Vinyl vs. Laminate Comparison

How They’re Made

Vinyl is made from several layers of synthetic materials. It’s sold in sheets, planks, and peel-and-stick tiles. Laminate consists of a core made out of wood byproducts, which are then layered with several synthetic materials. Laminate is only sold as planks. Each flooring option is finished with a veneer that can offer the appearance of more premium flooring options, like hardwood. 

Appearance

Vinyl and laminate both come in a wide array of colors and styles. They’re both able to accurately mimic the appearance of more expensive materials, such as stone and hardwood flooring.

When it comes to appearance and style, laminate flooring tends to be higher in quality than vinyl flooring. Both can be embossed y to mimic the texture of the material they’re modeled after, but laminate still tends to look more realistic. If you’re leaning towards vinyl as your flooring of choice, we’d recommend choosing luxury vinyl that has a thicker core. Having a thicker core allows vinyl to be embossed more deeply, creating a more realistic appearance.

Cost

They’re both much more affordable than the materials they’re made to resemble. They usually cost around $1-$5 per square foot, but this varies depending on the flooring company and the quality of flooring  you choose. Sometimes luxury vinyl can get more expensive than laminate, because it offers additional features, such as an extra thick wear layer.

Lifespan

Laminate floors typically last 10-25 years. The exact lifespan is heavily dependent on how well they’re maintained over the years. Vinyl floors can last up to 20 years with proper care. 

Durability

Both options are very durable and resilient to scratches, but laminate doesn’t hold up as well against water It’s more susceptible to water damage than vinyl flooring, since vinyl is completely waterproof.  If you’re looking for flooring for your kitchen or bathroom, vinyl may be the better choice thanks to its water resistance. 

Comfort

Laminate is warm and comfortable to walk on, but it feels somewhat hollow underfoot compared to the wood flooring  it mimics. Vinyl floors tend to feel cold and somewhat soft to walk on. Both vinyl and laminate can be noisy underfoot, but this isn’t always the case. Keep in mind  the overall sound and comfort of each flooring type depends on the underlayment, so it’s worth investing in a high-quality subfloor.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Both types of flooring are easy to take care of. They should both be swept and mopped regularly in order to keep them in good condition. Laminate should ideally be mopped with a damp mop, rather than one that’s sopping wet. Vinyl, on the other hand, can be wet mopped and scrubbed with cleaning products if necessary.

Ease of Installation

Both flooring types are easy to install. Laminate and vinyl planks both use a click-and-lock method of installation. Sheet vinyl is a whole different story, though. You’ll have to cut the right shapes from a large sheet of vinyl to install it, which can be challenging because of how heavy and cumbersome it is. With any flooring option, it’s always best to rely on the pros to get the job done quickly and efficiently. 

Recommended Installation Areas

They’re both great for high-traffic areas. Vinyl is so resilient that it can be installed practically anywhere in your home. Laminate, on the other hand, should ideally be installed in low-moisture areas. This means  laminate isn’t great for bathrooms, basements, and mudrooms. However, it may be a preferred choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas. 

Resale Value

Vinyl and laminate are about the same in terms of resale value. Neither option will increase the value of your home the way  hardwood flooring would, but at the same time, they probably won’t be a turnoff for potential buyers.  

Vinyl vs. Laminate: Which is Better?

Vinyl and laminate flooring both have their pros and cons. Deciding which one is best comes down to what you want out of your flooring. If you want a floor that’s waterproof and very low maintenance, vinyl is your best bet. If you want your floor  to realistically mimic wood and feel warm to walk on, then laminate may be better for you. Take some time to consider what features are important to you for your next flooring project.

Do you want flooring advice and information from a team of professionals? If so, you can count on the knowledgeable team here at In and Out Floors. We have years of experience installing stunning floors in Warren, Utica, and the surrounding Michigan areas. Contact us to learn more and get a free quote!

