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Hardwood vs. Laminate vs. Vinyl: Which is the Best Flooring Option?

Hardwood vs. Laminate vs. Vinyl: Which is the Best Flooring Option?

When it comes to choosing the flooring for your new home or remodel, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the numerous options. Hardwood, laminate, and vinyl are three of the most popular choices, and each one has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Whether you want durability, affordability, or a high-end aesthetic, understanding the differences will help you decide which is the best flooring option for you and your family.

What is Hardwood Flooring?

best flooring option

Hardwood is a durable type of flooring made from real wood. This flooring has been used for centuries, and it comes in many different colors. Popular U.S. wood species include maple, ash, red and white oak; walnut and cherry; and hickory and pecan. There are two types of hardwood flooring: solid and engineered.

Solid hardwood flooring is a solid plank of hardwood milled into a piece of flooring. It usually includes grooves on the edges and ends so all the pieces fit together on all sides.

Engineered hardwood flooring utilizes many layers of thin veneers or sheets. These are glued together to form a type of plywood that is finished with a solid hardwood layer. This hardwood can be installed directly on concrete or most subfloor types. Engineered hardwood won’t react to moisture changes and has more stability than solid hardwood flooring. 

Pros of Hardwood Flooring

  • Environmentally friendly, renewable, and sustainable
  • Lasts for centuries if properly cared for and can be refinished many times
  • Best flooring option for a natural beauty and a rustic, timeless charm
  • Increases the value of your home

Cons of Hardwood Flooring

  • Higher upfront cost for materials and installation compared to other flooring
  • More prone to scratches and moisture damage
  • Requires more care and maintenance than other flooring types
  • Not ideal for areas with high humidity because the wood can warp

What is Lamanite Flooring?

best flooring option

Laminate flooring is made from multiple layers of synthetic wood fiber. These layers are pressed together using high heat and pressure. This flooring replicates the look of real hardwood floors. Laminate consists of four layers. The bottom layer of laminate protects the rest of the plank from moisture and helps even out the floor. The next layer (core layer) guards against indents and additional moisture. The next layer (design layer) gives the laminate its wood-like appearance. The final layer (wear layer) is made from aluminum oxide. It is transparent and resists water, spills, fading, and stains. 

Pros of Laminate Flooring

  • Costs significantly less than hardwood
  • Scratch-resistant, durable, and best flooring option for high-traffic areas
  • Easy to install and some come with DIY installation systems

Cons of Laminate Flooring

  • Can’t be refinished and must be replaced if damaged
  • Not as water-resistant as vinyl and can be damaged by moisture 
  • Doesn’t have the same authentic and warm feel as hardwood 
  • Can easily chip

What is Vinyl Flooring?

best flooring option

Vinyl flooring is composed of several layers of different materials, usually PVC or fiberglass, pressed together to form a floor covering. The two vinyl flooring types used most are luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and vinyl roll. They are both made from the same materials but are constructed differently to provide a unique effect. 

LVT is designed to imitate natural flooring such as hardwood. Because of modern advances and enhanced design techniques, LVT can feel and look almost identical to hardwood flooring. It can come in rigid or flexible planks and is easy and fast to install. It can even be installed with your furniture still in the room. 

Vinyl roll is fiberglass-cushion-backed flooring. It comes in large, flexible sheets and a limitless number of styles. It is the most affordable type of flooring. 

Pros of Vinyl Flooring

  • 100% waterproof and ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, basements
  • Comfortable and soft
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Resistant to stains, scratches, and spills

Cons of Vinyl Flooring

  • Less premium feel and doesn’t add as much value to a home as hardwood
  • Sun exposure can lead to fading and discoloration over time
  • Low-quality options can peel or warp so make sure to choose high-quality luxury vinyl for longevity and durability
  • Like laminate, it can’t be refinished like hardwood and must be replaced entirely. 

Which Flooring Should You Choose?

