Waterproof
Luxury vinyl is 100% waterproof. It won’t swell, crack or warp when exposed to moisture. Luxury vinyl can be installed in areas prone to moisture or humidity, including bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
Like LVP/LVT, the surface of laminate is impervious to water – but the wood fiber-based core can be compromised by exposure to moisture that makes its way between planks or tiles.
Cleaning Tip: With laminate flooring, spills should be cleaned up immediately, and wet-mopping should be avoided.
Installation
Karndean luxury vinyl is available in three installation formats, providing options based on your site and project needs:
• Gluedown – full-spread adhesive
• Loose lay – perimeter adhesive only
• Rigid core – planks/tiles click and lock
Laminate is tongue-and-groove flooring that clicks and locks.
Noise
LVP/LVT is quieter underfoot. Two types of luxury vinyl, loose lay and rigid core, have sound-absorbing backings that reduce noise between floors in multi-level homes.
Laminate is inflexible with a solid core, amplifying sound from hard shoes or the “clicking” of pet claws.
Pets
Luxury vinyl and laminate are both made with wear layers that protect against cat and dog claws. LVP/LVT is superior to laminate, however, for being waterproof and easy to clean.
Style
Luxury vinyl and laminate both bring the natural beauty of wood and stone flooring into your home. Unlike laminate, Karndean LVP/LVT also allows you to go beyond a standard straight-lay and create a unique installation.
Specifically, Karndean gluedown and loose lay flooring does not need to be clicked and locked at specially manufactured edges like laminate (or click-lock luxury vinyl).
Design Tip: Gluedown and loose lay planks/tiles can be cut in custom sizes and shapes, giving you the ability to create borders, eye-catching lay patterns or zoned spaces.
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