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Your home’s flooring is often one of the most important things, (if not THE most important thing), to replace before selling your home. New  flooring can be a cost-effective way to make your home look more attractive to potential buyers. There’s no need to spend the money, time, and effort replacing your flooring if your current floors are already in great shape. Keep reading to find out if you should install new flooring in your home before selling it. 

Important Factors to Consider

The Condition of Your Flooring

Take a close look at your flooring to see what condition it’s in. It might look great from afar, but once you really inspect it, you may notice some wear and tear. Keep an eye out for these signs of damage:

• Scratches
• Scuffs
• Warping
• Swelling
• Stains
• Odor
• Buckling
• Faded areas
• Cracks
• Air bubbles
• Torn or frayed carpet 

How Long Have You Had Your Flooring?

Consider how long you’ve had your flooring, then compare that to its average lifespan. If your flooring looks decent, but it’s near the end of its average lifespan, you should probably replace it. Knowing your home’s flooring is on its last legs could be a turnoff for potential buyers. 

If you’ve only had your flooring for a few years, it might be best for you to keep it. However, you may still benefit from replacing relatively new flooring if it has sustained wear and tear from kids, pets, water damage, high traffic, lack of maintenance, furniture being moved around, etc. Newer flooring may also benefit from replacing if it is a material that’s not known for longevity, such as carpet or low-end vinyl flooring. 

Is Your Flooring a Neutral Color?

Be honest with yourself about whether your current flooring will appeal to the public. Maybe your home has bright red carpeting and you love the way it looks, but chances are that’s too bold for most people’s tastes. When you’re selling your home, it’s generally best to stick with neutral colors (tan, brown, gray, etc.) for the flooring. Neutral colors are a safe choice most people will be fine with. 

Along with colors, it’s also important to think about flooring materials. For many modern buyers, carpet is a big turn-off. Carpet can hold onto stains and other signs of damage more than other flooring materials, and it tends to make homes appear dated. For a modern look, opt for laminate or engineered hardwood, even in areas like bedrooms where carpet was once the most common choice. 

Your Budget

Home renovations can get  expensive very quickly, so you’ll want to make sure all the renovations you’re considering are within your budget. That being said, installing new flooring is often worth the cost. Compared to other home renovations, such as remodeling the kitchen, installing new flooring isn’t very expensive and yields a high return on investment. It’s a cost-effective way to dramatically improve the overall look and feel of your home.

If it’s within your budget, we’d recommend upgrading to hardwood flooring. It’s more expensive than other types of flooring, but you will most likely recoup about 90% of those costs. If you already have hardwood flooring, refinishing it is a great way to increase the value of your home. 

If your budget is pretty tight, you could still benefit from replacing your current flooring with new laminate, vinyl, or engineered hardwood flooring. These options are more affordable than traditional hardwood flooring, but will still increase the value of your home. You could also consider replacing the flooring in just a few of the rooms rather than the flooring in the entire house.

Pros and Cons of Replacing Your Floors Before Selling Your Home

Pros

• It increases the value of your home. 
• It could help you attract more potential buyers.
• It’s a cost-effective home renovation.
• You could recoup most of the cost, especially if you install new hardwood flooring or refinish your hardwood floors.

Cons

• It’s an extra expense.
• It will take time and effort, especially if you install the new flooring yourself.
• You might not recoup all of the cost.

Our Skilled Team Can Help You Replace Your Flooring

Are you ready to take the first step towards replacing your floors? Reach out to the experienced team of installers here at In and Out Floors! We have two convenient locations in Warren and Utica, Michigan. Whether your project is big or small, you can rest easy knowing we’ll get the job done right. 

The post Is It Worth it to Replace Your Flooring Before Selling Your Home? first appeared on In and Out Floors.

Here at In and Out Floors, we offer beautiful vinyl flooring in a variety of styles. We’re big fans of vinyl flooring, but we know that it doesn’t suit everyone’s needs. In this blog post, we’ll go over the benefits and drawbacks of choosing vinyl flooring for your home!