If you have the money for upfront costs, choose hardwood for a timeless, high-end look. If you are willing to maintain it, it will last for a very long time. If you need an affordable, stylish, and durable flooring option, choose laminate flooring. And if you want a waterproof, easy-to-maintain solution for high-moisture or high-traffic areas., choose vinyl flooring. Vinyl is best for those who have young children or pets prone to making messes. 

If you want a professional opinion on what is the best flooring option for your home, give Rosewood a call, and they can help you find a perfect fit. 

It’s the beginning of a New Year and most people are looking for a refresh – whether it’s a wardrobe update, a new hobby, or a new gym membership, change can make our lives feel a bit more exciting and fun. Just like the feeling you get when you rearrange the furniture in a room, sprucing up your home with renovations can be a great way to make a familiar space feel new.

Maybe you’re thinking of redoing a room or two in your home, but you don’t want to break the bank to get a new look. Renovating doesn’t have to be overwhelming and empty out your pockets – there are some effective ways to stick to a budget and still feel satisfied with your new space:

  1. Plan and Prioritize
  2. Stick to Your Plan
  3. Repurpose the Old
  4. Stick to Quality
  5. Reimagine Your Space (organize, rearrange, etc.)
  6. Find a Knowledgeable Contractor

Once you’ve made a plan, finding the balance between sticking to it and being creative within the limits is going to help make the process exciting and leave you satisfied by the end.

budgeting rosewood

1. Plan and Prioritize

A seemingly obvious, but nonetheless important, step to keep in mind is the making of the budget. Whatever amount of money you have to work within, nobody likes to spend more than they have to. Determine a realistic goal for the costs, prioritizing what needs to get done first and foremost. Ensure that you are focusing on what needs to be done versus what you would like to get done and adjust the numbers accordingly.

2. Stick to Your Plan

An easy way to go past your budget is by making the limit and then not sticking to it. Two traps can quickly cause your project to go south: adding more costs than intended, and not revisiting  your budget. Small costs can be easy to justify or let slip, but they add up. Make sure you know what you’re paying for at the beginning of the renovation process and don’t pay for more than that.

A similar mistake is making your budget and then letting it collect dust. A budget is not going to be of much help if you are not staying on top of it. Regularly plug in costs and do the math to keep track of spending and give yourself peace of mind.

painting layton UT rosewood budget

3. Repurpose the Old

Using your imagination is one of the best tools when trying to stick to a budget. Many think that you need to get brand new everything in order to change up the space – but not so! Instead of throwing out or replacing your old cabinets or furniture, swap out the hardware or give it a new coat of paint. A room can often feel brand new with just a few small changes to what’s already there.

4. Stick to Quality

Though it may seem counterintuitive, sometimes spending more upfront will allow you to save more down the road. Buying cheap items can appear to be more budget-friendly, but low-quality options can lead to obvious wear-and-tear and breakage faster. Investing in quality renovations with durable materials that last will help prevent costs for repair or replacement in the future.

5. Reimagine Your Space

Similar to tip #3, creativity can often be your friend. Instead of demolishing everything in your kitchen or throwing away your whole living room, think of ways to increase the storage or rearrange the biggest items. Maybe adding extra shelves or installing some cabinet dividers and hanging racks can solve any space problems in your kitchen. Maybe investing in an entertainment center that doubles as a cabinet can allow for you to rearrange your living room furniture to open up the space. Thinking smarter and allowing your creative juices to flow can transform your home while sticking to your budget.

master suites Layton UT house painters budget space living room

6. Find a Knowledgeable Contractor

Though DIY is some people’s preferred method to home renovations, hiring a professional contractor can also be an excellent option. Find someone who can not only help you stick to your budget, but also has the expertise to provide quality results for your home. Rosewood Painting and Remodeling has extensive services to help you feel comfortable and excited in your newly renovated home. We understand the importance of sticking to a budget and still getting quality work done, so we do our part to work with you and enhance your quality of life.

