manufacturer-recommended products, avoiding detergents and abrasive cleaners that can damage the floor. Laminate should be swept, dusted, or vacuumed regularly, and while damp mopping is possible, excessive water should be avoided to prevent damage. Placing doormats at entrances helps protect laminate floors from dirt and moisture.
Is it possible to install laminate or vinyl flooring in my basement?
Laminate and vinyl flooring can be installed in basements on the slab or below grade, but the ease of installation varies with the type. It’s crucial to ensure that the subfloor is perfectly level; otherwise, thinner flooring options like vinyl may not only reveal subfloor imperfections but could also sustain damage over time.
Are laminate and vinyl flooring options suitable for pet-friendly houses?
Yes, they are an excellent choice for a busy home with heavy traffic from visitors, children, and pets. They are scratch-resistant and wipeable, making them easy to clean up messes.

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