Benefits of Vinyl Flooring

Timeless Beauty

Vinyl flooring comes in many beautiful colors and designs. No matter what style of home décor you have, you’re bound to find a style of vinyl flooring that matches your home. You can find vinyl flooring that mimics the appearance of wood, tile, and even marble flooring. Some high-quality vinyl floors, like groutable vinyl tiles, also mimic the texture of the flooring they’re modeled after, making them even more realistic.

Exceptional Durability

Vinyl flooring is highly durable, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas. Many types of vinyl floors are scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and completely waterproof. This is especially true if the floor has a thick wear layer on its surface. When properly cared for, vinyl flooring has a fairly long lifespan of around 10-25 years.

Versatility

Since vinyl flooring is durable and comes in a variety of styles, it’s a very versatile type of flooring. It can be used in just about any room in your home—even rooms that are prone to humidity and moist conditions, such as mudrooms and bathrooms.

Affordability

One of the best qualities about vinyl flooring is that it’s much less expensive than the flooring it mimics. For example, vinyl floors typically cost $2-$5 per square foot, whereas hardwood floors can cost around $10 per square foot.
On top of that, installing vinyl flooring is a relatively simple process, so it’s less expensive to install than many other types of flooring. Take ceramic tile for instance. To properly install it, you’d need extra materials such as grout and sealant, but you don’t need any of that to install vinyl flooring.

Low Maintenance

Vinyl floors are very easy to take care of; simply sweep and mop on a regular basis and use protective pads beneath furniture. Also, remember not to steam clean, wax, varnish, or apply heat to your vinyl floors, as doing so will warp them.

Comfort

Vinyl flooring feels comfortable underfoot because it’s slightly soft and springy. This also makes it more comfortable to stand on for long periods of time compared to harder types of floors, such as stone or ceramic tile. However, keep in mind that the comfort of vinyl flooring largely depends on its thickness and the subfloor.

Ease of Installation

Installing vinyl flooring is a relatively simple process. There are different types of vinyl floors (sheet, plank, and tile), which will affect how they’re installed, but most of them offer a straightforward installation process that can be completed quickly.

Vinyl planks are installed using a click-lock method. If you go with vinyl tiles, they will most likely have self-adhesive on the bottom, so they’re easy to attach to the subfloor. Installing sheet vinyl is a different story, though. With sheet vinyl, the large sheets can be difficult to work with, but the right flooring professionals can take on the task with ease.

Drawbacks of Vinyl Flooring

Difficult to Remove

Self-adhesive vinyl flooring is hard to remove once the glue dries. You’ll have to cut the flooring into strips using a utility knife, then pull the strips up manually. This can be tricky because it requires some serious elbow grease, but at the same time, you don’t want to damage the subfloor.

Inconsistent Quality

The quality of vinyl flooring varies widely. You may have heard of luxury vinyl flooring, which is typically much higher quality than regular vinyl flooring, but the definition of “luxury” varies from brand to brand. When choosing vinyl flooring, make sure the thickness and construction are up to your standards.

Can’t be Refinished

Unlike hardwood flooring, vinyl flooring can’t be refinished when it’s worn out. Once it gets damaged, either that section of the floor or the entire floor will need to be replaced.

Get Stunning Vinyl Flooring from In and Out Floors

Do you want beautiful, durable vinyl floors for your home? If so, the experienced team at In and Out Floors would be happy to help. We’ll help you take advantage of all the benefits of vinyl flooring with none of the downsides. We offer many different styles of vinyl flooring, and we’ll bring samples right to your home, so you can see which one you like best. Once you choose your favorite style, we’ll carefully install the vinyl flooring in your home, so it will look beautiful for years to come. We have two convenient locations in Warren and Utica, MI, so contact our team to get the process started today!