Whatever it is that you’re looking to do for your home – whether a one room refresh, or a remodeling of the entire house – these six tips will help you feel confident in your budget and confident in your home. Time for the New Year, New Home!

4 Ways to Add Character to a Cookie-Cutter Home

There are many benefits to working with a builder to create a semi-custom home. They’re generally more cost-effective than fully custom homes; plus, the process is much less stressful when many of the decisions have already been made for you. 

However, new homes — especially those built from a cookie-cutter template — often lack the charm and attention to detail of older homes. Because most new builds are designed to have mass appeal, you may find that your home doesn’t quite feel like an expression of your personality and unique sense of style. 

Luckily, there are many things you can do to add character, warmth, and quirkiness to a cookie-cutter home to help it stand out from the rest. From a fresh coat of paint to minor renovations, you can take steps to transform your house into a space that truly feels like home.

#1. The Power of Paint

If you want to add character to a dull or lifeless space, don’t underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint. Chances are, your builder-grade home is filled with shades of white, beige, and gray. While these neutrals are great for creating a versatile base, they can be pretty boring without contrasting pops of color.

With minimalism on the decline, now is the perfect time to breathe new life into your home with bold paint choices. If historical charm is your goal, try taking palette inspiration from a specific historical design style, such as the rich jewel tones favored by the Victorians or the pastel hues of the Georgian era. 

Get creative with it! Consider faux finishing techniques, color blocking, accent walls, or color drenching to add character and personality to your home. You can also paint or refinish your cabinets as a refreshing alternative to costly replacements.

#2. Details are Key

incorporating architectural details

Another highly effective way to add character to your home is by incorporating architectural details. To infuse your home with historical charm, consider adding architectural touches that evoke memories of the past.

The attention to detail and sense of depth found in 19th-century homes set them apart from modern architecture. To add dimension and visual interest to a dull, flat space, take notes from architects of the past and incorporate millwork such as shiplap, chair rails, decorative shutters, picture frame molding, board and batten, crown molding, cabinet cornices, and beadboard. 

While you’re at it, consider swapping out your boring builder-grade doorknobs, faucets, cabinet hardware, and light fixtures and replacing them with more exciting alternatives. While simple, these changes go a long way in creating a home with personality.

#3. Create a Display With Open Shelving

open shelving

Instead of tucking away all of your belongings in cabinets and closets, consider making the switch to open shelving. These shelves add character by serving as a decorative element in addition to providing storage space. With open shelving, you can display anything you want: knick-knacks, books, collectibles, framed artwork, family photos…the possibilities are endless! 

There are many ways to achieve this look, including built-in bookcases, wall-mounted floating shelves, or a recessed niche in the drywall. By showing off a curated collection of your personal belongings, open shelves allow you to transform your home into a reflection of your unique self.

#4. Utilize Awkward Spaces

Awkward, unused spaces provide a valuable opportunity to add character by creating unique features. The areas behind your front door, above your washer and dryer, under your staircase, in front of your bay windows, at the end of a hallway, or on a small landing can serve all kinds of purposes. 

Consider transforming a shallow closet into a workspace, creating a reading nook in an empty corner, or putting a breakfast bar along an empty wall. With some thoughtful decor and minor renovations, these spaces can become your home’s strengths instead of its weaknesses.

Add Character to Your Home With Rosewood Painting and Remodeling

If you’re looking for ways to add character and charm to your home, you’re in the right place. At Rosewood Painting and Remodeling, we are home improvement experts. Whether you need help painting your cabinets, staining your deck, remodeling your kitchen, or installing millwork, we can help. 

Don’t give in to the temptation to try to do it yourself. Save yourself time, stress, and headaches by working with our team of highly trained professionals. Our expertise allows us to get the job done right the first time. Contact us today to get started on your next project!

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Rosewood Painting and Remodeling

893 Marshall Way N
Layton, UT 84041

385-348-5022

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