Alternative flooring selections that mimic the look of hardwood have increasingly become popular over the years. With the new technology that makes material like laminate flooring and linoleum flooring look and feels similar to hardwood, some homeowners have a hard time choosing between the two popular options.
The biggest difference between laminate flooring and linoleum flooring is the material that each is made of. While laminate flooring is made of high-density fibreboard with a photographic image on top, linoleum is made up of primarily vinyl and can be found with paper or vinyl backing.
The difference between installing laminate flooring vs linoleum flooring
Laminate flooring is installed on top of the subfloor over a layer of underlayment. This underlayment protects the subfloor from moisture and creates a quieter walking surface. Linoleum flooring, on the other hand, uses an adhesive to stick to the subfloor. Ultimately, the difference between the two is the fact one is floating on top of the subfloor, the other is glued semi-permanently.
What rooms are ideal for laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is specifically designed to mimic hardwood and is a more affordable alternative to authentic hardwood. For this reason, homeowners choose laminate flooring for common areas like the living room, dining room, and bedrooms. With the wide range of wood-look patterns and colours, the opportunities for laminate flooring are endless.
What rooms are ideal for linoleum flooring?
High-traffic areas like the bathroom or kitchen would benefit greatly with linoleum flooring as it is a durable and water-resistant type of flooring. However, keep in mind that linoleum flooring is not waterproof, so extensive exposure to moisture can still cause damage.
Often times, when people think of linoleum flooring, they picture an outdated type of flooring that has gone out of style. Fortunately, new technology has improved linoleum flooring to include modern designs that can look similar to hardwood, stone, and more.
Compare laminate flooring and linoleum flooring in person
The best way to come to a decision between laminate and linoleum is to compare the two in person and see examples up close. Visit Deerfoot Carpet And Flooring to speak to one of our knowledgeable flooring experts who can guide you on which type of flooring is best for your specific needs. We look forward to serving you!