The post Why Is Vinyl Flooring So Popular? first appeared on In and Out Floors.

Benefits of Laminate Flooring

Inexpensive

One of the best qualities about laminate flooring is that it’s affordable. Even though it can closely mimic the appearance of hardwood and other expensive materials, it costs significantly less. It also doesn’t cost as much to install laminate since the installation process is simpler. This makes laminate a great budget flooring option.

Stylish

Laminate flooring is available in a wide range of styles, such as oak hardwood and sleek tile, so you’re sure to find one that matches your home. It can complement so many types of home décor, including modern, rustic, and mid-century just to name a few.

On top of that, high-quality laminate floors look absolutely beautiful. The thicker the laminate flooring is, the more detailed it will be. Why? Thick laminate allows more detailed designs to be embossed onto the top, which makes it look more realistic since it can mimic textures (for example, grain on hardwood, the grout between tiles, and so on).

Durable

Laminate flooring is durable compared to some other types of floors, such as carpet. Laminate is resistant to stains, scratches, and scuffs. It also holds up well against impacts and doesn’t fade when exposed to sunlight.

Versatile

Since laminate flooring is durable and comes in a variety of design options, it can be used in many different rooms. It holds up well in high-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens, and some types of laminate can even be used in moist areas like bathrooms and basements.

Easy to Install

Because laminate is a floating floor that doesn’t need to be attached to the subfloor, it can be installed in areas where options like carpet cannot, such as concrete slabs. Therefore, it’s perfect in areas like basements and laundry rooms where you simply want a more attractive flooring option without breaking the budget. 

Easy to Clean

Looking for a low-maintenance floor? Laminate might be a great addition to your home. To keep laminate floors clean, all you need to do is sweep and mop them on a regular basis. This is a huge plus since they can look like wood floors, yet they don’t require the same level of maintenance.

Drawbacks of Laminate Flooring

Susceptible to Moisture Damage

While the surface of laminate flooring is water-resistant, its core is susceptible to moisture damage. If water seeps into the core, it will expand and ruin the flooring. While some types of luxury laminate can still be installed in rooms that are prone to humidity and dampness, many types of economy laminate don’t stand up well against these kinds of conditions.

Difficult to Repair

You can’t refinish laminate floors once they’re worn out, which makes them hard to repair. Sometimes a simple patch job will do the trick, but other times, you will have to replace the entire floor.

Not the Most Durable Flooring

Laminate floors are durable compared to some types of floors, such as carpet, but laminate is not the most durable type of flooring. Over time, laminate is prone to getting scratches and scuffs, unlike vinyl, tile, or stone flooring. Still, it does resist scratches more than traditional hardwood. 

Somewhat Uncomfortable Underfoot

Laminate flooring can feel hard, noisy, and hollow underfoot. This largely depends on the subfloor though, so take your current subfloor into consideration before choosing laminate. The thickness of the laminate also affects how it feels when you walk on it. If it’s thin, it will feel hollower and sound noisier underfoot. 

Low-Quality Laminate Flooring Looks “Fake”

The quality of laminate flooring varies greatly depending on which manufacturer you choose. Low-quality laminate floors can look “fake” compared to the materials they are imitating. However, with the right flooring company, you can ensure that your laminate flooring is a worthwhile investment. 

Short Lifespan

Laminate floors usually last an average of 15-25 years. Since they can’t be refinished, they will probably need to be replaced around this time frame. This means laminate doesn’t have the longevity of hardwood, engineered hardwood, or even vinyl flooring. 

We Can Install Beautiful Laminate Flooring in Your Home

If you want beautiful laminate flooring for a great price, you can count on In and Out Floors. Our skilled team of professionals can install laminate flooring in Warren, Utica, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to get a free quote and schedule your appointment—we’ll come to you for your design consultation!

The post Is Laminate Flooring Right for Your Home? first appeared on In and Out Floors.

Some materials are great for kitchen floors, while others are better suited to other areas of the house. Keep reading to learn useful tips about picking kitchen floors, plus the types of kitchen flooring we recommend the most!

What to Consider While Choosing Kitchen Floors

Appearance

You and your guests will probably spend a whole lot of time in the kitchen, so it only makes sense that you want it to look nice and stylish. Kitchen floors come in a ton of different styles and finishes, so there’s one to fit every style of décor. You can choose from warm, rustic hardwood flooring, sleek and modern vinyl flooring, and so much more.

Your Lifestyle

Do you have kids or pets? If so, you’ll probably want kitchen floors that are durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Your unique lifestyle affects which type of flooring is best for your kitchen.

Durability and Lifespan

Durable kitchen floors resist scratches, scruffs, and warping. This means you won’t have to be as careful with durable floors to keep them looking great over the years.
However, there comes a time when every floor needs to be replaced. Sometimes that’s in 20 years, like with laminate flooring, or it can be in 100 years, like with hardwood floors. Consider the lifespan of the flooring you’re interested in so you know what to expect later on.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Some types of kitchen floors are higher maintenance than others. For instance, in addition to sweeping and mopping regularly, you’ll need to use wood cleaner on hardwood floors every once in a while. You’ll also have to clean up spills as soon as possible, otherwise, the liquids could cause warping. If you don’t think you’ll make time to keep up with the cleaning that comes along with higher-maintenance floors, it might be better to choose a more low-maintenance floor, such as vinyl.

Comfort

Some floors are softer than others, which makes them feel more comfortable underfoot. If you think you will spend several hours on end in the kitchen, you might want to choose flooring with a little softness, such as hardwood. Standing on very hard flooring, such as tile, for long periods of time can get uncomfortable.

Cost

Consider your budget while you’re shopping around for kitchen floors. In addition to paying for each square foot of the flooring, there will most likely be other costs as well. Delivery, installation, underlayment, and disposing of your old flooring are all costs that might apply.

The Best Types of Kitchen Floors

Vinyl

Vinyl is a great choice for kitchen floors. It’s available in bold patterns, modern designs, and it can mimic the appearance of stone, tile, and wood. It’s very durable, water-resistant, and reasonably priced (especially compared to the materials it closely mimics). Vinyl isn’t for everyone, though. It can be inconsistent in quality, and you’ll need to take extra measures to properly maintain it over the years, including putting protective pads beneath your furniture.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is affordable, easy to clean, resistant to water, and comes in a wide range of styles. It can mimic the appearance of wood, stone, and more. However, it’s not super durable, so you’ll notice wear and tear on it sooner than you would with wood flooring or other sturdy flooring options. You also won’t be able to refinish laminate floors; you’ll have to replace them when they show signs of wear.

Tile

Tile flooring is durable, water-resistant, and available in many different styles. It’s also easy to clean for the most part, but deep cleaning the grout every once in a while can be arduous and time-consuming. To install tile floors, keep in mind that your subfloor has to be high quality, which might be an extra cost.

Hardwood

Hardwood floors are beautiful, long-lasting, durable, and feel comfortable underfoot. Unfortunately, they’re expensive and might be out of budget for many homeowners. They’re also susceptible to warping when exposed to humidity, dampness, or drastic temperature changes.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood floors are a great alternative to traditional hardwood floors. They’re stylish, durable, resistant to warping, made of real wood, and less expensive than hardwood floors. You can even refinish them up to 2 times, so you can expect them to last for many years to come.

Make an Appointment at In and Out Floors Today

Are you ready for new kitchen floors? Skip the hassle of installing it yourself and let the skilled team at In and Out Floors help you out! We offer laminate, vinyl, and engineered hardwood flooring in Warren and Utica, MI. Our team will make sure your new kitchen floors are installed quickly and look beautiful. Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment!

The post Tips for Selecting the Best Kitchen Floors first appeared on In and Out Floors.